Biomedical engineering is the medical application of engineering principles to develop tools and systems that can aid medical professionals to better treat their patients. The field is a cross between engineering and biological sciences. A significant amount of biomedical engineering jobs consists of research and development but it does also spread to a variety of subfields, including the design, calibration and/or maintenance of various electronics based medical devices used in hospitals and other medical clinics throughout the country.
Many different medical and engineering companies employ biomedical engineers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing Industry employs the greatest number of Biomedical Engineers, coming ahead of Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing, Scientific Research and Development Services, Colleges and Universities, and General Medical and Surgical Hospitals.
The BLS also states that from 2008-2018, Biomedical Engineers will be the single fastest growing occupation with a projected increase of 72%, which translates into 11,600 new jobs nationwide. This large growth is largely fueled by an aging population and longer life expectancies.
Source: US. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupatioal Employment and Wayges, May 2010, (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172031.htm). US. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Overview of the 2008-18 Projections, (http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco2003.htm). Note: Data is rounded.
Next Program Start Date
October 1, 2012
