Questions

In Michigan there are 40,000 doctors.

Why do we need more doctors?

There is a combination of factors for the dire need to train more doctors and nurses. Of the 40,000 doctors in Michigan, over half are going to retire in the next 10 years. As our population increases and ages along with increased life-expectancy there is a strong demand for Health & Medicine careers.

What are the “Hottest” job demands in the next 5 years?

Of the top 20 career prospects 12 of those are in health and medicine.

Source; Kiplinger 2008

Medical scientist: Conduct biomedical research to understand causes of health problems to develop treatment and techniques to improve human health.

Why it's hot: Hot health issues such as AIDS, cancer and Alzheimers are driving research. Medical scientists also help develop new drugs -- a hot field thanks to the aging population.

Degree: PhD in a biological science

Median salary: $61,320

Physical therapist: Help people suffering from injuries or disease by administering physical treatments and exercises.

Why it's hot: An aging population means more people with physical limitations and disabilities.

Degree: Bachelor's and accredited physical therapy educational program. Must pass a licensure exam.

Median salary: $60,180

What do biomedical and biotechnical engineers do?

Biomedical and biotechnical engineers use a combination of biology, engineering, computer science, and problem-solving skills to tackle problems of a biological and/or technical nature. Biomedical and biotechnical engineers help to map human genes, create new computer-assisted tools for simplifying surgery, develop crops that can feed more people, or design implants that will allow people with spinal injuries to walk again. To put it simply, they come up with new ways to improve and protect our quality of life.

What are the job prospects for biomedical and biotechnical engineering?

With the population of the United States aging, and more people clamoring for drugs and artificial devices that improve and extend life, biomedical and biotechnical engineers will be in big demand. There were about 7,600 biomedical and biotechnical engineers working in the United States in 2002, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The agency predicts the number of jobs in the field will have grown by more than 30 percent over the decade ending in 2010. And because there is such a great demand for qualified engineers, job security is high.

Where do biomedical and biotechnical engineers work?

About 38 percent of biomedical and biotechnical engineers work in manufacturing, primarily for pharmaceutical and medical diagnostic, instrument, and supply companies. They also work in hospitals, universities, research facilities, and for government agencies, such as the national Institutes of Health (NIH).

What do biomedical and biotechnical engineers earn?

Salaries for biomedical and biotechnical engineers are good, and getting better. In 2006, the median annual income for biomedical and biotechnical engineers was $60,410, while the top 10 percent earned more than $107,000.

What education is required to be a biomedical and biotechnical engineer?

If you want to pursue a career in biomedical and biotechnical engineering, you will need a four-year college degree or higher. High school preparation is basically the same as for any engineering discipline, four years of math, science, and English courses, with an infusion of life science. Good communication skills are also important, as biomedical and biotechnical engineers must deal with people from many different career fields, including doctors, nurses, technicians, chemists, biologists, and other engineers. Biomedical and biotechnical engineering is among the fastest growing engineering specialties for women, with the number of women receiving bachelor’s degrees each year nearly the same as for men.

Where can you learn more about biomedical and biotechnical engineering?

To explore careers in biomedical and biotechnical engineering, visit these websites.