Career Advancement in Biomedical Engineering: Growth, Outlook, and Opportunities

Biomedical engineering is a rapidly growing field that improves outcomes for patients and helps people thrive. Biomedical engineers develop advanced imaging systems, medical devices, bionic limbs and eyes, biosensors, bioartificial tissues and organs and other innovative products that improve medical care. To advance your career in this highly technical field, you’ll need to keep up with cutting-edge technologies and research.¹

This article explores modern biomedical engineering skills that can help you grow professionally.

Advanced Technical Skills Required Today

You'll need to master a number of essential skills for biomedical engineers—including proficiency in computer-aided design, simulation and modeling tools, robotics and automation and data analysis—to maximize your career potential.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

Biomedical engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to develop precise, detailed and accurate models of prosthetics, implants and medical devices. Biomedical engineers can then analyze, modify and optimize the models before the manufacturing process, thus generating innovative prototypes. They can also simulate the progress of a design throughout the manufacturing process, so they can catch mistakes before the product goes into production. CAM systems automate the manufacturing process by translating CAD files into instructions that control CAM equipment.²

CAD and CAM systems require proficiency in 3D modeling and design. While the software can codify geometrical objects, you need to be able to design the objects and systems to transfer them to the system.²

Simulation and Modeling Tools

By simulating interactions between devices and human tissues, biomedical engineers can determine—without placing any patient at risk—whether a device will harm the patient during operation.³ They use simulation and modeling tools to virtually recreate biological systems, device performance and therapeutic interventions. These tools help them develop better devices more quickly. They reduce the amount of necessary preclinical testing, so products can be brought to market faster. Creating virtual models also lowers the expenses related to physical prototyping and testing.³

To use these tools, you'll need strong math and programming skills as well as a clear understanding of regulatory requirements to ensure your models are compliant. As these programs are complex, you'll need to have good communication skills to translate the results for stakeholders.³

Robotics and Automation Integration

Biomedical engineers incorporate robotics and automation to develop innovative products for use in surgery, rehabilitation and assistive technologies. Adaptive prosthetics use physiological data and robotics in conjunction for sensory feedback that adjusts to an individual patient’s needs. Biomedical robots can be used in healthcare settings to automate routine tasks related to patient care, such as delivering medication, managing inventory systems and cleaning and sterilizing healthcare environments.⁴

Robotic systems can also expand access to healthcare for underserved populations. Robots with diagnostic tools can improve the quality of remote medical care. Rehabilitative robotic systems can also increase recovery times by providing personalized, adaptive care during the healing process.⁴

To develop these systems, you need a foundation in mechanical and electronic principles, as well as a deep understanding of the biological processes in which they'll be used.⁴

Data Analysis for Predictive Maintenance and Optimization

 
Data analysis can increase the reliability and performance of medical equipment. By collecting and analyzing data in real time, software can detect patterns and anomalies that could indicate a problem with equipment such as MRI machines, CT scanners and ventilators. Healthcare facilities can perform predictive maintenance before an issue arises and prevent failure at critical moments.⁵

Biomedical engineers can use predictive data analytics to develop technology and tools that allow healthcare providers to design personalized treatment plans, detect diseases in the earliest stages and optimize healthcare resources. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms can sift through massive datasets to find correlations and patterns in patient and healthcare data that would be impossible for humans to detect.

You'll need well-developed critical and analytical thinking skills along with statistical, mathematical and programming skills to build and optimize data analysis models.⁶

Soft Skills Are Critical for Career Advancement

In addition to the hard skills needed for biomedical engineers, soft skills are crucial if you want to advance your career. You’ll need leadership and team collaboration skills to navigate the complexities of biomedical engineering projects. With the extensive nature of these projects, communication is critical. Many projects rely on cross-functional teams that include professionals from diverse disciplines, including physicians and software engineers. You'll be required to communicate the details involved in your area of expertise and understand other areas.⁷

Biomedical engineers need problem-solving skills and an innovative mindset to develop new products that can improve healthcare outcomes. The primary function of biomedical engineers is to find solutions to complex healthcare-related problems. You need to be able to listen effectively, conduct research and analyze data to determine if a solution holds potential or not.⁷

Emerging Technologies and Specialized Knowledge Areas

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has had an increased role in the prototyping and development of biomedical engineering devices. Synthetic and natural polymers can be 3D printed for applications such as medical implants and bone repair. Bioprinting is being used in tissue engineering to create complex structures such as cartilage, muscle and skin. Biomedical 3D printing can also be used to modify and refine the dosage, shape and size of pharmaceutical products.⁸

Renewable energy systems are an emerging technology in biomedical engineering. Innovative biomedical engineers are developing devices powered by solar and kinetic power. They harness the power of the sun or the patient's movement to provide uninterrupted operation and reduce environmental impact.⁹

Smart materials are another emerging technology in the biomedical engineering field. These responsive materials can respond to triggers, such as biochemical reactions, temperature, and light. Biomedical engineers can use these properties to design targeted drug delivery systems that reduce side effects and improve efficacy.¹⁰

How a Master’s Degree Enhances Biomedical Engineering Competencies

A master’s degree in biomedical engineering can help you learn the future-ready skills you need to advance your career. Master’s programs teach advanced technical knowledge combined with soft skills. Working on real-world problems with teams of your peers helps you prepare for the situations you’ll encounter in your professional role. A master’s program lets you connect with other biomedical engineers who want to work in high-level and leadership roles. This will form the basis of your professional network and can lead to many opportunities throughout your career.

Develop Innovative Biomedical Solutions at CWRU 

An online Master of Science (MS) in Biomedical Engineering from CWRU can equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to become a leader in the biomedical engineering field. Learn from the convenience of your home on your own schedule. Our rigorous curriculum is taught by recognized experts, and practical, hands-on projects will give you valuable work experience. With a tuition discount for new online students, advancing your career has never been more affordable. To learn more, schedule a call with one of our admissions outreach advisors today.