Exploring biomedical engineering careers in the military

Does anyone know about opportunities for biomedical engineers within the military? I'm interested in pursuing biomedical engineering in college and curious about how that may fit with a military career. What paths are available, and what skills should I focus on developing?

If you're considering a career in military as a biomedical engineer, that's a fantastic intersection of disciplines! The military, specifically the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) and the Navy, do employ biomedical engineers. At a high level, your work might involve designing and developing medical diagnostic and clinical instrumentation, artificial organs, and prosthetics.

You can pursue this path as a civilian working for the military, or as a military officer. For the latter, you would likely first go through Officer Candidate School (OCS) after obtaining your degree. Afterward, you could be assigned to a position that corresponds with your skills - in this case, biomedical engineering. If you'd like to enter the military shortly after high school, you could consider studying biomedical engineering at a service academy like the United States Military Academy (West Point), where you'd receive a commission upon graduation.

Additionally, the military places a strong emphasis on research. The U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR) is one such institution where biomedical engineers might work. The USAISR develops new methods to treat and care for wounded warriors, which could involve work on artificial organs, advanced prosthetics, or other biomedical devices.

The skills that you should emphasize in your studies and work would be a strong foundation in biological sciences and engineering, with a focus on interdisciplinary teamwork. Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and different classes of biomaterials is crucial. It would also be beneficial to gain familiarity with regulatory standards for biomedical devices, as well as medical research protocols. Also, consider acquiring knowledge about diverse fields such as robotics, nanotechnology, or tissue engineering.

Having a solid background in biology and engineering principles, developing strong problem-solving skills, gaining laboratory and hands-on experience, and focusing on the communication skills necessary to effectively work in an interdisciplinary team should all serve you well in your military career.