What does a Biomedical Engineer do?
Published 4 min read
A biomedical engineer is a professional who designs and builds devices and systems to solve problems in biology and medicine. They may work on developing new medical technologies, such as artificial organs, or improving existing ones, such as prosthetic limbs. Biomedical engineers work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, research laboratories, and manufacturing companies.
Biomedical Engineer job duties include:
- Developing new medical devices and treatments
- Testing medical devices and treatments
- Conducting research on how to improve medical devices and treatments
- Collaborating with other engineers, scientists, and physicians
- Designing clinical trials to test new medical devices and treatments
- Analyzing data from clinical trials
- Presenting findings from clinical trials to scientific and medical conferences
- Publishing papers on findings from clinical trials in scientific and medical journals
- Obtaining funding for new projects
Biomedical Engineer Job Requirements
A biomedical engineer typically has a four-year degree in engineering, although some positions may require a master's degree or higher. In addition to engineering coursework, a biomedical engineer should have strong backgrounds in biology and medicine. Certification by a professional society such as the Biomedical Engineering Society is often required for many positions. Many biomedical engineers have several years of experience working in hospitals or other medical settings before moving into management or research positions.
Biomedical Engineer Skills
- Biomedical engineering
- Biomechanics
- Tissue engineering
- Biomaterials
- Medical devices
- Drug delivery
- Therapeutic methods
- Cell and tissue culture
- Instrumentation
- Laboratory techniques
- Regulatory affairs
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How to become a Biomedical Engineer
A biomedical engineer is a professional who applies engineering principles to the medical field. They may work on developing new medical devices, such as artificial organs, or they may work on improving existing medical devices. They may also work on developing new methods for delivering drugs or other treatments.
Becoming a biomedical engineer typically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although some positions may require a master’s degree or higher. Many biomedical engineers also have a background in biology or another life science. Coursework in engineering mechanics, electrical engineering, and computer science is also often required.
In addition to formal education, many employers also look for experience in the medical field. This may include working as a medical device sales representative or working in a hospital setting. Some companies may also offer internships or co-op opportunities for students interested in becoming biomedical engineers.
Once you have the necessary education and experience, you can begin applying for jobs as a biomedical engineer. Many engineers work for companies that design and manufacture medical devices. Others may work in hospitals or research laboratories. Some biomedical engineers may also teach at colleges or universities.
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