USA Career Guide - Biomedical Engineer

Education and Training Requirements for Biomedical Engineers in US

Candidates planning to start career as biomedical engineer should study physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics with calculus at high school level studies. A course in computer programming and mechanical drawing or drafting should also be useful. In US, biomedical engineering is introduced at college level studies for the students who successfully complete high school with above subject combinations. A course in biomedical engineering focuses on biological sciences and engineering i.e. application of engineering knowledge to biological sciences. At the end of the program degree in biomedical engineering BS is awarded which open vistas for further studies, research work or start working in industrial or healthcare settings. Biomedical engineering programs are accredited by ABET.

Related Instructional Programs/Degrees for Biomedical Engineer in USA

Candidates aspiring to be a Biomedical Engineer may enroll for Advanced Diploma, Bachelor's B.S / B.Tech; Master's like MS / M.Tech and PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering. These programs are offered through College of Engineering / Biomedical Engineering Department of the University.

Industrial Overview

Biomedical engineers held about 15,700 jobs in 2010. Employment of biomedical engineers is projected to grow by 62 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. However, because it is a small occupation, the fast growth will result in only about 9,700 new jobs over the 10-year period. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor)

People are getting more health conscious day by day, they wish to act young, energetic and looking healthy. This people’s interests will certainly keep adding some excitements for biomedical engineers. It is more likely that biomedical engineer will be more on demand in future.

Job Prospects for Biomedical Engineers in the US

The new knowledge in engineering, technology and health science adding new scope for biomedical engineers to study, research and work. These engineers works with patients,biomedical tools and machines makers, hospitals and laboratories. The work of a biomedical engineer is to apply engineering knowledge to biomedical machinery and equipments. The health industry in United States is massive in size and hence, biomedical engineers shall always be in demand. According to estimates of US Bureau of Labor Statistics The following industries employed the largest numbers of biomedical engineers in 2010:

• Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing - 23%
• Scientific research and development services     - 19%
• Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing    - 14%
• Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private – 11%
• General medical and surgical hospitals; state, local, and private – 7%

Pay of a Biomedical Engineer in the US The median annual wage of biomedical engineers in May 2010 - $81,540. Scientific research and development services - $88,330 Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing - $82,820 Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing - $81,150 Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private - $68,070 General medical and surgical hospitals; state, local, and private - $59,010 Source - US Bureau of Labor Statistics