STEM Careers in Healthcare: What Does a Biomedical Engineer Do?

Laylah W
Nov 30
4 min read

When most people think of healthcare, they picture doctors, nurses, paramedics, or the specialists you see in a clinic. But behind every MRI scan, prosthetic limb, heart monitor, or insulin pump is an entire world of science and engineering that makes modern medicine possible. And at the center of that world? Biomedical engineers.

If you’re a teen interested in STEM, health, technology, or problem-solving, biomedical engineering (BME) might be the perfect blend of everything you love. It’s creative, hands-on, innovative, and deeply connected to improving people’s lives.

Let’s break down what biomedical engineers actually do, how they’re changing the future, and what paths you can take if you’re curious about the field.

What Is Biomedical Engineering?

Biomedical engineering is the field where engineering meets medicine. Think of it as building solutions for the human body, creating tools, devices, and systems that help diagnose, treat, or prevent medical problems.

It combines:

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Engineering + design
Computer science
And a LOT of creativity

At its core, biomedical engineering is about understanding how the body works and then designing technology that works with it.

What Does a Biomedical Engineer Actually Do?

Depending on their specialty, biomedical engineers can work on almost anything related to health technology. Here are the biggest areas and examples:

1. Medical Devices

These are the tools doctors and patients use every day.

Biomedical engineers design and test devices like:

Pacemakers
Insulin pumps
Prosthetic limbs
Cochlear implants
EEG and EKG monitors
Surgical robots

They make sure devices are safe, functional, and comfortable for patients. For example, creating a prosthetic leg requires engineering, material science, biomechanics, AND empathy for how a real person will use it.

2. Medical Imaging

Ever had an X-ray or MRI? Biomedical engineers help create and improve the machines that make those images possible.

They work on:

MRI machines
X-ray and CT scanners
Ultrasound systems
Image-processing software

Their designs help doctors see inside the body more clearly and detect diseases earlier.

3. Tissue Engineering + Regenerative Medicine

This is the cutting-edge, sci-fi-sounding area of biomedical engineering.

Here, engineers work on:

Growing tissues or organs in the lab
Designing scaffolds that help cells grow
Developing artificial skin for burn victims

It’s one of the fastest-growing fields in medicine—and it could one day eliminate organ shortages completely.

4. Biomaterials

Biomedical engineers design the materials used inside the body.

Examples:

Artificial joints
Stents
Sutures
Dental implants
Materials for wound healing

These materials must be biocompatible, meaning they don’t cause reactions and can safely interact with living tissue.

5. Biomechanics

Biomechanics is the science of movement. Engineers in this field study how forces affect the human body.

Their work includes:

Designing athletic braces
Improving wheelchair mobility
Studying how joints move
Modeling the impact of injuries

It's a blend of physics, anatomy, and design, with real-life applications in sports medicine, physical therapy, and orthopedics.

6. Healthcare Technology + AI

More and more biomedical engineers are entering digital health.

They help create:

AI-powered diagnostic tools
Apps for monitoring chronic conditions
Wearable tech like Fitbits or heart monitors
Telehealth devices

They also work with big data to analyze medical trends and improve patient care.

What Skills Do Biomedical Engineers Need?

Even though this career is high-tech, you don’t have to be a genius or math prodigy to get started. Skills develop over time.

Here are the essentials:

Curiosity and creativity
Problem-solving skills
Understanding of biology and chemistry
Basic coding (Python, MATLAB, C++)
Communication and teamwork
Ability to think from the patient’s perspective

Good biomedical engineers aren’t just engineers, they’re human-centered designers.

Where Do Biomedical Engineers Work?

One cool thing about BME is how flexible it is. People in this field work in:

Hospitals (clinical engineering)
Research labs
Tech companies (Apple, Medtronic, GE Healthcare)
Universities
Government agencies (FDA, NIH)
Start-ups developing breakthrough devices

Some even combine BME with medical school and become physician-engineers who design solutions and treat patients.

Why Biomedical Engineering Matters

Biomedical engineers quietly shape almost every part of modern healthcare. Their innovations:

Make surgeries safer
Help disabled individuals gain independence
Allow early diagnosis of diseases
Help premature babies survive
Improve mental health care
Expand access to treatment through cheaper, smarter devices

They’re not always visible, but their work saves lives every single day.

Is Biomedical Engineering Right for You?

How to Explore BME as a Teen

You can start right now with:

Joining HOSA or a STEM club
Taking biology, physics, and engineering classes
Doing a science fair project
Learning basic coding
Exploring 3D design tools (Fusion 360, Tinkercad)
Shadowing a biomedical engineer or clinician
Reading about medical innovations

If you’re already working on a teen health passion project, this field connects beautifully with tech, innovation, and healthcare advocacy.

Final Thoughts

Biomedical engineering is one of the most exciting, impactful careers in the entire STEM world. It mixes compassion with innovation and gives teens the chance to shape the future of medicine. Whether you dream of creating artificial organs, designing the next life-saving device, or improving global access to healthcare, this career opens the door.

If you’re someone who cares deeply about helping others, and you love science, biomedical engineering might just be your perfect fit.