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Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineering is the application of engineering principles and methods to biomedical research and health care. In this field of allied health, aspects of engineering, physics and technology are combined to understand and solve problems
in life science research, medical diagnosis, medical therapy, and prevention of human disease. It is a very diverse health field and involves career specializations in the following areas: health care delivery, hospital safety, rehabilitation, public health, data processing and systems analysis; and performance evaluation of drugs, surgery and instrumentation.
The biomedical engineer is primarily an engineer who has had specific training in various aspects of biology or medicine. A biomedical engineer applies his/her engineering expertise in the areas of electronics, mechanics, chemistry, radiation and
mathematics with an understanding of anatomy, physiology, surgery and psychology to define and solve complex problems of medical care.
| Some of the duties performed by a biomedical engineer include: |
| • | Designing and constructing cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, artificial kidneys, blood oxygenators, hearts, blood vessels, joints, arms and legs |
| • | Developing computer systems to monitor patients during surgery or intensive care |
| • | Designing and building sensors to measure blood pressure, devices used for therapeutic procedures, medical imaging systems and clinical laboratories that utilize advanced technology |
| • | Investigating the biomechanics of injury and wound healing |
There are several areas of specialization such as: systems physiology, bioinstrumentation, biomechanics, biomaterials, clinical engineering and rehabilitation engineering.
Biomedical engineers are employed in hospitals, industry and colleges. They are also employed as researchers in the automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, electronic, computer, and medical and hospital supply industries; and, in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Food and Drug Administration, Veterans Administration, Department of Defense, Department of Transportation and Department of Health and Human Services.
Job Outlook
The demand for biomedical engineers will continue to increase through the next two decades.
Educational Requirements
The minimum educational requirement for biomedical engineer is a bachelor's degree from a biomedical engineering program or from an established program in electrical, mechanical, chemical, civil aerospace or industrial engineering; with courses in biology, anatomy and behavioral sciences. Master's and doctorate degrees are encouraged.
Within the engineering major, students may concentrate in various specific areas such as biomedical engineering, electrical, mechanical or chemical.
Undergraduate courses should include mathematics, physics, biology, physiology, bio-chemistry and communication skills.
Almost all engineering schools offer courses to prepare individuals to work in this field.
Educational Programs - Illinois
Illinois Institute of Technology
3300 S. Federal St.
Chicago, IL 60616
(773) 567-3000
http://www.iit.edu/
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Northwestern University: Biomedical Engineering Department
2145 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208
(847) 491-4635
http://www.northwestern.edu/
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University of Illinois at Chicago: Bioengineering Program Department
Code: 2-2203
218 SEO MC063
851 S. Morgan St.
Chicago, Il 60607
(312)996-2335
http://www.uic.edu/
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Other Programs - Midwest
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