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What does it take to become a Biomedical Engineer

I'm a Sophomore at Academy for Software Engineering. I'm asking this question because I want to know what I need to accomplish in order to successfully get into this career. #college #professional #student #engineering #biomedical

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Ken’s Answer

Hi Sami!


Here is a site that will tell you much about biomedical engineering:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHiJxU13VJA


Talk to your math and science teachers to see how they would see you fitting into such a career area and see if they might know of any that you could meet to learn more.


Send thank you notes to those who help you. I would like to follow your progress, so please let me know how you are doing

Thank you comment icon Thanks!!!!!! I'm definitely going to ask my adviser for some programs. Thanks again! I would love to share my progress too. Sami
Thank you comment icon Looking forward to hearing about your successes!! Ken Simmons
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Nattakarn’s Answer

Hello, Sami

Please see the link or below for more details on how to become a Bio Engineer or Biomedical Engineer.

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm?Primary_Interest_Area=Industrial%20Engineering#tab-4

How to Become a Bioengineer or Biomedical Engineer

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers frequently work in research and development or in quality assurance.
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or a related engineering field. Some positions require a graduate degree.

Education
In high school, students interested in becoming bioengineers or biomedical engineers should take classes in sciences such as chemistry, physics, and biology. They should also study math, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. If available, classes in drafting, mechanical drawing, and computer programming are also useful.

At the bachelor’s degree level, prospective bioengineers should enter bioengineering or traditional engineering programs, such as mechanical and electrical. Students who pursue traditional engineering degrees may benefit from taking biological science courses.

Bachelor’s degree programs in bioengineering and biomedical engineering focus on engineering and biological sciences. These programs typically include laboratory- and classroom-based courses in biological sciences and subjects such as fluid and solid mechanics, circuit design, and biomaterials.

These programs also include substantial training in engineering design. As part of their study, students may have an opportunity to participate in co-ops or internships with hospitals and medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. Bioengineering and biomedical engineering programs are accredited by ABET.

Important Qualities
Analytical skills. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers must assess the needs of patients and customers prior to designing products.

Communication skills. Because bioengineers and biomedical engineers sometimes work with patients and customers and frequently work on teams, they must be able to express themselves clearly in discussions. They also write reports and research papers.

Creativity. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers must be creative to come up with innovations in healthcare equipment and devices.

Math skills. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers use calculus and other advanced math and statistics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.

Problem-solving skills. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically deal with intricate biological systems. They must be able to work independently and with others to incorporate ideas into the complex problem-solving process.

Advancement
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers may increase their responsibilities as they gain experience or advanced degrees. To lead a research team, a bioengineer or biomedical engineer typically needs a graduate degree. Those who are interested in basic research may become medical scientists.

What Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Do
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.

Work Environment
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers work in manufacturing, in research facilities, and for a variety of other employers. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

How to Become a Bioengineer or Biomedical Engineer
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering or biomedical engineering or in a related engineering field. Some positions require a graduate degree.

Pay
The median annual wage for biomedical engineers was $91,410 in May 2019.

Job Outlook
Employment of bioengineers and biomedical engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Increasing numbers of technologies and applications to medical equipment and devices, along with the medical needs of a growing and aging population, will require the services of these workers.

Duties
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically do the following:

Design equipment and devices, such as artificial internal organs, replacements for body parts, and machines for diagnosing medical problems
Install, maintain, or provide technical support for biomedical equipment
Collaborate with manufacturing staff on the safety and effectiveness of biomedical equipment
Train clinicians and others on the proper use of biomedical equipment
Work with scientists to research how engineering principles apply to biological systems
Develop statistical models or simulations using statistical or modeling software
Prepare procedures and write technical reports and research papers
Present research findings to a variety of audiences, including scientists, clinicians, managers, other engineers, and the public
Design or conduct followup experiments as needed
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers frequently work in research and development or quality assurance.

The work of bioengineers spans many fields. For example, although their expertise is in engineering and biology, they often design computer software to run complicated instruments, such as three-dimensional x-ray machines. Others use their knowledge of chemistry and biology to develop new drug therapies. Still others draw on math and statistics to understand signals transmitted by the brain or heart. Some are involved in sales.

Biomedical engineers focus on advances in technology and medicine to develop new devices and equipment for improving human health. For example, they might design software to run medical equipment or computer simulations to test new drug therapies. In addition, they design and build artificial body parts, such as hip and knee joints, or develop materials to make replacement parts. They also design rehabilitative exercise equipment.

The following are examples of types of bioengineers and biomedical engineers:

Biochemical engineers focus on cell structures and microscopic systems to create products for bioremediation, biological waste treatment, and other uses.

Bioinstrumentation engineers use electronics, computer science, and measurement principles to develop tools for diagnosing and treating medical problems.

Biomaterials engineers study naturally occurring or laboratory-designed substances for use in medical devices or implants.

Biomechanics engineers study thermodynamics and other systems to solve biological or medical problems.

Clinical engineers apply medical technology to improve healthcare.

Genetic engineers alter the genetic makeup of organism using recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) technology, such as in developing vitamin-fortified food crops to prevent disease in humans.

Rehabilitation engineers develop devices that aid people who are recovering from or adapting to physical or cognitive impairments.

Systems physiologists use engineering tools to understand how biological systems function and respond to changes in their environment.
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