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Biomedical Engineer

What They Do

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Career Video

About This Career

Applies knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

This career is part of the Health Science cluster Biotechnology Research and Development pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Conducts research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.
  • Adapts or designs computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
  • Evaluates the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
  • Develops models or computer simulations of human biobehavioral systems to obtain data for measuring or controlling life processes.
  • Researches new materials to be used for products, such as implanted artificial organs.
  • Writes documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.
  • Conducts training or in-services to educate clinicians and other personnel on proper use of equipment.
  • Analyzes new medical procedures to forecast likely outcomes.
  • Advises hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition, and use of medical equipment.
  • Advises manufacturing staff regarding problems with fermentation, filtration, or other bioproduction processes.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly at a distance
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Biomedical Electronics Technician
  • Biomedical Engineering Technician
  • Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET)
  • Biomedical Technician
  • Engineer
  • Research Engineer — Independently evaluates, selects and applies standardized scientific or engineering procedures and techniques to area of specialization.
  • Research Scientist
  • Process Engineer — Develops and optimizes economical industrial processes to make the huge range of products on which modern society depends.

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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