Clinical Engineer vs. Biomedical Engineer: What Are the Differences?

Clinical engineers and biomedical engineers are two types of professionals who work with medical equipment. They may have similar job duties, but there are some key differences between these positions. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between clinical and biomedical engineering, and we provide information on what you need to know to pursue each career.

What is a Clinical Engineer?

Clinical Engineers are responsible for developing, managing and maintaining the complex medical equipment that is used in hospitals and other healthcare settings. They work with doctors, nurses and other medical staff to ensure that the equipment is functioning properly and is being used correctly. Clinical Engineers also develop new medical devices and technologies to improve patient care. They may also be responsible for training staff on how to use new equipment. Clinical Engineers typically have a background in engineering, with a focus on biomedical engineering.

What is a Biomedical Engineer?

Biomedical Engineers design and create medical devices and equipment, such as artificial organs, prosthetics, pacemakers and diagnostic equipment. They also develop new treatments and therapies to improve patient care. Biomedical Engineers work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, research laboratories and manufacturing facilities. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses and therapists, to ensure that their products are safe and effective. Biomedical Engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or a related field.

Clinical Engineer vs. Biomedical Engineer

Here are the main differences between a clinical engineer and a biomedical engineer.

Job Duties

While both clinical and biomedical engineers work to improve healthcare, they do so in different ways. The primary focus of a clinical engineer is on the patients themselves. Their job duties involve creating machines and devices that assist with patient care. These professionals design equipment like wheelchairs, prosthetics and other products that help patients recover from illness or injury.

In contrast, biomedical engineers focus more on the doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who treat patients. They create training programs and provide support by solving problems related to laboratory equipment and processes. Additionally, biomedical engineers may also work to develop new methods for testing blood and other bodily fluids.

Job Requirements

Clinical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, although some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Biomedical engineers also usually need a bachelor’s degree, but they might be able to find entry-level work with only an associate degree. Both clinical engineers and biomedical engineers should consider pursuing licensure through the American Board of Professional Engineers (ABPE). To earn licensure, professionals must have at least four years of experience and pass two exams.

Work Environment

Biomedical engineers typically work in laboratories, hospitals or research facilities. They may travel to different locations for their projects and collaborate with other professionals on teams. Clinical engineers often work in hospitals where they can provide immediate support to patients and doctors. These professionals also work closely with medical equipment manufacturers to ensure that the devices are safe and effective.

Clinical engineers usually work full time during regular business hours. Biomedical engineers may have irregular schedules depending on the needs of their employers. Both professions require individuals to follow strict safety protocols and wear protective gear when working with hazardous materials.

Skills

Both clinical engineers and biomedical engineers use problem-solving skills to find solutions to issues facing the medical field. They also both need technical skills to perform their jobs, including an understanding of electrical schematics, circuit design and linear systems analysis.

Clinical engineers often work with medical equipment and devices, so they need to have knowledge about how these products work. They also need to be able to troubleshoot problems that may arise with this equipment. Biomedical engineers typically work on developing new medical technologies and devices, so they need research skills to test and develop their products.

Both professionals need to have communication skills to interact with colleagues, doctors and other medical staff. However, clinical engineers also need customer service skills as they are often working directly with patients. Biomedical engineers may benefit from having project management skills to help them see their projects through from start to finish.

Salary

The average salary for a clinical engineer is $88,098 per year, while the average salary for a biomedical engineer is $85,903 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the type of work you do, your location and your level of experience.