• Biomedical Engineer Job Description

    A biomedical engineer is an engineer who applies technology and engineering principles and techniques to medicine. Biomedical engineers work closely with other engineers, scientists, technicians and medical professionals to design, develop and manage equipment and instruments used in health care.

    A biomedical engineer should be methodical, innovative, analytical and practical, and have the ability to communicate effectively and work well with others in a team. They should understand how the body works and have good knowledge of engineering principles to effectively apply engineering to healthcare.

    Pursue a career in biomedical engineering if you have aptitude for mathematics and science, and interest in the application of technology and engineering to healthcare.
  • What does a Biomedical Engineer do?

    Biomedical engineers may do some or all of the following:

    • collaborate with other medical professionals to research and advance healthcare
    • design and develop medical equipment for healthcare or research
    • use computer-aided design (CAD) software to design medical systems
    • write proposals to clients or colleagues
    • carry out performance test on new medical equipment and devices
    • calibrate, repair and maintain medical equipment
    • give technical advice on selection and use of medical equipment and devices
    • establish safety standards for equipment use and write manuals
    • supervise the installation and use of medical equipment and devices
    • develop artificial organs for implantation
  • Where does a Biomedical Engineer work?
  • Working Conditions

    Biomedical engineers usually work normal office hours, but may be required to work overtime and weekends or be on-call. They work in offices, laboratories, manufacturing plants, hospitals and clinics.

  • What is Required to Become a Biomedical Engineer?

    To become a biomedical engineer, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or a related discipline. Some biomedical engineers enter the field with a bachelor’s degree from another engineering discipline combined with a graduate degree in biomedical engineering or on-the-job training in biomedical engineering.

    Secondary school students interested in studying biomedical engineering should take should take preparatory subjects such as chemistry, biology, physics, computer science, and mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.

  • Modules

    Just to give you an idea, some of the classes that you’ll be taking in college may include:

    • Chemistry
    • Physics
    • Calculus
    • Differential equations
    • Applied linear algebra
    • Computer-Aided Design
    • Optimization and Numerical methods
    • Probability and Statistics
    • Physiology and Anatomy
    • Biomechanics
    • Digital systems
    • Material science
    • Cell and molecular biology
    • Linear signals and systems
    • Circuits, instrumentation and measurement
    • Anatomical systems modeling
    • Biomedical systems and design
    • Prototyping, simulation and design
    • Mechanics of deformation solids
    • Control systems
    • Biomedical transport
  • Specializations

    A biomedical engineer may specialize in any of the following fields:

    • Bioinstrumentation and biosignal processing
    • Biomechanics and mechanobiology
    • Biomaterials and tissue engineering
    • Clinical engineering
    • Rehabilitation engineering
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Biomedical engineers need to have:

    • patience
    • adaptability
    • creativity and innovation
    • diligence and persistence
    • manual dexterity
    • mechanical aptitude
    • physical stamina
    • accuracy and precision
    • scientific aptitude
    • good memory
    • good eyesight
    • good attention to detail
    • good hand-eye coordination
    • good listening and communication skills
    • analytical and problem solving skills
    • good judgment and decision making skills
    • time management and organizational skills
    • leadership skills
    • math, computer and programming skills
    • drawing and design skills
    • the ability to work well independently and in a team
    • the ability to design and conduct experiments
    • the ability to work well under pressure
    • the ability to learn new skills and stay up-to-date with new developments in the field
    • the ability to identify real world problems that can be solved by engineering principles and techniques
    • the ability to apply the knowledge of science, mathematics and engineering to solve real word problems
    • the ability to work with small parts
    • the ability to be comfortable working around sick or injured persons
    • knowledge of scientific rules and methods
    • knowledge of mechanical processes
    • knowledge of signaling and instrumentation
    • knowledge of electrical and electronics principles
    • knowledge of biomechanics
    • knowledge of biomaterials
    • knowledge of physiology and anatomy

References

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