5 Unique Career Settings in Biomedical Science

5 Rare Work Settings for Biomedical Scientists

  • Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing
  • Research and Development Centers
  • Electronic and Control Device Manufacturing
  • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
  • Hospitals, Clinics and Rehabilitation Facilities

People who earn a degree in biomedical engineering may wonder about the available career settings in biomedical science. These scientists use the principles of engineering and biology along with knowledge of human anatomy and physiology to design and create devices, equipment and technology for use in healthcare, including in the human body. Being familiar with the available career settings in biomedical science could help a graduate choose the best possible work environment for their skills and preferences.

1. Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing

Biomedical scientists may work in facilities where medical equipment and supplies are manufactured. They might be responsible for the quality control aspects of the manufacturing process. The scientists may work with mechanical or electrical engineers to hone or refine a device that does not work as planned. The workers in this setting may also test devices as they come off of the production line and test their functionality and tolerances.

2. Research and Development Centers

Biomedical scientists who research problems may spend most of their time in a research and development center. This is a laboratory type of environment. They might build prototypes of a device or work with a factory that will build the prototype. These biomedical scientists may also spend time running simulations on computers as they make changes to a prototype. Once they have a piece of equipment or device in hand, they might recruit patients or volunteers to test it.

3. Electronic and Control Device Manufacturing

Manufacturing facilities for electronic and medical control devices also employ biomedical scientists. These scientists may have a specialty in electrical engineering or a dual degree. In this setting, the scientists might work on ways to improve an existing design. For example, they might experiment with how to make an implanted device’s battery last longer so that patients do not have to have them replaced as frequently.

4. Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools

Biomedical scientists also work at colleges, universities and professional schools explains the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There, they might collaborate with other professionals who do more direct patient care. For example, a biomedical scientist might partner with a cardiologist at a medical school to hone a cardiac device or a piece of equipment used during cardiac surgery. They might also collaborate with engineering departments, nanotechnology professionals and others who could help them develop state-of-the-art devices, equipment and supplies for healthcare.

5. Hospitals, Clinics and Rehabilitation Facilities

Some biomedical scientists may spend part or even all of their time in hospitals, specialty care clinics and rehabilitation facilities. For example, a biomedical scientist might work with amputees to help them get the desired fit and functionality from an artificial limb. They may take their findings back to the laboratory and use them to hone devices, equipment or supplies. Biomedical scientists may also visit with patients who have received an implanted device to discuss their progress.

Each of these career settings for biomedical science offers something different. People who have a preference for travel might want to work for a device manufacturer, while those who like working with people might find a hospital or clinic environment more suitable. Familiarity with the career settings in biomedical science allows the degree holder to make an informed decision about their career path.

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