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Biomedical Engineering integrates the engineering
sciences with biomedical science and clinical practice. This interdisciplinary
approach to physical, chemical, mathematical, and computational
sciences and engineering principles promotes more precise understandings
of biology, medicine, behavior, and health.
Acquiring new knowledge that is based on fundamental
concepts and understanding living systems are cornerstones on which
rest innovations in biologic materials, processes, implants, and
devices, along with informatics approaches for the prevention, diagnosis,
and treatment of disease, for patient rehabilitation, and for improving
health.
Biomedical Engineer
Areas of Specialization
Some well established specialty areas within the field of biomedical
engineering are bioinstrumentation, biomechanics, biomaterials,
imaging, systems physiology, clinical engineering, and rehabilitation
engineering. Bioinstrumentation is the application of electronics
and measurement principles and techniques to the development of
devices used in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Biomechanics
deals with mechanics as applied to living systems. Biomaterials
describe both living tissue and materials used for implantation.
Imaging involves a variety of instruments and systems used in both
medical diagnosis and therapy. Systems physiology is the term used
to describe the aspect of biomedical engineering in which engineering
strategies, techniques, and tools are used to gain a comprehensive
and integrated understanding of the function of living organisms
ranging from bacterial to humans. Clinical engineering is the application
of technology for health care in hospitals. Rehabilitation engineering
seeks to improve the capabilities of individuals with physical impairments.
Work Environment
Biomedical engineers work in hospitals, government regulatory agencies,
and medical, academic, industrial, and government research laboratories.
They may serve as technical advisors or in management position.
Job Outlook
The number of biomedical engineers employed in Florida in 2006 was
453. An annual average growth rate of 0.7 percent is projected until
2014.
Length of Training/Requirements
The minimum requirement is a four-year bachelor's degree from an
engineering program with concentration in biomedical engineering
study. Master's and Ph.D. graduate programs are also offered at
Florida universities.
Advancement
With experience and a doctorate in engineering, one can do research
or teach. Many high level executives in the industry began their
careers as engineers.
Licensure/Certification
Certification is voluntary, and can be obtained through the Association
for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. If an individual
offers his/her services to the public as a biomedical engineer,
he/she would have to be registered as a Professional Engineer. Applicants
with a degree from an engineering program approved by the Accreditation
Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc., and four years of engineering
experience may apply for a professional engineering license from
the Board of Professional Engineers. Upon passing the examination
offered by the National Council of Engineering Examiners administered
by the Board, a professional engineering license will be issued.
Continuing education hours are required every two years for license
renewal.
Updated: 2009 |
