Job Description
Biomedical Engineers are involved in maintaining and designing systems and products in the healthcare industry. They will research, design and develop products such as joint replacements, prosthetic limbs, artificial valves and other medical equipment. They are also involved in implementing new medical procedures such as computer aided surgery and systems for sterilisation of equipment to reduce the risk of contamination as well as the spread of diseases. Typical employers of biomedical engineers would be hospitals, universities, research organisations or manufacturers of medical equipment.
Entry Requirements
You will need a degree to become a Biomedical Engineer.
University
The degree will need to be accredited by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) or the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
The relevant courses include:
- biomedical science or engineering
- electrical or electronic engineering
- mechanical engineering
- physics
You will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) including maths, English and science, plus three A levels (maths and physics A level are preferred) to do an engineering-related degree.
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Training Programme
Scientist Training Programme (STP)
You’ll need a degree in a relevant science or engineering subject (2:1 or higher), or a postgraduate qualification, to apply for the Scientist Training Programme (STP).
It is a 3-year on-the-job programme,supported by a University accredited master’s degree. You will be employed by the NHS for the duration of the programme.
Practitioner Training Programme
If you don’t have a degree, you could apply for the Practitioner Training Programme (PTP). This is a 3-year undergraduate training scheme which you will complete a BSc (Hons) in Healthcare Science.
Career Tips
You’ll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council once qualified.
Visit Health Careers for more details about working as a clinical engineer.
Alternatively, with a degree you could also find employment in the private sector and work your way up to chartered engineer status.
Career Path and Progression
With experience and further training, you could become a consultant, specialising in particular clinical areas, or move into management, teaching or medical research.
Related careers you may be interested in:
- Clinical scientist
- Design and development engineer
- Materials engineer
- Mechanical engineer
- Medical physicist
Required Skills
- A strong interest in the relationship between engineering and medicine
- Excellent communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Good commercial awareness
- A good technical knowledge
- Creativity
- Able to explain your ideas to others with less technical capabilities
Salary Range
£23,000 to £45,000
