Careers Science and Engineering Information Provided By: Georgia Statewide Area Health Education Center (AHEC) PowerPoint Presentation By: Juliane Monko & Dr. Frank Flanders CTAE Resource Network, June 2009 Based On PowerPoint Ideas From: Penny Howard, RN, Healthcare Science Instructor

AHECAHEC 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 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 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: Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineering Academic 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 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 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: Biomedical Equipment Technicians

Biomedical Equipment Technician Academic 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

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 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: Geneticist

Geneticist Academic 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 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 Environment Salary 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: Industrial Hygienist

Industrial Hygienist Academic 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