How to Become a Biomedical Engineer in 5 Steps
Research what it takes to become a biomedical engineer. Learn about education requirements, job duties, average wages, and job outlook to find out if this is the career for you.
What Do Biomedical Engineers Do?
Biomedical engineers evaluate and design systems, products like artificial organs, and medical diagnostic equipment. They also install, fine-tune, maintain, and fix equipment. They work in a number of industries including government, health care, higher education, and manufacturing. Some biomedical engineers work in hospitals, while others work for medical equipment and supplies manufacturing companies and pharmaceutical companies. The following table contains information about education, skills, job growth, and salary for biomedical engineers.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td>Bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td>Biomedical engineering</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td>Analytical, communication, listening, math</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td>6%*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$92,620*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h2 id="section---WhatIsABiomedicalEngineer">What Is a Biomedical Engineer?</h2><p>As a biomedical engineer, you'll use your knowledge of math, science, biology and medicine to design helpful products and services for the healthcare industry. You may design medical equipment, devices and software. A few examples are pacemakers, medical information systems, surgical lasers, artificial hearts and dialysis machines.
</p><p>You'll likely spend most of your time conducting research with other scientists to develop these products. You may also supervise a staff of biomedical equipment technicians, as well as recommend new medical equipment and products to hospital management. You'll most likely work 40 hours a week at hospitals, universities and research laboratories.
</p><h3 id="section---Step1StartPreparingInHighSchool">Step 1: Start Preparing in High School</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), high school students interested in an engineering education should take advanced placement courses in calculus, life science, chemistry, computer programming, English and physics to prepare for engineering school (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Speech courses to develop communication skills are also a good idea. Experience in the engineering or medical fields can be gained through going to engineering camps in the summer, talking to professionals and job shadowing.
</p><h3 id="section---Step2CompleteABachelorSDegreeProgram">Step 2: Complete a Bachelor's Degree Program</h3><p>Some certifications and licensing requirements require a degree from a school accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). A Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from an accredited school is the usually requirement for a career as a biomedical engineer.
</p><p>Programs may have different focuses, such as a focus on industrial careers. It is important to choose a program that is in line with your career goals. Relevant degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a specialty in biomedical engineering or a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. You may need to enroll in a pre-engineering program before admittance to certain engineering programs.
</p><h3 id="section---Step3ConsiderVolunteerWorkOrAnInternship">Step 3: Consider Volunteer Work or an Internship</h3><p>The Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) offers the opportunity for you to volunteer within the field while you are pursuing your degree (<i>www.bmes.org</i>). According to the BMES, volunteering helps you to gain experience, network and discover new ideas. The BMES also offers internship opportunities, which can allow you to gain work experience, expand your knowledge and build your skills.
</p><h3 id="section---Step4ObtainAFundamentalsOfEngineeringLicense">Step 4: Obtain a Fundamentals of Engineering License</h3><p>To become a biomedical engineer who can offer their services to the community or the public you must first become a licensed professional engineer. You must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam before passing the exam to become a licensed engineer. This exam requires holding a degree from an ABET-accredited program. After passing the exam, you need to work for a minimum of four years in the field.
</p><h3 id="section---Step5ObtainAPrinciplesAndPracticeOfEngineeringLicense">Step 5: Obtain a Principles and Practice of Engineering License</h3><p>After passing the FE exam and gaining the required work experience, you must achieve a passing score on the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to become a licensed professional engineer. The PE exam tests your competency in the field of engineering. The PE exams are offered in different specialties. There is no PE exam specifically for biomedical engineers, so you may choose which PE exam you take.
</p><h2 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h2><p>Careers in biophysics and biochemistry require a similar skill set as biomedical engineering and may be worth considering also. These professionals study various biology processes like cell development and disease. There are also jobs in other types of engineering, like mechanical and chemical engineering, that may be appealing to individuals interested in biomedical engineering, though the focus is obviously different.</p>