Careers Science and Engineering
Information Provided By:Georgia Statewide Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
http://www.sowega-ahec.org/index
PowerPoint Presentation By:Juliane Monko & Dr. Frank FlandersCTAE Resource Network, June 2009
Based On PowerPoint Ideas From:Penny Howard, RN, Healthcare Science Instructor
AH
EC
There are six centers in the Georgia AHEC Network, and each serves a multi-county region.
The AHEC mission is to meet the health needs of Georgia by improving the supply, distribution and quality of healthcare providers.
AHECs offer enrichment programs, camps, learning tools, student counseling, volunteer and mentoring activity coordination, and access to other educational resources.
Contact your regional AHEC for more information.
Objectives
Students will be able to describe health careers in the field of Science and Engineering.
Students will be able to plan a healthcare career path in Science and Engineering.
Careers in Science and Engineering
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Equipment Technician
Geneticist
Industrial Hygienist
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers work in areas of health care to improve patients' quality of life.
They combine their expertise in engineering and science, thereby creating solutions to patients' medical problems.
Biomedical engineers also design high-tech devices such as surgical lasers, battery- powered artificial limbs, and ultrasound, which uses sound waves to produce an image.
Work EnvironmentWork Environment SalarySalary
Hospitals Industry Research facilities
Average Starting Salary (bachelor's level) $51,900 Figures according to 2006 data. To see
updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: http://www.sowega-ahec.org/index
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical EngineeringAcademic Requirements
Most biomedical engineers hold bachelor's degrees in biomedical engineering; however, others choose mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering with a specialty in biomedical engineering. Either choice often requires continued education in master's or doctoral degree programs
Biomedical Equipment Technician
Biomedical Equipment Technician
Biomedical equipment technicians are specialists in electronic and mechanical equipment used to diagnose and treat diseases.
A technician installs new equipment, such as electrocardiographs (EKGs) and artificial kidney machines. They adjust and test equipment for proper operation.
Biomedical equipment technicians inspect machines, calibrate and repair them when necessary, propose new equipment purchases and maintain service records.
Work Environment Work Environment SalarySalary
Clinics Government agencies Hospitals Medical equipment manufacturers
Average Starting Salary $33,280 Figures according to 2006 data. To see
updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: http://www.sowega-ahec.org/index
Biomedical Equipment Technicians
Biomedical Equipment TechnicianAcademic Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Technicians complete one- to three-year programs leading to certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees in biomedical equipment technology, electronics, or an engineering-related field.
Four-year bachelor's degrees are offered by some universities and colleges. Some technicians with electronics experience may train on the job.
Geneticist
Geneticist
Geneticists study genes in humans, plants, and animals.
In the laboratory they analyze genes found in cells, viruses, and bacteria. They breed a wide variety of organisms to study inherited traits.
Geneticist
Geneticists may mutate, or change genes in plants to improve crop production and disease-resistance.
Geneticists work to develop new plants, drugs, and foods that will improve the quality of life for people throughout the world.
Work Environment Work Environment SalarySalary
Biotech companies Colleges and universities Crime and forensic laboratories Hospitals Medical clinics Medical schools Obstetrics practices Pharmaceutical companies Private clinics Public health Research laboratories
Average Starting Salary $72,500 Figures according to 2006 data. To see
updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: http://www.sowega-ahec.org/index
Geneticist
GeneticistAcademic Requirements
A four-year college degree emphasizing the biological sciences is recommended.
Minimum educational requirements is a bachelor's in genetics, botany and microbiology, biochemistry, or another branch of science followed by a Ph.D.
Some geneticists earn medical degrees followed by a residency in internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, or another area. One or more years of post-doctoral research in a specialized area of genetics is usually needed. Some geneticists earn a combined M.D./Ph.D.
Industrial Hygienist
Industrial Hygienist
Industrial hygienists work in business and industry. They search for hazards, diseases, and hidden dangers in the workplace, and suggest procedures to eliminate them
Industrial hygienists, also known as environmental health scientists, help to establish regulations to ensure worker health and safety by conducting surveys to determine exposure to toxic and harmful chemical and physical substances.
Industrial Hygienist
These professionals study work-related conditions leading to birth defects, mental retardation, mental illnesses, and cancer.
Work EnvironmentWork Environment SalarySalary
Consulting firms Environmental agencies Government agencies Industry Insurance Companies Labor unions Manufacturing companies Military
Average Starting Salary $38,506 (bachelor’s level) Figures according to 2006 data. To see
updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: http://www.sowega-ahec.org/index
Industrial Hygienist
Industrial HygienistAcademic Requirements
Industrial hygienists generally have a college degree in one of the sciences or engineering.
Most have graduate degrees in occupational safety and health, industrial hygiene engineering, physical or natural science, environmental health science or toxicology.
Summary
There are a variety of careers available in science and engineering. Educational requirements vary by career and career level. Students interested in these careers should use the information provided here as a basis for a career plan. The student should also research the career further to complete a career plan.
Careers available in science and engineering include:• Biomedical Engineer• Biomedical Equipment Technician• Geneticist• Industrial Hygienist