Description | Skills | Experience | Sample Careers/Work Settings | Salary
Double Majors/Minors | Advanced Degrees | NCSU Orgs | Prof. Orgs | Links | Next Steps

Description of Major

Biomedical engineers are professionally trained to combine the rigors of medical and biological studies with the power of engineering analysis and design. Students choose biomedical engineering to be of service to others, to enjoy the excitement of understanding living systems, and to use state-of-the-art science and technology to solve the complex problems of medical care.

The emphasis in biomedical engineering is on finding solutions by researching, testing, and applying medical, biological, chemical, electrical, and materials information. Biomedical engineers are employed by hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical device and testing companies, government agencies, universities, and medical schools.

With so many areas of specialization within the field, graduates are encouraged to further their education by attending graduate or professional school. Graduates from NC State have obtained advanced degrees in not only biomedical engineering, but also related fields such as physical therapy, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, public health, sports physiology, medical school, dental school, and pharmacy school.

Courses include:

Biomedical Engineering Design & Manufacturing, Human Physiology for Engineers, Biomechanics, Biomaterials, Biomedical Instrumentation, Senior Design Project.

There are three areas of emphasis within the curriculum: biomaterials, biomechanics, and biomedical instrumentation. Courses in these areas are selected during the junior and senior years.

The Undergraduate Catalog shows a listing of Biomedical Engineering courses, and the degree audit shows the curricula requirements for this major. If you are interested in expanding your career options, consider double-majoring and/or adding a minor.

Return to top

Skills You Develop In This Major

• Engineers are problem solvers -- people who make things work better, more efficiently, quicker and less expensively. They use skills and dedication to search for better ways to solve problems. National Society of Professional Engineers
• As an engineering student, you will have to work hard at your studies, getting a solid background in engineering principles, and then apply your knowledge in real-world applications. Your studies are not everything, however. The professional engineer of today is not just an expert in a particular field. Today’s engineer is a many-faceted individual whose knowledge is combined with a wide range of skills and experiences. As a student at NC State, you are not just spending time in class and studying; you are preparing yourself for a professional career. Louis Martin-Vega, Dean of Engineering

Gaining Career-Related Experience

You are strongly encouraged to gain career-related experience prior to graduation in the form of an internship, summer job, or co-op. Though course credit is not available for this experience through the College of Engineering, you may expect compensation from the employer.

Co-op is a program of alternating semesters of work and school. Paid work terms of increasing responsibility enable students to graduate with the minimum equivalent of one year of relevant work experience. Full-time enrollment during the semester prior to the first work term is required. You can begin co-op after completion of at least two semesters (30 credit hours) at NC State (one semester for transfers and graduate students). An NC State transcript must show grades and admission to a degree program. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students) is required. The Co-op Office web site lists the Orientation Schedule, which is the first step to program participation.

Internships are typically full-time during the summer or (for some) part-time during the semester. You can start interning or seeking summer jobs related to your field, whenever you are ready. The University Career Center provides services to help you get started.

Participate in ePack, the Career Center's on-line system that connects employees with students through internship postings, on-campus interviews, information sessions, and resume searches. You may activate your ePack account at any time.

Internship Example

• Baxter

Return to top

Sample Career Titles and Possible Work Settings

The following lists provide a brief sampling of the kind of jobs and work environments you might find with a degree in this major. These titles and work settings are by no means an exhaustive listing. Because the world of work is always changing, over time job titles and work settings can change. The below listing is provided in hopes of giving you initial insight into a particular career field that would employ the skills and knowledge gained through this major.

Sample Career Titles	Sample Work Settings
Design Engineer	Medical Products Industry
Product Engineer	Biotechnology Industry
Manufacturing Engineer	Consumer Products Industry
Applications Engineer	Healthcare Facility
Plant Engineer	Medical Device Industry
Sales Engineer	Pharmaceutical Industry

Careers Needing Advanced Degrees

• Assistant Professor, University or College
• Researcher, Research Center

Return to top

Salary

Baccalaureate - $ 56,158
From NACE Report - Summer 2011: www.naceweb.org

The salary listed above is an average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level. Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees.

Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to mold an entry-level position into your dream job and subsequently increase your salary as you learn more, add responsibilities and gain experience.

NC State Related Organizations & Clubs

Biomedical Engineering Club
Faculty Adviser: Peter Mente, 515.6757, plmente@ncsu.edu

Engineering World Health
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Lianne Cartee,515.6726, lacartee@ncsu.edu

Health PAC
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Anita Flick, MD, , Health@ncsu.edu

Professional Resources (Outside NC State)

These resources include organizations, clubs, and conferences not affiliated with NC State and can be an important part of your career pursuit.

• Biomedical Engineering Central
• Biomedical Engineering Network
• Biomedical Engineering Society
• National Society of Professional Engineers

Links to Related Resources

• University Career Center
• For more specific information on occupation/job skills, expectations, and salary, go to the Occupational Information Network site and search for a specific job. (hint: for salary info, select a report on one of the jobs and find the wages link at the bottom of the page.)
• The list of available Minors at NC State.
• Experimental Courses Listing (a.k.a. Special Topics)
• Department of Biomedical Engineering
• College of Engineering
• Cooperative Education Program
  
• Cornerstone Career Profiles
• Try Engineering
• A Sightseers Guide to Engineering

Next Steps

Need more information about this major? Contact the expert on this major,
Coordinator of Advising.

Don't want this major? Continue exploring the available majors.
Still unsure of your major and/or not sure what to do next?
You know you want this major. What do you need to do now?

Return to top

Last updated: 10th of August, 2011 at 9:05:16 AM

[ What Can I Do With A Major In...? | How Do I Decide On A Major? |
Degree Requirements | How Do I Change My Major? | Minors | Pre-Professional & Grad School ]

[ University Career Center | Advising Central | CALS Career Services | Textiles Career Services ]

[NC State Home]

Site last modified March 9, 2010
Copyright ©2004-2009, University Career Center and OASIS, North Carolina State University