Biomedical engineering is a dynamic and promising career path that bridges the gap between healthcare and technology. As the demand for innovative medical solutions continues to grow, this field offers endless opportunities for individuals with a strong foundation in engineering principles and a passion for improving human health.
From developing life-saving medical devices to advancing healthcare systems, biomedical engineers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of medicine. Among the diverse areas within the medical sector, biomedical engineering is a distinctive path that provides extensive career opportunities. It is a field with enormous potential to push the boundaries of medical science, transform healthcare, and streamline clinical processes.
Let’s go through a comprehensive overview of biomedical engineering in this blog that covers various aspects of the field. We will explore the required qualifications, areas of specialisation, job scope, salary, career growth prospects, and other essential details to help clarify your path forward.
Biomedical engineering (BME), also referred to as medical engineering, is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the application of engineering principles to address medical challenges. Biomedical engineers resolve complexities in the healthcare industry using innovative technological solutions, specifically by designing and developing medical equipment that benefits the human healthcare field.
Integrating principles of both fields brings forth advancements in diverse areas of the medical industry, such as timely diagnosis, medical monitoring, strategic treatment methods, etc. Some examples of biomedical equipment include ventilators, blood pressure monitors, pacemakers, and artificial limbs.
Kickstarting your career in the field of biomedical engineering requires you to acquire relevant knowledge, skills, and expertise. For those seeking a successful career as a biomedical engineer, here are some things to consider:
As an interdisciplinary field that intersects diverse branches of engineering and medicine, biomedical engineering consists of several areas of specialisation, including:
A biomedical engineer plays a comprehensive role by combining the scope of engineering and healthcare systems to achieve positive outcomes. They design, test, and implement new medical devices and technologies while developing strategies and algorithms that enhance human health and medical care. They conduct research and tests to understand the effectiveness of biomaterials, identify inefficiencies, and implement the most effective medical solutions. Biomedical engineers are also responsible for analysing and improving existing systems and biomedical devices and deriving innovative solutions to tackle challenges and limitations.
Biomedical engineering is generally considered a well-compensated career with scope for job growth both in India and abroad. Experts predict a significant increase in job opportunities and employment in the near future, with around 7% growth from 2016 to 2026.
In a nutshell, some areas where biomedical engineers can extend their expertise include:
Biomedical engineers, specialising in different areas of the field, can explore potential career opportunities in top companies, as detailed below:
| Industry | Top Recruiters |
| Research and Development | IITs IISc Bangalore NIB CSIR Laboratories |
| Medical Device Manufacturing | Johnson & Johnson Medical India GE Healthcare India Medtronic India Siemens Healthcare |
| Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology | Biocon Limited Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited Cipla Limited Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. |
| Biomaterials and Implants | Stryker India Zimmer Biomet Johnson & Johnson Medical India Medtronic India |
| Healthcare IT and Medical Informatics | Wipro GE Healthcare TCS Healthcare Solutions Infosys Health Agilent Technologies India |
As a well-compensated field, entry-level biomedical engineers in India can expect a salary between INR 3 lakhs and INR 5 lakhs per year. For experienced professionals, the salary typically starts at INR 5 lakhs. While this is an average estimate, salary and overall career prospects depend on factors such as experience, expertise, location, industry, etc. Here is a brief overview of the salary structure for various sectors within the field.
| Job Profile | Job Description | Salary (Average) |
|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Engineer | Applies the principles of engineering to address challenges in the biological field. | INR 6-9 LPA |
| Instrument Engineer | Responsible for designing, developing, and testing instruments for medical purposes like timely disease diagnosis and treatment. | INR 7.5-9 LPA |
| Installation Engineer | Works with a team of technicians to install and set up medical equipment. | INR 6-8.5 LPA |
| Maintenance Engineer | Examines medical devices and ensures their proper functioning and maintenance. | INR 7-10 LPA |
| Researcher | Conduct research to tackle existing challenges by developing innovative medical solutions. | INR 6-9 LPA |
Biomedical engineering is a competitive field with endless opportunities for skilled professionals. Integrating advanced technology into medicine has become crucial, positioning biomedical engineers at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
With continuous advancements in technology, healthcare awareness, and government investments, the healthcare industry continues to progress, achieving groundbreaking advancements that drive the future of medical care. As a result, the expected growth trajectory of Indian medical devices is enormous, around $50 billion by 2025. Leading among the top 20 global markets and the fourth-largest in Asia, the Indian Med-Tech industry witnesses exponential demand worldwide, which opens immense opportunities for skilled biomedical engineers in diverse sectors.
Additionally, various government programmes and schemes are driving progress in India’s self-reliance in healthcare technology. Government schemes for medical device manufacturing such as the Production Linked Incentive (worth INR 3,420 crores) and the Promotion of Medical Device Parks (worth INR 400 crores), along with the National Medical Devices Policy 2022 focus on bringing India to the forefront of MedTech manufacturing.
Developing new medical devices, troubleshooting existing ones, researching to identify treatment methods, etc. are all key responsibilities. Moreover, biomedical engineers strive to make positive strides in the healthcare industry. As a result, biomedical engineers have a rewarding future both in India and abroad. As a multidisciplinary industry, biomedical engineers can set their careers in diverse sectors, such as hospital and healthcare management facilities, research centres, biomedical equipment manufacturing, and laboratories.
If you are seeking a career with immense potential that can transform the healthcare industry, biomedical engineering is the one for you. Earning a degree in biomedical engineering from a prestigious university with exceptional academic standards, highly qualified faculties and facilities, and a dynamic learning environment is a significant milestone that opens doors to numerous opportunities.
Join Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, the preeminent deemed university in India offering valuable learning experiences to students, Amrita ensures world-class education to learners from all over the world. With over 250 undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs in diverse fields, including Engineering, Management, and Medical Sciences, Amrita is a multidisciplinary research center that prepares students for a future filled with opportunities and success.
Achieving 7th rank among the best universities in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and being awarded an A++ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), our commitment to academic excellence ensures quality education and career growth. Our close collaboration with top universities around the world, including UC San Diego, provides students with extensive exposure and opens up opportunities for international study programs and academic experiences abroad. Step into a world of endless possibilities with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.
