Medical engineering involves the principles of design and problem-solving to assist clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and the creation of new drugs.
There are a few career paths for medical engineers to take. Many graduates with a degree in an electronic or mechanical engineering discipline prove very successful in the medical sector. Several NHS trusts invite applicants in a trainee capacity as well. Some entry-level workers have an HNC or HND in a related discipline, but a desire to work in the field and some relevant experience are just as important. A lot of medical engineering involves the repair of equipment in hospitals, so newcomers to the industry will be expected to attend classroom courses on a regular basis.
The single largest employer of medical engineering staff in the UK is the NHS, but private health-care providers also offer excellent employment opportunities. Perhaps the most lucrative positions are offered by multinational pharmaceutical companies, medical equipment manufacturers and specialist engineering firms. The role involves constantly adopting new technologies, so candidates must be able to demonstrate a desire to continue personal development and learning to recruitment agencies.
An entry-level position as a medical engineer will attract a salary of between £18,000 and £25,000, but senior engineers with specialist skills can earn salaries of over £50,000.