Biomedical Engineer

Also known as:

Engineer, Biomedical
Clinical Engineer

Introduction

Biomedical or clinical engineers apply science and engineering principles to benefit people with medical problems. They design and develop technology including prosthetics (artificial limbs and joints), robotic surgery, cardiovascular devices such as artificial arteries, diagnostic equipment like ultrasound and X-rays, and artificial organs.

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Work Activities

Biomedical or clinical engineers combine their knowledge of engineering and medical problems to design, develop, test and maintain equipment for the medical profession. Their work is crucial to modern medical practice, which relies on highly sophisticated equipment such as X-ray machines, anaesthetic equipment, automated blood testing machines, and machines that can take over the function of the heart, lungs and kidneys.

Biomedical or clinical engineers may be involved in health care delivery, working with patients alongside their clinical colleagues. Some engineers work in large departments that cover a range of medical physics activities, while others are part of small rehabilitation teams that include doctors, nurses and therapists.

Research is essential to biomedical engineering. For example, biomedical or clinical engineers may work on prosthetic devices, which are artificial limbs, joints and implants. They have developed an understanding of human anatomy, so they know how limbs work and what enables them to move. They also research the materials used to make the prosthetic devices, looking for the most durable and comfortable materials possible. Research and development may take place in hospitals while construction takes place in manufacturing companies.

Biomedical or clinical engineers in the commercial sector may design, develop and market medical equipment. They may specialise in one of a wide range of areas:
• Artificial aids which can replace the functions of limbs lost because of disease or accidents.
• Cardiovascular devices such as artificial arteries. Biomedical or clinical engineers also develop equipment to diagnose heart problems and repair damage to arteries. Some engineers develop and maintain the highly complex equipment used for open-heart surgery.
• Diagnostic equipment such as X-ray machines and ultrasound equipment.
• Robotic surgery.
• Rehabilitation and living aids to help patients communicate and maintain their mobility and independence.

Some of the types of equipment engineers work on are standardised and produced on a large scale, for example, X-ray machines. Other types of technology, for example, motorised chairs with special controls, are tailor-made by engineers to meet individual needs. With this type of equipment, the engineer will work directly with their clinical colleagues and the patient.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must have strong engineering skills combined with the ability to develop knowledge of medical problems. You must enjoy solving these problems using a combination of logic and creativity. This is a vital, fast-moving area, so you must have commitment and the willingness to keep at the forefront of advancing technology.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are needed to work as part of a team, for example, with doctors, nurses and therapists.

Biomedical or clinical engineers need strong organisational skills to plan their own and other people's work, and to co-ordinate resources.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for biomedical or clinical engineers vary.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Biomedical or clinical engineers earn in the range of £22,000 - £26,500 a year, rising to £33,000 - £39,500. Higher earners can make around £47,500 a year.

Most biomedical or clinical engineers work 35-40 hours Monday to Friday, with occasional late finishes.

Biomedical or clinical engineers work in hospitals, universities, medical schools, research establishments such as the Medical Research Council, or for manufacturers of medical equipment.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Engineering) could be the way in.

These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

Funding for postgraduate courses is available through universities from the Biotechnology and Biotechnology Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

There are other pathways through which adults can register as Chartered or Incorporated Engineers, including career progression and routes based on the achievement of occupational standards.

• 5% of people in occupations such as biomedical engineer work part-time.
• 17% have flexible hours.
• 4% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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