Biomedical Engineers
Biomedical engineers analyze problems in biology and medicine and design solutions to the problems. Their primary goal is to improve the quality and effectiveness of patient care.
Average Hourly Earnings
$32.36
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Tasks
- Design systems and products such as artificial internal organs, artificial devices that replace body parts, and machines for diagnosing medical problems
- Install, adjust, maintain, repair, or provide technical support for biomedical equipment
- Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment
- Train clinicians and other personnel to use equipment properly
- Work with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists to research engineering aspects of biological systems of humans and animals
- Teach biomedical engineering or share knowledge about the field through writing or consulting
- Research new materials to use for making products such as implanted artificial organs
- Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses
Work Environment
Biomedical engineers work indoors in climate-controlled settings like hospitals, laboratories, and manufacturing facilities. It’s not unusual for them to travel between these settings as they design and adjust products for their clients. They often work in teams with scientists, healthcare workers, or other engineers. These engineers have a moderate amount of contact with others through email, face-to-face discussions, and telephone calls. Biomedical engineers usually work at least full time on a normal schedule, working additional hours to meet the needs of patients, managers, colleagues, and clients.
Key Traits
Investigative. Frequently requires working with ideas and involves an extensive amount of thinking. May involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. Realistic– Often involves work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. Usually includes working with actual materials – many times in an outdoor setting.