What do biomedical engineers do?

I'm into science and engineering and might want to become a biomedical engineer. What is the job description like? What kinds of projects do they typically work on and what's the education path?

Biomedical engineering is a multidisciplinary field that applies engineering principles and techniques to address challenges in the medical and healthcare fields. It's a very versatile profession as it combines expertise in both engineering and medicine.

Biomedical engineers work on a wide variety of projects, such as designing and developing artificial organs, prostheses, medical instruments, healthcare software, and more. They work on improving the functionality and effectiveness of patient care devices. They might also conduct research to gain a better understanding of biological processes or create mathematical models to simulate them. Biomedical engineers have made substantial contributions to improving the quality of healthcare, from developing more precise imaging technologies to creating better dental materials.

As a biomedical engineer, your specific project would likely depend on your area of specialization and the industry in which you work. Some may work in a hospital setting, aiding in the selection and use of medical equipment, while others may work in research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, or medical device manufacturing firms.

As for the educational path, the journey to becoming a biomedical engineer typically starts with a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering or a related field. This program would offer courses in biology, chemistry, physics, advanced mathematics, and of course, engineering. From there, many students opt to pursue advanced degrees, either Masters or PhDs, that allow them to specialize in a particular area of biomedical engineering, although this isn't mandatory.

It's also worth noting that some biomedical engineers may choose to earn a medical degree (MD) in addition to an engineering degree, allowing them to understand patient needs and medical obstacles more closely. Some might even go further to study law (JD) with a focus on biomedical patent law.

All in all, biomedical engineering is a multifaceted discipline that intersects with a variety of fields and could be a great fit if you're interested in using engineering to solve medical challenges.