Career in Biomedical Sciences & Engineering- Scope, Courses, Jobs, Salary

The study of biomedical engineering entails a vast range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This branch of sciences and engineering is an enthralling multidisciplinary area of study that involves the application of engineering techniques to help practitioners like physicians and doctors in their healthcare practices.

Biomedical engineering, a niche engineering branch, works in tandem with the principals of medical sciences aiming to rationalise the healthcare services in the country. The study of biomedical engineering entails a vast range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This branch of sciences and engineering is an enthralling multidisciplinary area of study that involves the application of engineering techniques to help practitioners like physicians and doctors in their healthcare practices. Study of this branch also assists them in the rehabilitation of disabled patients.

Professionals in this field are in-demand and can garner good job opportunities and competitive salary packages. If this field of engineering interests you, read this to know all about biomedical engineering, its scope, job opportunities and salary packages. 

How do you get started?

Training and education requirements for professionals pursuing biomedical engineering courses:

Candidates aspiring biomedical engineering as a career option can pursue four-year Bachelor in Technology (B.Tech) programmes or five-year integrated B. Tech-M.Tech programmes at the undergraduate level. After completing graduation, candidates can also pursue two-year Master in Technology (M.Tech) programme in Biomedical Engineering. Subjects covered under these programmes include Physics, Biology, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biotech, Materials Science, Calculus, Principles of Design and Bio-mechanics. Popular biomedical engineering courses are mentioned below:

Diploma Course:

• Diploma in Biomedical Engineering

Undergraduate Courses (four years):

• BSc in Biomedical Engineering
• B.Tech in Biomedical Engineering
• BE in Biomedical Engineering
• B.Tech in Biotechnology & Biochemical Engineering
• B.Tech in Biomedical Instrumentation

Postgraduate courses (two years):

• ME in Biomedical Engineering
• MSc in Biomedical Engineering
• M.Tech in Biomedical Engineering
• M.Tech in Bio-Medical Signal Processing & Instrumentation
• MS in Biomedical Engineering
• M.Tech in Biomedical Instrumentation
• ME in Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology

Doctoral Course:

Ph.D in Biomedical Engineering

Skills required for getting success: What you should have and what you should acquire?

Biomedical engineers work with a vast range of administrative, technical and medical staff and sometimes, patients. Key skills that they need to develop include:

• Excellent attention to detail
• Vigilant measurement and analytical skills
• The technical and creative ability to turn designs into products
• The ability to empathize with patients
• Communication and team-working skills
• Great knowledge about design

How much does it cost?

The average cost of an undergraduate program is around Rs 1-3 lakh while the average cost of a postgraduate programme is around Rs 2 lakh. Diploma course in aeronautics costs around Rs 3 lakh. 

What are the Top biomedical engineering colleges where one should be studying?

Job roles, growth prospects and salaries

The drastic advancement of technology involved in biomedical engineering will carry on changing the job profile of biomedical engineers. It will also carry on creating new work areas. Hence, there is a need to convert the expanding range of activities for biomedical engineers into very favorable job prospects. The retirement of a substantial count and fast aging of the population of biomedical engineers is possible to result in huge job openings between the period of 2019 and 2024.

Biomedical engineering career opportunities would comprise the following:

Future Growth Prospects

Employment of biomedical engineers is expected to grow at seven per cent from 2016 to 2026. As the aging baby-boom generation stays active and lives longer, the demand for biomedical procedures and devices is expected to increase. Several opportunities exist for students pursuing a course in biomedical sciences in India. It is a huge, happening subject with huge opportunities for management, laboratory work, education, research, and consultancy. Once you become competent in the subject, you can work in the private sector or the numerous national healthcare laboratories. Those who do not find themselves appropriate for standard hospital careers may choose for health protection agencies, or work in forensic science departments.

Top Recruiters hiring Biomedical Engineers

Even though several companies hire biomedical engineers; some of the most leading ones are mentioned below:

• Philips Healthcare
• Siemens Healthcare
• GE Healthcare
• Stryker
• Johnson & Johnson
• Toshiba Medical Systems