Details Report

Updated 2006

Details Report for:
17-2031.00 - Biomedical Engineers

Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

This newly defined occupation contains data obtained through the O*NET data collection program and has not yet been rated for Interests and Work Values.

Sample of reported job titles: Biomedical Technician, Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET), Biomedical Engineer, Biomedical Electronics Technician, Biomedical Engineering Technician, Research Engineer, Biomedical Manager, Clinical Engineer, Biomedical Engineering Director, Biomedical Engineering Supervisor

View report: Summary Details Custom

Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance	Category	Task
83	Core	Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
79	Core	Install, adjust, maintain, and/or repair biomedical equipment.
66	Core	Advise hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition, and use of medical equipment.
60	Core	Advise and assist in the application of instrumentation in clinical environments.
67	Supplemental	Research new materials to be used for products such as implanted artificial organs.
67	Supplemental	Develop models or computer simulations of human bio-behavioral systems in order to obtain data for measuring or controlling life processes.
59	Supplemental	Design and develop medical diagnostic and clinical instrumentation, equipment, and procedures, utilizing the principles of engineering and bio-behavioral sciences.
58	Supplemental	Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.
58	Supplemental	Teach biomedical engineering, or disseminate knowledge about field through writing or consulting.
53	Supplemental	Design and deliver technology to assist people with disabilities.
50	Supplemental	Diagnose and interpret bioelectric data, using signal processing techniques.
43	Supplemental	Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
38	Supplemental	Analyze new medical procedures in order to forecast likely outcomes.
11	Supplemental	Develop new applications for energy sources, such as using nuclear power for biomedical implants.

Tools & Technology Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Tools used in this occupation:

Amplifiers — Bio-signal amplifiers; Radio frequency amplifiers

Cardiac pacemaker generators or implantable defibrillators or accessories — Defibrillator testing devices; Pacemaker analyzers; Pacemaker testing devices

Electrometers — Biomedical device electrical safety testers; Electrosurgery testing devices; Pressure and temperature measurement devices; Ventilator performance analyzers (see all 7 examples)

Fatigue testers — Cardiovascular prosthetic device testers; Material fatigue and dynamics characterization devices; Servopneumatic axial test instruments

Flexure or transverse testing machines — Finger joint flexure testers; Multi-axis kinematic knee simulators; Spine simulators

Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanners — 3T scanners; Functional magnetic resonance imaging fMRI scanners; Magnetic resonance imaging MRI systems; Ultra high speed magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanner machines (see all 5 examples)

Medical ultrasound or doppler or pulse echo or echography units for general diagnostic use — Ultrasonic testing apparatus; Ultrasound imaging scanners; Ultrasound transducers

pH electrodes — Electrode bevelers; Electrode pullers; Electroplating apparatus; Microelectrodes

Physiological recorders — Activity monitoring devices; Axial-torsional testing systems; Torsiometers; Two-point discriminators (see all 7 examples)

Pressure indicators — Environmental conditions measurement devices; Force platforms; Pinch gauges; Posturographic measurement systems (see all 7 examples)

Technology used in this occupation:

Analytical or scientific software — Laboratory information management system LIMS software; SNOINO Ttree; The Mathworks MATLAB; Three-dimensional motion capture software (see all 45 examples)

Computer aided design CAD software — Mathsoft Mathcad; SolidWorks CAD; ViewLogic software; Zuken software (see all 10 examples)

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software — ASCENT ProEngineer Wildfire; Rapid prototyping software

Development environment software — Advanced computer simulation language ACSL; C; Hardware description language HDL; National Instruments LabVIEW (see all 6 examples)

Enterprise application integration software — IBM Rational ClearCase; Rapid application development RAD software

Medical software — Electromyograph analysis software; Instrument control software; Medical information software; Virtual instrument software (see all 6 examples)

Program testing software — Defect tracking software; System testing software

Project management software — Microsoft Project; Project estimation software

Requirements analysis and system architecture software — IBM Rational RequisitePro; Requirements management software; Unified modeling language UML

Web platform development software — Hypertext markup language HTML; JavaScript

See all 120 T2 categories

Knowledge Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Knowledge
93		Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
86		Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
70		Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
66		Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
65		Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
63		English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
61		Clerical — Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
55		Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
53		Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
51		Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
48		Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
48		Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
47		Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
46		Medicine and Dentistry — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
40		Sales and Marketing — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
36		Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
35		Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
32		Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
31		Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
31		Economics and Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
28		Personnel and Human Resources — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
27		Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
24		Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
17		Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
17		Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
14		Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
13		Foreign Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
8		Philosophy and Theology — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
5		Therapy and Counseling — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
4		Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
2		Fine Arts — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
1		Food Production — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
1		History and Archeology — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Skills Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Skill
86		Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
84		Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
84		Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
83		Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
78		Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
78		Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
78		Technology Design — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
76		Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
76		Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
76		Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
76		Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
76		Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
76		Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
72		Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
71		Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
70		Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
70		Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
66		Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
66		Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
65		Management of Material Resources — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
64		Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
64		Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
63		Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
62		Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
61		Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
61		Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
60		Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
56		Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
55		Management of Financial Resources — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
53		Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
53		Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
41		Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
40		Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
33		Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
31		Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.

Abilities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Ability
75		Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
75		Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
72		Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
72		Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
72		Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
72		Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
72		Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
69		Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
69		Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
69		Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
66		Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
66		Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
66		Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
66		Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
63		Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
63		Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
63		Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
63		Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
63		Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
60		Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
60		Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
53		Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
53		Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
53		Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
53		Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
53		Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
53		Memorization — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
53		Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
50		Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
47		Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
44		Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
41		Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
41		Time Sharing — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
41		Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
38		Gross Body Coordination — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
38		Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
38		Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
31		Stamina — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
28		Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
28		Speed of Limb Movement — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
25		Rate Control — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
25		Response Orientation — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
22		Dynamic Strength — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
22		Gross Body Equilibrium — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
22		Wrist-Finger Speed — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
3		Peripheral Vision — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
3		Sound Localization — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
0		Dynamic Flexibility — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
0		Explosive Strength — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
0		Glare Sensitivity — The ability to see objects in the presence of glare or bright lighting.
0		Night Vision — The ability to see under low light conditions.
0		Spatial Orientation — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

Work Activities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Work Activity
92		Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
89		Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. collect scientific or technical data read technical drawings
89		Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. resolve engineering or science problems use intuitive judgment for engineering analyses
86		Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. understand engineering data or reports
85		Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel confer with research personnel
85		Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. develop or maintain databases use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks use computers to enter, access or retrieve data use relational database software use spreadsheet software use word processing or desktop publishing software
80		Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
80		Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. use biological research techniques use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques use government regulations use knowledge of investigation techniques use library or online Internet research techniques use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems use project management techniques use quantitative research methods use research methodology procedures within manufacturing or commerce use scientific research methodology use technical information in manufacturing or industrial activities use technical regulations for engineering problems
78		Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. compile numerical or statistical data develop tables depicting data
73		Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. plan scientific research or investigative studies plan testing of engineering methods
73		Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts design electro-mechanical equipment design electronic equipment design engineered systems
72		Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. estimate time needed for project
71		Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. analyze engineering design problems analyze engineering test data analyze project proposal to determine feasibility, cost, or time analyze scientific research data or investigative findings analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications analyze test data evaluate costs of engineering projects evaluate engineering data evaluate manufacturing or processing systems provide analytical assessment of engineering data
70		Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. communicate technical information confer with scientists
69		Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. work as a team member
69		Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
68		Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used. calculate engineering specifications draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale write product performance requirements
67		Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
67		Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles. test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
65		Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
64		Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. prepare reports prepare technical reports or related documentation
64		Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
62		Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. evaluate product design
62		Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
61		Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. coordinate engineering project activities direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
61		Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. explain complex mathematical information
60		Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
60		Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
59		Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. develop plans for programs or projects develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards write business project or bid proposals
57		Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
57		Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. delegate authority for engineering activities
53		Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. advise clients or customers advise clients regarding engineering problems recommend materials for products
44		Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
44		Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
44		Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
43		Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
43		Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
42		Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
36		Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
33		Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
21		Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Work Context Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Context		Work Context
100		Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
99		Telephone — How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
94		Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
92		Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
91		Electronic Mail — How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
89		Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
85		Structured versus Unstructured Work — To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
83		Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
80		Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
78		Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — How do the decisions an employee makes impact the results of co-workers, clients or the company?
77		Work With Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
75		Frequency of Decision Making — How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
74		Exposed to Disease or Infections — How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
72		Consequence of Error — How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
69		Time Pressure — How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
66		Letters and Memos — How often does the job require written letters and memos?
63		Deal With External Customers — How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
63		Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
62		Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
59		Exposed to Contaminants — How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
58		Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
54		Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
53		Physical Proximity — To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
52		Spend Time Sitting — How much does this job require sitting?
51		Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
50		Level of Competition — To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
48		Coordinate or Lead Others — How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
48		Frequency of Conflict Situations — How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
48		Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
46		Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
45		Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
45		Spend Time Standing — How much does this job require standing?
44		Duration of Typical Work Week — Number of hours typically worked in one week.
41		Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
40		Spend Time Walking and Running — How much does this job require walking and running?
35		Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
32		Exposed to Radiation — How often does this job require exposure to radiation?
31		Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
31		Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?
29		Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
27		Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting — How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
27		Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling — How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?
26		In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
25		Public Speaking — How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?
17		Degree of Automation — How automated is the job?
17		Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
16		Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
12		Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles — How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, or poles?
11		Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance — How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?
10		Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
9		Exposed to High Places — How often does this job require exposure to high places?
9		Outdoors, Under Cover — How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (e.g., structure with roof but no walls)?
8		Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)
7		Deal With Physically Aggressive People — How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?
4		Work Schedules — How regular are the work schedules for this job?
3		In an Open Vehicle or Equipment — How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor)?
0		Exposed to Whole Body Vibration — How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (e.g., operate a jackhammer)?

Job Zone Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Component	Description
Title	Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Overall Experience	A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Job Training	Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Job Zone Examples	Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include accountants, human resource managers, computer programmers, teachers, chemists, and police detectives.

SVP Range	(7.0 to < 8.0)

Education	Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Work Styles Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Work Style
87		Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
86		Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
85		Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
81		Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
78		Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
77		Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
77		Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
74		Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
74		Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
70		Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
69		Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
68		Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
67		Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
65		Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
58		Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
57		Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Education

Percentage of Respondents	Education Level Attained
76	Bachelor's degree or higher
18	Some college
0	High school or less

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics survey of employees aged 25-44.

This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines:

Engineering — Biomedical/Medical Engineering

Wages & Employment Trends

National

Category	Occupation Information
Median wages (2006)	$35.54 hourly, $73,930 annual

Employment (2006)	14,000 employees

Projected growth (2006-2016)	Much faster than average (21% or higher)

Projected need (2006-2016)	6,000 additional employees

State & National

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2006 wage data and 2006-2016 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2006-2016). "Projected need" represents job openings due to growth and net replacement.

Sources of Additional Information

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

Biomedical Engineering Society , 8401 Corporate Dr., Suite 225, Landover, MD 20785-2224, Landover, MD 20785-2224. Phone: (301) 459-1999. Fax: (301) 459-2444.
IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society , 445 Hoes Ln., Piscataway, NJ 08855-1331. Phone: (732) 981-3433. Fax: (732) 465-6435.

Details Report for: 17-2031.00 - Biomedical Engineers