Who is a Biomedical Engineer?
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Who is a Biomedical Engineer?
Biomedical engineers study, design, develop and evaluate biological and medical systems and products such as artificial organs, prostheses, medical instruments and information systems.
Minimum Education
- 4 years of post-secondary education/training
- 3 years post-secondary education/training (180 ECT)
Duties
Biomedical engineers work closely with life scientists, chemists and medical specialists (physicians, nurses, therapists and technicians) on the engineering aspects of biological systems.
• design and develop medical devices such as artificial hearts and kidneys, pacemakers, artificial hips, surgical lasers, automated patient monitors and blood chemistry sensors
• design and develop engineered therapies (for example, neural-integrative prostheses)
• adapt computer hardware or software for medical science or health care applications (for example, develop expert systems that assist in diagnosing diseases, medical imaging systems, models of different aspects of human physiology or medical data management)
• conduct research to test and modify known theories and develop new theories
• ensure the safety of equipment used for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring
• investigate medical equipment failures and provide advice about the purchase and installation of new equipment
• develop and evaluate quantitative models of biological processes and systems
• apply engineering methods to answer basic questions about how the body works
• contribute to patient assessments
• prepare and present reports for health professionals and the public
• supervise and train technologists and technicians
Biomedical engineers may work primarily in one or a combination of the following fields but are not limited to:
• bioinformatics – developing and using computer tools to collect and analyse data
• bioinstrumentation – applying electronic and measurement techniques
• biomaterials – developing durable materials that are compatible with a biological environment
• biomechanics – applying knowledge of mechanics to biological or medical problems
• bio-nano-engineering – developing novel structures of nanometre dimensions for application to biology, drug delivery, molecular diagnostics, microsystems and nanosystems
• bio photonics – applying and manipulating light, usually laser light, for sensing or imaging properties of biological tissue
• cellular and tissue engineering – studying the anatomy, biochemistry and mechanics of cellular and sub-cellular structures, developing technology to repair, replace or regenerate living tissues and developing methods for controlling cell and tissue growth in the laboratory
• clinical engineering – applying the latest technology to health care and healthcare systems in hospitals
• genomics and genetic engineering – mapping, sequencing and analysing genomes (DNA), and applying molecular biology methods to manipulate the genetic material of cells, viruses and organisms
• medical or biological imaging – combining knowledge of a physical phenomenon (for example, sound, radiation, or magnetism) with electronic processing, analysis and display
• molecular bioengineering – designing molecules for biomedical purposes and applying computational methods for simulating biomolecular interactions
• systems physiology – studying how systems function in living organisms
• therapeutic engineering – developing and discovering drugs and advanced materials and techniques for delivering drugs to local tissues with minimized side effects
Specific Personal Qualities
Biomedical engineers need the following qualities:
• an intense passion for engineering and medicine
• the capacity for analytical thought and problem-solving
• the capacity for science and mathematics
• the capacity to imagine complex equipment and procedures
• strong communication abilities both in writing and speaking
• creativity and persistence
• a constant desire to increase one’s knowledge and abilities
• the capacity to collaborate successfully with individuals from a variety of fields and educational backgrounds(strong team player spirit)
• collecting data to carry out research and create new devices, systems, and equipment
Educational Requirements
For most international communities the standard educational requirement is :
A bachelor’s degree in engineering with a major in biomedical engineering, or a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering with a specialty in biomedical engineering, is typically necessary for entry-level positions in industry (medical device or pharmaceutical companies), or clinical engineering positions in hospitals. It is necessary to have a basic comprehension of both medical and life sciences jargon.
A graduate degree is required for research and development positions in biomedical engineering.
Who is a Clinical Engineer?
The management of biomedical or clinical engineering departments, systems integration, capital acquisition and implementation, patient safety, compliance with standards and laws, and risk management are all tasks performed by clinical engineers who work in large hospitals.
Titles of a Biomedical / Clinical Engineer
Since Biomedical engineering is a blend of both engineering and medicine/biological systems, the title is usually a compound title type. These titles are unique as it distinguishes Biomedical engineers from other engineer’s titles generally written as Engr. Below is the table for such titles and min od education requires to apply for such titles.
* Universities programs accredited by the National University Commission (NUC). are within the jurisdiction of the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering or Faculty Engineering/Technology with the title of Biomedical Engineer (Biomed. Engr).
*Universities programs accredited by the National Board for technical education (NBTE) are within the jurisdiction of schools/Colleges of Biomedical equipment technology with the title as Biomedical Equipment Technicians (BMET).