The increasing need for Bioengineers

Bioengineering is the application of engineering principles and methods to problems in biology and medicine and a major area of application today is biomedical engineering where engineers work to solve medical and biological problems and design new health care technologies, including medical devices and implants, diagnostic procedures and therapeutic approaches. Bioengineers are in demand worldwide and with the increasing importance and complexity of technology used in hospitals, The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has recently published a report calling for extra priority to be given to engineers working in health and medical sectors.

Dr Patrick Finlay, lead author of the report and Chairman of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Biomedical Engineering Association said: “Government and the NHS need to take urgent action to prioritise the role engineers play in hospitals and trusts. Clinicians and engineers need to work in partnership to ensure that advances in medical technology are applied in the best interest of patients. It is vital that engineers are at the heart of the planning, procurement, use and maintenance of high value equipment, as well as its calibration. It is only with engineers that properly informed choices on these issues can be made in the best interests of patients and taxpayers. ”

The UK is one of the leading countries in academic research in the area of biomedical engineering and has an excellent record in inventing and researching new medical devices. Furthermore, Biomedical engineering is expected to be the fastest growing job market in the United States during the next few years. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), between 2010 and 2020 the number of biomedical engineers is projected to rise by about 62 percent Bioengineers generally have their choice of jobs in hospitals, universities, industry or research laboratories. They are employed by medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies and medical research institutions. Bioengineering graduates are often qualified to purse advanced study for careers in medicine, law, business, education and other fields. As technology advances, new jobs and fields of research are constantly appearing. An aging population, focused on health and quality of life issues, has increased the demand for better medical devices and equipment. Coupled with this long-term trend is an industrial concern for cost efficiency and effectiveness and this requires the talent of bioengineers. Rehabilitation and orthopaedic engineering specialities are also growing quickly.

If you are interested in engineering and science and want to work in a developing industry that offers excellent career prospects, then the School of Engineering and Digital Arts offers an undergraduate course in Bioengineering, underpinned with support from industry in the sector including Haag-Streit UK, Rose Medical, Quivium, Ultratone, Naneum, and Merck Sharp & Dohme