Biomedical Engineering

Farrah Molina
EDUC 1300
Class Number: 10754
Spring 2017
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Many people these days have trouble deciding what career they want to go into, or

how to find a career that fits their interests. I, myself am passionate about science, which allows

for a wide range of options in S.T.E.M. related jobs. Because of the combination of engineering

and medical sciences, I would like to pursue a career in biomedical engineering, to have the best

of both worlds. Biomedical engineering is extremely innovative and is the future of medical

research and engineering methods for decades to come.

Biomedical engineers are responsible for many things, including creating new technology

that will further medical sciences. They analyze problems in the medical field and have to

innovate or design a solution. They also conduct many experiments on artificial devices that will

act as the real thing, as well as grow artificial organs and body parts. Since they create most of

the equipment used in hospitals and research labs, they are also required to teach authorized

personnel how to use it and provide technical support for the biomedical equipment. Biomed

engineers do an equal amount of lab research and experiments in the field, which is one of the

aspects that appeal to me about this job. Designing software for the medical equipment is also on

the very long list of duties for this job. Some of their most innovative work is their cutting edge

research on growing or building artificial body parts. This is another part of the job that I am

most interested in, as biomed engineers in Germany have just recently built a robotic hand with

fully functioning fingers and a hand that can feel.

Every job has characteristics that are ideal in order to be compatible with the job of your

choice. Biomedical engineering would be a lot more fun and interesting if you have interests in

the medicine field or engineering. If you are very observant and can analyze thoroughly while

coming up for solutions, that will definitely improve your ability to do this job. Biomedical

engineering also requires you to be creative and innovative. You have to be open to change, as
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things in this field of work are constantly evolving, and you must be able to keep up. I enjoy

learning about science, specifically medical sciences, which is why I feel this is a great career

choice or me. I would like to make a name for myself in the medicine world and I think this will

really give me a boost, as I would be designing machines that could diagnose diseases, or

conduct groundbreaking experiments that could go down in medicine history. What also serves

as a plus is that any job relating to medicine or engineering is a practical job, which means they

will always need people in this career field, giving me a sense of security. You must also be a

team player and consult fellow peers, which would be a little difficult for me as I usually prefer

to work alone. However, this career would help me break that habit, as most of the research

conducted in labs is no piece of cake, and having someone else there to help you figure it out

wouldnt be the worst thing in the world.

When it comes to what it takes to become a biomedical engineer, starting early will help

you in the long run. Taking many science and mathematics classes in high school will be very

useful. When college time comes, you want to get into a biomedical engineering program and

that is what you will need your degree in. The program includes biology courses, computer

programming, analyzing lab research, and patient care all while designing a way to make it more

efficient and practical. It usually takes 4 years to complete the program after your basics, which

will get you a bachelors degree in biomedical engineering. Some colleges that are well known

for their medical sciences programs include, Stanford University, John Hopkins University, and

Berkeley. Many biomedical engineers will go on to do more schooling whether it is medical

school or dentistry school, in order to specialize in a certain areas of the human body.

Biomedical engineers typically work in hospitals, universities, or research facilities. It all

depends on what they would like to specialize in, for example some might work in
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manufacturing as they more interested in designing medical equipment, while others work in

hospitals to work on patient care. They have a pretty standard working schedule (40 hrs. /per

week), but it is very common for them to work a little overtime to meet standards or help

patients, like standard doctors would. Their work environment includes working among peers

indoors. Biomedical engineers arent required to travel, as most of their work in stationary in labs

or on computers, but in some cases they might have to travel to a worksite for further analysis.

Beginning jobs in this career generally start off at around $53,800. However your salary

raises with experience, as it increases by 82% once you reach mid-career, according to the

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some of the highest paying salaries can go up to $124,000, but are

located in the metropolitan areas of California or Texas, such as San Francisco and Houston.

Biomedical Engineers receive amazing benefits including, medical insurance, vacation leave,

sick leave, dental insurance, as well as a retirement plan. Looking at the cost of living in different

states compared to Texas, it would be wise to stay here in Houston, as they have higher paying

jobs and more opportunities. I would still be around my family as well so I think this career

choice will allow me to live comfortably in my home city of Houston, Texas.

The occupational outlook for biomedical engineers is a lot higher than the average job

growth, blowing it out the water as it is expected to grow 23% from 2014 to 2024. Reasons for

this include the constant breakthroughs occurring in medicine and technology, creating a high

demand for biomedical engineers in the upcoming years.

Biomedical engineering is the perfect job for me for many reasons. I am the type of

person who loves recognition, and going into this field of work will allow me to push myself to

do great things in science. Learning about the human body has always been an interest of mine

especially designing ways to improve or protect it. Creating machines that can save peoples
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lives and push us further into medical advancement, is something that the world needs. This job

largely reflects my values, as I love to come up with solutions that could benefit anyone, whether

its the whole world population or a family in need of medical assistance. I have always wanted

to do some kind of job in the medical field, so I have based my academics around that, such as

planning for medical school etc. Now that I have a specific job that Im certain about, it makes it

easier to plan for my future.

Of course my personality matches up with my career, but while training in the biomedical

engineering programs, I will acquire many skills that will help me excel in my career. Critical

thinking is a crucial part of not only biomedical engineering, but many other jobs that can help

serve the community. Having medical experience and knowledge can especially go a long way in

helping others in need, as many people dont have access to proper medical care. There are many

volunteering opportunities all over Houston that will allow me to use my skills for good, such as

the EMT, EMS, and Nurse organization that will provide medical assistance along a racing route

for runners. A few other organizations, such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the

Disaster Action Team, dedicate their resources to helping people who are not as fortunate, and if

I am medically certified then it is my duty as a doctor to heal others.

Conclusion: There are many jobs in the S.T.E.M. program that will provide a great use

to our community. Overall, there are endless benefits to becoming a biomedical engineer, from

getting the satisfaction of saving lives, to designing the future of medicine. Based on my research

of this career, such as the salary and job outlook, I feel very strongly in my career choice and

hope to move forward in my academics to achieve my goal. There are many aspects of a job that

should be analyzed before you consider going into that career field. In order to be successful at
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your dream job, it must convey some of your values and personal characteristics. I am certain

that a career in biomedical engineering is in my future and I am more than happy to get started.
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Reference Page
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-

17 Edition, Biomedical Engineers,

on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-

engineers.htm (visited April 02, 2017).

Roanne E. Lynn, Kevin Holochwost Senior Quality Design Engineer at AngioDynamics Greater

Boston Area Biotechnology Last updated Apr 08 '14 at 08:56, & E., R. (2014, April 07). What

does a biomedical engineer's day look like on a daily basis? Retrieved April 02, 2017, from

https://www.careervillage.org/questions/4174/what-does-a-biomedical-engineers-day-look-like-

on-a-daily-basis

Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis. (n.d.). Retrieved April 02, 2017, from

http://www.engr.iupui.edu/departments/bme/about/is-biomedical-engineering-right-for-me.php

S. G., Ph.D. (1977). Journal of biomechanical engineering. New York: American Society of

Mechanical Engineers.

Pain, E. (2010). Designing a Career in Biomedical Engineering. Science.