Why do we need biomedical engineers

Seen as coldly logical, technical, and concerned primarily with manufacturing, engineers seem to be out-of-place in hospitals, clinics, and other care facilities, but biomedical engineers are indispensable members of a healthcare team.

This guide will help patients and others understand the role of the biomedical engineer in healthcare as well as his or her specific duties in healthcare facilities.

Like any engineer, a biomedical engineer is primarily concerned with solving problems; thus, specializing in the fields of biology and medicine, biomedical engineers focus on analyzing challenges and designing efficient and effective solutions to improve quality of patient care. Because healthcare systems are vast and complex, biomedical engineers can work on any of a number of necessary tasks, such as developing artificial organs, building machines to aid in diagnosis, providing technical support for medical technology, training clinicians in machine use, and even studying the engineering aspects of biological systems, like the endocrine system, in humans and animals.

However, most biomedical engineers claim a concentration in specific professional field. Biomedical engineering studies are broad, encompassing biology, chemistry, math, physics, computer science, and more, so biomedical engineers can apply any of this knowledge to benefit the medical community.

For example, one biomedical engineer might spend a career devoted to developing software to run complicated medical instruments, while another biomedical engineer applies biology and chemistry to craft new drug therapies. Some of the newest efforts of biomedical engineers include using biomaterials cells and tissues to solve problems. Generally, biomedical engineers enjoy diverse career opportunities, but each application of biomedical engineering is vital to the success of a healthcare facility.

From research of bodily systems and development of medical devices to maintenance of facility networks and instruction on treatment procedures, biomedical engineers keep hospitals, clinics, and care facilities running and helping patients. Biomedical engineering influences the administration of healthcare and the function of facilities around the world, which is to say the field requires workers to be extensively trained and extremely knowledgeable.

At the very least, biomedical engineers require a bachelor degree in biomedical engineering. Let's Connect. Do you have an undergraduate degree? What is the highest level of math you've completed at a college level? Master of Engineering. Subscribe Atom 1. Four Key Reasons to Study Online.

Apply Now Schedule Appointment. Accept and close. Home Blog Careers Reasons to study biomedical engineering. Reasons to study biomedical engineering Posted 25 November What is biomedical engineering?

Why study biomedical engineering? Variety of specialisms Choosing to study biomedical engineering at university does not limit you to one specific area in the medical industry - there are a range of areas that you can choose to specialise in. Some specialisms of biomedical engineering include: Biomechanics - applies mechanical principles to biological processes and human movement, typically around the movement and development of limbs and using prosthetic devices.

Biomaterials - the application of materials, both natural and lab-made, that are used in medical devices or that are in contact with biological systems. Examples include artificial hearts, hip joints and stitches that dissolve on their own.

Rehabilitation engineering - the invention of devices that assist people with physical and cognitive impairments through the use of engineering, biology and computer science. Key transferable skills Studying biomedical engineering at university will help equip you with a range of transferable skills that are highly desirable to employers across a variety of industries and professions.

Some of the key skills biomedical engineers develop include: Attention to detail Analytical skills Communication Teamworking The ability to empathise with patients The creative and technical ability to turn designs into products Excellent problem-solving skills Computer literacy Exciting and wide-ranging career opportunities Studying biomedical engineering at university will not limit you to just one career path.

Careers directly related to your degree in biomedical engineering include: Bioengineer Manufacturing engineer Biomedical scientist Rehabilitation engineer Biotechnologist Nanotechnologist Other careers you could pursue where your degree will be helpful include: Teacher Doctor Electrical engineer Chemical engineer Physician Biochemist Agricultural engineer Change lives Biomedical engineering focuses on saving and improving lives.

Some of the biggest breakthroughs that have occurred in biomedical engineering, changing lives and having a major impact in the world of healthcare, have included: X-ray machines - allowing medical professionals to see everything from broken bones to dental cavities. Nanotechnology - the use of nanoparticles helps to detect and treat different forms of cancer at near-cellular level.