Do you remember your favorite subject in school? Was it biology, math, or both? If so, biomedical engineering could be the perfect career path for you.  

Biomedical engineers work with teams of doctors, scientists, and other engineers to monitor, restore, and improve functions of the human body. As such, they are committed to the advancement of research and education in biomechanics and biomaterials, biomolecular engineering, biotechnology, cardiopulmonary engineering, micro-and nano-systems, neuroscience, and sensory systems. These engineers are behind the technological innovations revolutionizing the health care field.

Specifically, biomedical engineers develop devices and procedures that solve medical and health-related problems. They create electrical circuits and medical devices for medical and surgical instrumentation; design artificial organs, joints, blood vessels, and skin; utilize nanotechnology and develop micro-machines to repair cell damage and alter gene function; and develop computer models that allow doctors to interpret results of medical tests and make better diagnostic decisions.

Biomedical engineering programs
At biomedical engineering colleges, you will learn engineering fundamentals such as analysis, problem-solving, design, and teamwork. These are applied to biological systems and medical problems through courses that cover bioelectricity and bioinstrumentation, biological heat and mass transfer, biomechanics of hard and soft tissue, cellular biology, organic chemistry and biochemistry, and structure and function of biomaterials.

Integrated biomedical engineering curricula include courses from other engineering disciplines such as agricultural and biological, electrical, industrial, materials science, and mechanical engineering. Specialties within biomedical engineering include biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, and orthopedic engineering. As a student at biomedical engineering colleges, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on engineering experience through intense laboratory coursework and real-life biomedical problem-solving.

Accredited biomedical engineering colleges
The American Board for Engineering and Technology is the official accreditation body for biomedical engineering programs in the U.S. If you choose to pursue a Professional Engineer license, graduation from an accredited biomedical engineering program is a must.

Though some jobs may be available for those with bachelor's degrees in biomedical engineering, a graduate degree is recommended and sometimes even required to become a biomedical engineer.

Biomedical engineering careers
With training from biomedical engineering colleges, you will be able to solve open-ended engineering challenges with biological or medical relevance and integrate contributions from multiple disciplines to address biological and medical needs. You will be able to develop and advance cutting-edge research and convert results into the next generation of medical products.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, biomedical engineers are expected to have 21 percent employment growth between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging population, focus on health issues, and increased concern for cost-effectiveness are all driving demand for more sophisticated medical devices and equipment designed by biomedical engineers. And in May 2008, biomedical engineers earned a median annual salary of $77,400.

If you want to boost the quality of life around the world, commit to solving problems in biology and medicine - commit to a biomedical engineering college education.