Biomedical engineers commonly work in quality assurance or in research and development modes. Typically, these engineers require a bachelor's degree from an accredited program in biomedical engineering in order to gain program entrance. Otherwise, they may obtain a bachelor's degree in another field of engineering and potentially earn a graduate degree or receive training on the job in biomedical engineering.
Education & Training
Key high school classes for prospective engineering students include: biology, physics and chemistry. Advanced math classes including calculus are great preparation along with computer programming, mechanical drawing and drafting.
Many bachelor's degree programs in biomedical engineering concentrate on biological sciences and engineering. Laboratory-based courses are incorporated along with classroom study. Popular courses include: biological sciences, solid and fluid mechanics, circuit design, physiology, biomaterials and computer programming.
Numerous accredited programs include internships and co-ops commonly within hospitals. This enables students to gain practical applications as a portion of their study. ABET offers accreditation for biomedical engineering programs.
Skills and Qualities that will Help
Analytical Skills: Biomedical engineers need to determine patient and customer needs in order to develop practical solutions.
Communication Skills: Since biomedical engineers typically work with patients, engineers or medical scientists, it is necessary that clear expression prevails.
Listening Skills: Biomedical engineers commonly gather input from a variety of sources. Often working in teams with physicians, business professionals, patients, and therapists; ideas from others are often an integral part of the problem-solving process.
Math Skills: Biomedical engineers utilize advance topics in mathematics including calculus for design, analysis and troubleshooting ideas.
Problem-Solving Skills: Typically, biomedical engineers solve a variety of issues within elaborate biological systems.
How To Advance
If leading a research team is the goal, a biomedical engineer requires a graduate degree. Certain biomedical engineers attend medical school or dental school in order to specialize in applications at the front and center of patient care. An example of this would be discovering new ways to work with electric impulses in order to get muscles moving again. Some biomedical engineers work as patent attorneys and earn law degrees.
