EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

1. EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING Melanie Groan

2. . Brief CV Education • Awarded Bachelors Degree in Biomedical Engineering from Louisiana Tech – 2004 • Anticipating Masters Degree in Biomedical Engineering from Louisiana Tech – 2008 Practical Experience • Biomedical EngineerGlenwood Regional Medical Center, West Monroe, LA 3/04-p • Perform preventative maintenance on medical equipment • Analyze and maintain medical equipment during repair process • Coordinate purchasing and returning medical equipment • Patient Service AssociateGlenwood Reg. Med. Center, West Monroe, LA 6/97-3/04 • Provided patient care in Emergency, X-Ray, and Endoscopy Dept. • Hospital VolunteerGlenwood Reg. Med. Center, West Monroe, LA 6/97-5/98 8 8

3. Definition of a Biomedical Engineer Biomedical Engineeringintegrates physical, chemical, mathematical, and computational sciences and engineering principles to study biology, medicine, behavior, and health. It advances fundamental concepts; creates knowledge from the molecular to the organ systems level; and develops innovative biologics, materials, processes, implants, devices and informatics approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, for patient rehabilitation, and for improving health. [1] [1] www.bmes.org NIH working definition of bioengineering – July 24, 1997

4. What does the U.S. Department of Labor think of us? • Biomedical Engineers are expected to have employment growth that is much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. [2] • The aging of the population and the focus on health issues will drive demand for better medical devices and equipment designed by biomedical engineers. Along with the demand for more sophisticated medical equipment and procedures, an increased concern for cost- effectiveness will boost demand for biomedical engineers, particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing and related industries. [2] • Because of the growing interest in this field, the number of degrees granted in biomedical engineering has increased greatly. Biomedical engineers, particularly those with only a bachelor’s degree, may face competition for jobs. Unlike the case for many other engineering specialties, a graduate degree is recommended or required for many entry-level jobs. [2] [1] http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos262.html

5. So What Is It That We Do, Exactly? • Field Service Engineer for Medical Device Company • Clinical Engineer in Hospital • Research Engineer for Company • Management Position for Company • Self-Employed Biomedical Engineer for Consulting Firm • Hospital Administrator with MBA for Hospital • The possibilities are endless!

6. Places of Employment • Companies (None in this Area) • Baxter • GE Healthcare • Edwards LifeScience • Abbott Industries • Zimmer • Draeger • Hospitals (Just in this Area) • Glenwood Regional Medical Center • Saint Francis Medical Center • Lincoln General Hospital • Saint Francis Medical Center – North • LSU Medical Center – E A Conway • Shumpert Hospital in Shreveport

7. LINKS • www.bmes.org • Lists Job openings • Information on bmes program • List of Universities • Information on latest advances in field • www.bmecentral.com • Lists Job openings • List of Companies (IMPORTANT) • List of Labs/Research Facilities • www.ieee.com • Information on latest advances in field • Information on IEEE transactions on Biomedical Engineering

8. Clinical Engineering – A Subdivision of Biomedical Engineering Clinical Engineering is a branch of biomedical engineering for professionals responsible for the management of medical equipment in a hospital. The tasks of a clinical engineer are typically the acquisition and management of medical device inventory, supervising biomedical engineering technicians (BMETs), ensuring that safety and regulatory issues are taken into consideration and serving as a technological consultant for any issues in a hospital where medical devices are concerned. Basically, We maintain and serve ALL medical equipment directly related to patient care. Which meaning that I must have some level of understanding for over 4,000 devices at Glenwood.

9. Types of Medical Devices Baxter Infusion Pumps Usually Problems: Pump Head Mechanism Failure Sensor Failure Battery Failure ValleyLab Electrosurgical Units Usually Problems: Transistor failure Transformer failure Computer Board problems

10. Clinical Engineering – Advantages/Disadvantages Advantages: Work inside a Hospital (You get to experience some interesting situations) Usually offers great health and retirement benefits 40 hr/work week with some part-time positions (flexible hours) Usually room for advancing to higher positions Imperative part of the on-goings of a hospital (Your work is very IMPORTANT) Disadvantages: Lower to Medial end of Salary range for Biomedical Engineer Clinical Engineers typically take call for the hospital Can become repetitive (especially while performing PM’s)

11. Salaries [2] http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos262.html2005 Survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

12. Salaries General Biomedical Engineer Salaries Clinical Engineer Salary starting in this area ~$30,000-$35,000. Senior Level ~ $50,000-$60,000 Field Service Engineer Salary starting in this area ~$40,000-$45,000. Senior Level ~ $60,000-$70,000 Also consider cost of living for larger cities 2005 survey by he National Association of Colleges and Employers.

13. Salaries Top paying industries for this occupation: 2005 survey by he National Association of Colleges and Employers.

14. Questions???