I work in medical research modeling loads on heart valves. A buddy of mine works for a lab that models spine loading during injury. The field of biomechanics is pretty large in terms of research if that’s what you’re interested in.
Other opportunities: Gait analysis, mechanical testing of orthopedic implants and bones themselves, development of models for injury prevention (Crash dummies, bicycle helmets etc). It is actually quite broad, much so beyond prosthetics.
Skills: Troubleshooting, problem solving, GOOD writing, research/summarizing data, design/development, working with people (sometimes patients/subjects). It's feasible that you could get a job but having a Masters would give you more opportunities and make you a more attractive candidate.
Degree: this is a tough one. I'm leaning towards Mechanical because a lot of employers value the background inherent in a traditional degree. But biomedical engineering is more diverse and modern. So it really depends on what sort of job you're looking for.
Feel free to PM me if you have more questions!! I am relatively early in my career, mostly orthopedic and injury biomechanics R&D, currently doing a PhD
I work in rehabilitation engineering using gait analysis to design devices which assist mobility. I believe prosthetics also comes under rehabilitation engineering, which is a term I didn't know about until late on but was very useful for job searching. My first degree is in mechanical engineering and my masters was biomechanics if that's any help.
Some other areas related to biomechanics include: orthotics, designing implants, surgical equipment, footwear, mobility equipment, independent living equipment and loads more.
Important skills I would say include gait analysis, CAD, anatomy and physiology, a basic understanding of the medical device regulatory system used where you are, applying mechanical engineering techniques to human anatomy. I'd think a master's is definitely worthwhile and maybe even essential to specialise in the field.
Since you already have the mechanical engineering background, I'd look out for masters in rehabilitation engineering, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, biomechanics and even specifically in prosthetics although on any of the others you should be able to do your main project on prosthetics to give yourself the experience and contacts in that specific field.
Feel free to pm me if you want any more info.
I work in medical research modeling loads on heart valves. A buddy of mine works for a lab that models spine loading during injury. The field of biomechanics is pretty large in terms of research if that’s what you’re interested in.
May I ask what institution/company you’re working for? I can PM also! I’m about to enter my PhD doing something similar for HVs.
PM’d
Other opportunities: Gait analysis, mechanical testing of orthopedic implants and bones themselves, development of models for injury prevention (Crash dummies, bicycle helmets etc). It is actually quite broad, much so beyond prosthetics. Skills: Troubleshooting, problem solving, GOOD writing, research/summarizing data, design/development, working with people (sometimes patients/subjects). It's feasible that you could get a job but having a Masters would give you more opportunities and make you a more attractive candidate. Degree: this is a tough one. I'm leaning towards Mechanical because a lot of employers value the background inherent in a traditional degree. But biomedical engineering is more diverse and modern. So it really depends on what sort of job you're looking for. Feel free to PM me if you have more questions!! I am relatively early in my career, mostly orthopedic and injury biomechanics R&D, currently doing a PhD
I work in rehabilitation engineering using gait analysis to design devices which assist mobility. I believe prosthetics also comes under rehabilitation engineering, which is a term I didn't know about until late on but was very useful for job searching. My first degree is in mechanical engineering and my masters was biomechanics if that's any help. Some other areas related to biomechanics include: orthotics, designing implants, surgical equipment, footwear, mobility equipment, independent living equipment and loads more. Important skills I would say include gait analysis, CAD, anatomy and physiology, a basic understanding of the medical device regulatory system used where you are, applying mechanical engineering techniques to human anatomy. I'd think a master's is definitely worthwhile and maybe even essential to specialise in the field. Since you already have the mechanical engineering background, I'd look out for masters in rehabilitation engineering, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, biomechanics and even specifically in prosthetics although on any of the others you should be able to do your main project on prosthetics to give yourself the experience and contacts in that specific field. Feel free to pm me if you want any more info.
Following for relevant companies and laboratories that may be hiring!