Biomedical Engineers

Biomedical Engineers
by Kathy Quan, R.N., B.S.N., P.H.N

Biomedical engineers take ideas and concepts from physicians, scientists, and therapists and convert them into equipment, instruments, devices, treatments, and techniques to help diagnose and treat patients, to solve problems, and to improve quality of life.

Duties, Activities, and Scope of Practice

There are four general categories of biomedical engineers: generalists, rehabilitative, clinical, and medical.

The generalists apply general principles of engineering to normal and abnormal (diseased or debilitated) anatomy and physiology. They are usually involved in improving and removing pollutants from the biological environment and protecting plants and animals from environmental factors.

Rehabilitative bioengineers are involved in developing devices for people with disabilities. These include communication devices, orthopedic devices, and electrical stimulation of nerves and paralyzed muscles.

Clinical bioengineers use technology and concepts to improve clinical systems and health care delivery processes. They maintain and test medical instruments and equipment and train staff in their safe and appropriate use.

Medical bioengineers utilize engineering concepts to develop new instruments and diagnostic devices and technologies, to develop new biomaterials, and to invent new techniques, computer systems, services, and other equipment. They also develop new artificial joints, prosthetics, and organs.

Education and Training

A bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering is required for entry-level positions in this field. Graduate degrees are preferred, especially doctoral degrees.

The curriculum includes mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Biomedical engineering courses such as systems and design, biomedical computers, bioinstrumentation, biomechanics, biomaterials, biothermodynamics, and engineering biophysics are required.

Licensure/Certification

A license as a P.E. (professional engineer) is encouraged and in some instances required. Certification is available for clinical bioengineers from the International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Biomedical Technology. This requires a degree, three years of hospital-based employment in a specialty area, and passing a written examination.

Work Settings and Salaries

There are a wide variety of work settings for biomedical engineers. Most are in large cities. Hospitals, laboratories, research facilities, undersea and space agencies, NASA, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), and private companies that produce medical devices are the major employers of biomedical engineers.

The broad areas of employment, education, and responsibilities represent the vast differences in salaries as well. In general, salaries range from approximately $45,000 to over $100,000.

Career Potential and Additional Information

The National Institutes of Health has recognized that the demand for biomedical engineers far exceeds the number of qualified engineers available. They also recognize the vital contribution to the health care industry that these professionals make. It has formed the National Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) to promote research and encourage the recruitment of high school students into bioengineering programs.

You can find out more about biomedical engineering opportunities from the Biomedical Engineering Society. Their Web site is www.bmes.org. Their address is 8401 Corporate Drive, Suite 140, Landover, MD 20785.

Sumber : http://www.netplaces.com/health-care-careers/affiliated-team-members/biomedical-engineers.htm