Biomedical Engineering Vs Nursing, Which One Is Better? (Explained)

Are you trying to decide what to study or what career to pursue?

Are you debating whether to become a Nurse or a Biomedical Engineer?

Choosing which one to study can be a difficult and daunting task.

As a result, this is why I’ve written this article.

So Biomedical Engineering Vs Nursing, Which One Is Better?

Biomedical Engineering is better than Nursing if you enjoy solving health problems using engineering concepts and scientific principles.  Nursing is likely to be better if you enjoy working directly with your patients making their lives better through your care,

Both Biomedical Engineering and Nursing provide a diverse range of job options. Biomedical Engineering has more demanding educational qualifications and standards than nursing, making it more difficult to get into the field. Nursing pays better and has more job security than Biomedical Engineering.

 

This question’s solution can be found in a person’s interests in one or both of the fields.

Both professions have the potential to lead to a rewarding career; nevertheless, your ability to adapt to the domain you pick is important.

Understanding the differences between the two disciplines is perhaps the most efficient approach to discovering and following your passions.

You may then pick the best choices for yourself, taking into account employment prospects, income, and, most importantly, your interests.

Now that we’ve answered the main question, let’s look at what it takes to be a Nurse vs. a Biomedical Engineer

Let’s talk about Biomedical Engineering

So you’re probably wondering what Biomedical Engineers do! Biomedical Engineers develop and construct equipment, devices, computer systems, and software by combining engineering concepts with scientific principles.

Biomedical engineers play an essential part in our society by creating and constructing tailored solutions for unique health care or research needs, such as prosthetic and robotic equipment to improve quality of life.

Focusing on breakthroughs in technology and medicine to produce new technologies and equipment to improve human health is one example.

They might, for example, create software to run medical equipment or computer simulations to evaluate novel medicinal treatments.

Furthermore, the design and create artificial body components such as hip and knee joints, as well as develop materials for replacement parts. In addition, they create rehabilitative exercise equipment.

Prospective bioengineers should pursue bioengineering or standard engineering degrees, such as mechanical and electrical engineering, at the bachelor’s degree level.

Biological science courses may be beneficial to those pursuing typical engineering degrees.

Biomedical engineering provides a wide range of job opportunities in biotechnology, biomedicine, biosignals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and equipment, health services, and research and innovation.

In college, you will learn the essentials of engineering science and mathematics, as well as the fundamentals of biology, anatomy, and physiology. You will study electronics and mechanics in connection to biomedical applications in the engineering area.

A bachelor’s degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or a similar engineering subject is often required for bioengineers and biomedical engineers. Some jobs need a graduate degree.

If you are still in high school and want to become a biomedical engineer, you should study scientific subjects such as chemistry, physics, and biology.

Math, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus, should also be studied. Classes in drafting, mechanical drawing, and computer programming are also beneficial if they are offered.

Let’s talk about Nursing

Nursing requires a serious commitment, so if you are compassionate and have the desire to serve the weak and sick, this is the career route for you.

Furthermore, you must be willing to work long hours under stressful situations and prioritize the needs of your patients before your own.

Nurses with advanced degrees are in high demand around the world, and they can find work in both the commercial and public sectors fast.

To start your career as a Nurse you start to become a Registered Nurse usually takes one of three education paths: a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must be licensed.

Students seeking to enter Nursing School should be comfortable and have a firm understanding of biology, anatomy, chemistry, math, and pharmacology.

Most students studying Nursing find the workload of studying huge, sacrificing their social life and time normally spent with family.

Many people believe that nursing entails providing care to patients.

It is, however, much more than that.

Nurses are increasingly taking on leadership roles in healthcare settings, and they are capable of diagnosing, treating, and managing patients without supervision.

In addition, advanced education allows you to specialize in a certain subject. That is, you can advance your job, money, and personal growth.

Specialty fields such as Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners

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What do Nurses do every day?

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.

Registered nurses typically do the following:

  • Assess patients’ conditions
  • Record patients’ medical histories and symptoms
  • Observe patients and record the observations
  • Administer patients’ medicines and treatments
  • Set up plans for patients’ care or contribute information to existing plans
  • Consult and collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals
  • Operate and monitor medical equipment
  • Help perform diagnostic tests and analyze the results
  • Teach patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries
  • Explain what to do at home after treatment

What do Biomedical Engineers do every day?

A Biomedical Engineer’s day-to-day activities vary depending on whether they work in a hospital or as a sales and service engineer.

Biomedical Engineer typically does the following:

  • Design equipment and devices, such as artificial internal organs, replacements for body parts, and machines for diagnosing medical problems
  • Install, maintain, or provide technical support for biomedical equipment
  • Collaborate with manufacturing staff on the safety and effectiveness of biomedical equipment
  • Train clinicians and others on the proper use of biomedical equipment
  • Work with scientists to research how engineering principles apply to biological systems
  • Develop statistical models or simulations using statistical or modeling software
  • Prepare procedures and write technical reports and research papers
  • Present research findings to a variety of audiences, including scientists, clinicians, managers, other engineers, and the public
  • Design or conduct follow-up experiments as needed

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Nurse or Biomedical Engineer, who earns more? (Explained)

Nurses Practitioners earn more than Biomedical Engineers, with the median wage of a Nurse Practitioner at $117,670 compared to $92,620 per year

However, wages will vary on the number of years of experience, geographical location, etc.

Job Role Median Wage / Per Annum
Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, Midwives $117,670
Registered Nurse $75,330

According to US Labor Bureau and Statistics, the median annual wage for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners was $117,670 per year in 2020.

The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $82,460, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $184,180.

Median annual wages for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners in May 2019 were as follows:

Nurse anaesthetists $183,580
Nurse practitioners $111,680
Nurse-midwives $111,130

In May 2020, the median annual wages for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Hospitals; state, local, and private $124,660
Outpatient care centres $122,840
Offices of physicians $114,570
Offices of other health practitioners $111,610
Educational services; state, local, and private $111,400

Source; Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)

Finding a Biomedical Engineering or Nursing role should not be difficult. According to BLS.gov, the employment of bioengineers and biomedical engineers is expected to expand at a rate of 6% from 2020 to 2030, which is roughly the same as the national average for all occupations. The employment of Registered Nurses is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030,

Final Thoughts

Biomedical Engineering and Nursing are two fields in the health business that provide a wide range of work opportunities. Biomedical Engineering has more stringent educational requirements and standards than nursing, making entry into the profession more challenging. Biomedical Engineering pays less and has less job stability than nursing.

It is important to choose what to study.

Speak with trustworthy friends and family members, and think about obtaining professional help.

Before choosing a career path to study, consider your talents and limits, as well as your likes and dislikes.

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References

  • Source; Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
  • Registered Nurses: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
  • Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)