| As baby boomers age, there has been an | | | | community has a better understanding of how |
| increased demand for new medical procedures | | | | certain organs and musculoskeletal systems |
| and equipment. As a result, biomedical | | | | function. |
| engineering, a field that combines medicine | | | | |
| with engineering and biology, is expected to | | | | According to the U.S. Department of Labor, |
| grow in the next decade and beyond. | | | | biomedical engineering is expected to grow |
| | | | faster than the average for all occupations |
| With an insight into both medical and | | | | through 2014. While a bachelor's in |
| engineering fields, biomedical engineers work | | | | engineering is required, a graduate degree in |
| effectively in hospitals, research | | | | engineering is also recommended for most |
| facilities, academia, government regulatory | | | | entry-level bioengineering jobs. Many |
| agencies or as consultants. | | | | universities offer accredited engineering |
| | | | graduate programs. |
| Biomechanics, which applies biomechanical | | | | |
| engineering to biological or medical | | | | Professional organizations, such as the |
| problems, utilizes scientific principles to | | | | American Society of Mechanical Engineers |
| produce new ways of keeping the body | | | | (ASME), can help students interested in |
| functional and healthy. These include the | | | | pursuing biotechnology careers. |
| creation of synthetic organs and joints, as | | | | |
| well as machines that control body functions, | | | | ASME promotes the interests of its members |
| imaging systems like X-ray and ultrasound, | | | | and keeps them informed of industry |
| and the laser systems used in corrective eye | | | | developments. Additionally, networking |
| surgery. | | | | opportunities offered by the organization can |
| | | | help students find jobs and get on the right |
| As a result of these advances, the medical | | | | career track. |