{"id":4913,"date":"2025-03-14T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-14T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/?p=4913"},"modified":"2025-12-16T10:17:19","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T18:17:19","slug":"how-to-become-a-biomedical-engineer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/2025\/03\/14\/how-to-become-a-biomedical-engineer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to become a biomedical engineer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Technology is a key feature of modern medical care: think X-rays, COVID test kits, pacemakers, knee implants, artificial limbs and MRIs. Doctors use these tools every day to provide critical care to patients across the world.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of these innovations are thanks to the efforts of biomedical engineers. Biomedical engineering<\/a>, a subfield of bioengineering, sits at the intersection of engineering, biology and health care.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These engineers work at the cutting edge of a rapidly evolving industry, developing technical solutions to biological challenges. They often work with health care providers to identify problems in health care, then use their specialized skill set to design equipment, devices or computer systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you want to support, enhance or improve the condition a person has, then that would be an application of bioengineering,\u201d says University of the Pacific bioengineering professor Shelly Gulati. \u201cIf you want to be able to do monitoring of health variables, steps, stuff like that, then that would be a way to measure health that requires an engineering solution.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The health care field, like much of our economy, is highly technology-driven. You can see that reflected in the growing need for bioengineers and biomedical engineers. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data<\/a>, for example, expects employment to grow by around 7% over the next decade. Compare that to the average career, which the BLS projects to grow by 4% in the same period.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re thinking about getting into the field as you head toward college, we\u2019ll go into more detail about how it differs from the broader field of bioengineering, cover what biomedical engineers do and go over some jobs you can do with the degree.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bioengineering vs. biomedical engineering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bioengineers use the principles and technology of engineering to tackle biological problems. As we\u2019ve mentioned, you likely see their work when you go to the doctor. But they also do innovative work with consumer goods, energy or materials production, sustainability industries, agriculture and more.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, some food you eat<\/a> may be bioengineered or made with bioengineered crops. Athletes use bioengineered technology to monitor and improve their training regiments. And bioengineering principles can be deployed to create sustainable biofuels.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStudents who come from the bioengineering perspective are motivated by the problem,\u201d Gulati says. \u201cThey\u2019re motivated by the application of the problem to one of those areas and they will learn what other disciplines\u2019 information is going to be necessary to solve that problem.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of those problems is health, where is where biomedical engineering comes in. This field applies engineering concepts to biological systems and health care.  It seeks to advance tools that help doctors provide better care for their patients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Biomedical engineers may work on technologies used in diagnostics, like MRI machines, or in treatments like laser eye surgery. You might already benefit from these engineers\u2019 work without even realizing it.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do biomedical engineers do? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are several pathways biomedical engineers can take. They may conduct research for a company, government body or other organization, creating or improving medical devices. In these roles, biomedical engineers connect patients\u2019 problems with their specialized know-how.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cObservation is a really important part,\u201d Gulati says. \u201cYou can explore the empathy piece of how that nurse or doctor engages with the patient. Asking how the patient was feeling through this process, asking a lot of those questions at the user level. And then, from there, designing a solution that would benefit that.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, they may work in production, ensuring a company creates high-quality, reliable technologies, medication or other goods.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of their specialization, biomedical engineers may also go into government service as part of a regulatory team. Some may also work as field engineers, installing and servicing specialized technologies <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In any of these pathways, biomedical engineers have to identify problems, then draw upon a broad array of engineering or scientific disciplines to create appropriate solutions. The range of potential issues means there\u2019s plenty of room to pursue work that calls upon your interests, whether that be robotics, neuroscience or chemistry.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entry-level biomedical engineering jobs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Compared to other engineering fields, biomedical engineering is a young discipline. It\u2019s also a fast-evolving one, as its advances build on each other and open new frontiers.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joining the field means you will work with cutting-edge technologies and processes. It also opens doors for you to work on issues you\u2019re really passionate about.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSometimes students will bring ideas like, \u2018I observed my grandparent with this. They\u2019re navigating the world with this challenge. How can I support and help with that?\u2019\u201d Gulati says. \u201cWe want to help that family have a higher quality of life.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many avenues you can take into the field.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Biomedical field service engineer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You encounter biomedical devices in almost any health care environment, from doctor\u2019s offices to hospitals. Field service engineers ensure those devices operate properly by installing, servicing and maintaining them.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Biomedical field service engineers may also train medical staff on proper use and care for the technology. Though you see them far less often than doctors and nurses, these engineers also play a vital role in your health care.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Systems engineer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Systems engineers take a broad view of the projects they work on and often remain involved with a product from its initial stages through development and production. They\u2019re generally responsible for making sure all the pieces fit together, troubleshooting product issues and communicating with all parties involved.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because biomedical engineers are trained to take this broad perspective, especially with an eye toward the relationship between a solution and the people who need it, they fit into these jobs very naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project engineer <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The term \u201cproject engineer\u201d covers a broad range of actual jobs which can vary widely depending on the company and industry. Generally, though, these positions are responsible for coordinating the technical side of a project.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider, for example, a project engineer who\u2019s tasked with finding a solution for a client. They may work with a design engineer to identify or create the equipment which fits the project\u2019s needs and budget. Then they might source the materials and coordinate with another team to assemble it into a functional product. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other jobs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n