Biomedical engineering deals with application of engineering principles along with design concepts in biology and medicine. With the help of biomedical engineering, it is possible to minimise the gap between medicine and engineering. It might sound complex. So in order to simplify the matter and make the concept usable with the right blend of clinical medicine and applied medical technology, the demand for appropriate trained professionals has increased over the years.
The main purpose of biomedical engineering is to use problem-solving skills and combine the designs of engineering with biological science and medicine so that it improves diagnostic procedures, monitoring and therapies more effective. Medical professionals involved in biomedical engineering should have the potential to define medical terms in engineering terms and should come up with a solution that satisfies both the clinical requirement and engineering. The success rate of this form of engineering can be assessed easily from the feedback of a patient who has undergone such a treatment.
As a result of this there has been great expansion of biomedical engineering in certain sectors such as medical electronics, computer engineering and software, clinical engineering, biomaterials along with rehabilitation engineering. There is huge scope of development in this sector. Bioengineers are now designing systems that range from clinical computing to cardiac monitoring, wheel chair to artificial tendons to wheel chair, contact lenses to artificial hearts. It is also becoming an integral part of health care delivery and management technology in health care institutes.
Along with other
medical jobs in Australia there has been remarkable innovative development in the field of biomedical engineering. In order to provide skilled workers for this booming sector several renowned universities in Australia now provide advanced courses on this such as a Master degree in Biomedical Engineering. The main aim of this department is to integrate life science and engineering for the advancement of human health.
Career Prospects for Biomedical Engineers
At the initial stage biomedical engineers have to work with professionals in medical field to solve complicated health problems and use applied technology through engineering practices and techniques. The current trend of hiring biomedical engineers looks quite promising. It is predicted by organisations dealing with
medical recruitment in Australia that the growth rate in this sector will be about 20% in between 2006- 2016 which is almost double the expected amount.
Biomedical engineers are generally appointed by the manufacturing industries, especially in medical supplies and instrument industry. It is also possible to get jobs in government agencies or in private sectors. New areas of biomedical engineering such as computer"" assisted surgery and tissue engineering are experiencing rapid development. Along with that, the demand for biomedical engineering in orthopaedic and rehabilitation sectors has also increased. With aging population and growing demand for specialised treatments, the demand of biomedical engineering will increase up to 27% by 2014.
The salary amount generally varies with the candidate"s skill and experience. In order to secure a better salary amount for a bright future, it is important to have proper formal training. To face the increasing competition in the sector, biomedical engineers should also have additional training in electronic or mechanical engineering from recognised Australian university.