1 answer
C
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
1
Question
Asked
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What is the difference between a biomedical engineer or a biomedical physicist?
I am high school student who heard there was high demand in people to calibrate medical machines. I was told it required a biomedical physicist degree but I also see there is an option for a biomedical engineer too. I am confused on which I would need to go into or maybe I just need a certificate and no college degree.
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1 answer
Robert Epstein
General Manager
85
Answers
Naples, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi C,
From the Perplexity AI website, I quote the following (seen below)..
In my career I’ve seen that Biomed Physicists also work with Medical Laboratory equipment and medical laser devices, in addition to office-, clinic-, and hospital-based equipment.
Best wishes for your career!
---------------------
“The roles of biomedical engineers, medical physicists, and biomedical technicians differ in several key aspects:
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles to solve problems in biology and medicine. Their responsibilities include:
• Designing and developing medical devices and equipment
• Creating software for healthcare applications
• Conducting research to improve medical technologies
• Collaborating with medical professionals to develop solutions
Education and Salary:
• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering
• Average salary: $79,436 per year
Medical (or Biomedical) Physicist
Medical physicists focus on the application of physics principles in medicine, particularly in areas like radiation therapy and medical imaging. Their duties include:
• Developing and testing new medical imaging and treatment systems
• Ensuring safety and effectiveness of radiation-based treatments
• Conducting research on the physical aspects of medical procedures
• Providing technical expertise to medical staff
Education and Salary:
• Usually requires a Ph.D. in medical physics or a related field
• Average salary: $122,845 per year
Biomedical Technician (or Biomedical Equipment Technician)
Biomedical technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing medical equipment. Their tasks include:
• Installing and calibrating medical devices
• Performing routine maintenance on equipment
• Troubleshooting and repairing malfunctioning devices
• Training medical staff on proper equipment use
Education and Salary:
• Typically requires an associate's degree or certificate in biomedical equipment technology
• Median salary: $59,233 per year (for biomedical engineering technicians)
Biomedical engineers focus on creating new medical technologies, while medical physicists apply physics principles to improve medical procedures and ensure safety. Biomedical technicians, on the other hand, are primarily responsible for the practical aspects of maintaining and repairing medical equipment.
The educational requirements and career paths for these professions also differ significantly. Medical physicists typically need the highest level of education, followed by biomedical engineers, with biomedical technicians requiring the least formal education among the three.”
From the Perplexity AI website, I quote the following (seen below)..
In my career I’ve seen that Biomed Physicists also work with Medical Laboratory equipment and medical laser devices, in addition to office-, clinic-, and hospital-based equipment.
Best wishes for your career!
---------------------
“The roles of biomedical engineers, medical physicists, and biomedical technicians differ in several key aspects:
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles to solve problems in biology and medicine. Their responsibilities include:
• Designing and developing medical devices and equipment
• Creating software for healthcare applications
• Conducting research to improve medical technologies
• Collaborating with medical professionals to develop solutions
Education and Salary:
• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering
• Average salary: $79,436 per year
Medical (or Biomedical) Physicist
Medical physicists focus on the application of physics principles in medicine, particularly in areas like radiation therapy and medical imaging. Their duties include:
• Developing and testing new medical imaging and treatment systems
• Ensuring safety and effectiveness of radiation-based treatments
• Conducting research on the physical aspects of medical procedures
• Providing technical expertise to medical staff
Education and Salary:
• Usually requires a Ph.D. in medical physics or a related field
• Average salary: $122,845 per year
Biomedical Technician (or Biomedical Equipment Technician)
Biomedical technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing medical equipment. Their tasks include:
• Installing and calibrating medical devices
• Performing routine maintenance on equipment
• Troubleshooting and repairing malfunctioning devices
• Training medical staff on proper equipment use
Education and Salary:
• Typically requires an associate's degree or certificate in biomedical equipment technology
• Median salary: $59,233 per year (for biomedical engineering technicians)
Biomedical engineers focus on creating new medical technologies, while medical physicists apply physics principles to improve medical procedures and ensure safety. Biomedical technicians, on the other hand, are primarily responsible for the practical aspects of maintaining and repairing medical equipment.
The educational requirements and career paths for these professions also differ significantly. Medical physicists typically need the highest level of education, followed by biomedical engineers, with biomedical technicians requiring the least formal education among the three.”