Careers Science and Engineering

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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 Flanders
• CTAE Resource Network, June 2009
• Based On PowerPoint Ideas From
• Penny Howard, RN, Healthcare Science Instructor

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AHEC

• 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. 

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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.

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Careers in Science and Engineering

• Biomedical Engineer
• Biomedical Equipment Technician
• Geneticist
• Industrial Hygienist

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Biomedical Engineer
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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.

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Biomedical Engineer

• Work Environment

• Salary

• 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

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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

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Biomedical Equipment Technician
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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.

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Biomedical Equipment Technicians

• Work Environment

• Salary

• 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

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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.

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Geneticist
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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. 

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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.

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Geneticist

• Work Environment

• Salary

• 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

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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.    

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Industrial Hygienist
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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. 

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Industrial Hygienist

• These professionals study work-related conditions
  leading to birth defects, mental retardation,
  mental illnesses, and cancer.

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Industrial Hygienist

• Work Environment

• Salary

• Consulting firms
• Environmental agencies
• Government agencies
• Industry
• Insurance Companies
• Labor unions
• Manufacturing companies
• Military

• Average Starting Salary 38,506 (bachelors
  level)
• Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated
  figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at
  
  http//www.sowega-ahec.org/index

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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.

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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