Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Working Life

As a biomedical engineer you can work for:

• Industry - innovating and creating designs for new technologies or testing of new technologies for safety and performance.
• Government - product testing and establishing safety standards for medical devices.
• Hospitals - providing advice on the selection and application of medical equipment, as well as supervising its performance testing and maintenance, building customised devices for special health care or research needs.
• Consultancy - providing technical advise for marketing departments of companies.
• Research Centres - supervising laboratories and equipment, and participating in direct research activities in collaboration with other researchers with such backgrounds as medicine, physiology, and nursing.

Biomedical engineers combine their knowledge of engineering and medical problems to design, develop, test and maintain equipment for the medical profession. Their work is crucial to modern medical practice, which relies on highly sophisticated equipment such as X-ray machines, anaesthetic equipment, automated blood testing machines and machines that can take over the function of the heart, lungs and kidneys.  
 
Biomedical engineers may be involved in health care delivery, working with patients alongside their clinical colleagues. Some biomedical engineers work in large departments that cover a range of medical physics activities, while others are part of small rehabilitation teams that include doctors, nurses, and therapists to design instruments and introduce new technical procedures.  
 
Research is essential to biomedical engineering. For example, biomedical engineers may work on prosthetic devices (artificial limbs, joints and implants).  
 
Biomedical engineers have developed an understanding of human anatomy, so they know how limbs work and what enables them to move. They also research the materials used to make the prosthetic devices, looking for the most durable and comfortable materials possible. Research and development may take place in hospitals while construction takes place in manufacturing companies.  

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.
• Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
• Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
• Develop models or computer simulations of human biobehavioral systems to obtain data for measuring or controlling life processes.
• Research new materials to be used for products, such as implanted artificial organs.
• Write documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.
• Conduct training or in-services to educate clinicians and other personnel on proper use of equipment.
• Analyse new medical procedures to forecast likely outcomes.
• Advise hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition, and use of medical equipment.
• Advise manufacturing staff regarding problems with fermentation, filtration, or other bioproduction processes.

Further Information

• Biomedical engineer- from: GradIreland
• Biomedical Engineer- from: STEPS

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Education in the areas of both medicine, and engineering are necessary for those aiming to work in this area. Engineering principles are used to understand and control biological systems and therefore also require a working knowledge of physiology, anatomy and life sciences.

Biomedical engineers typically complete an appropriate engineering degree, but graduates also come from backgrounds in mechanical and electronic engineering, biomedical science, materials science and physics.

Graduates with degrees in genetics, immunology, biochemistry and microbiology also work in biomedical research.

Please note that in the UK the title of Biomedical Scientist is reserved for registered scientists who work in the diagnostic pathology laboratories in the health services. In Ireland, Biomedical Scientists are scientists who work in disease research, and Medical Scientists work in the health services.

A scientist with a degree in biomedical or medical science or biomedical engineering may explore working as a biomedical scientist. 

Graduates with degrees in genetics, immunology, biochemistry and microbiology also work in biomedical research.

Please note that in the UK the title of Biomedical Scientist is reserved for registered scientists who work in the diagnostic pathology laboratories in the health services. In Ireland, Biomedical Scientists are scientists who work in disease research, and Medical Scientists work in the health services.

Today, health and social care is understood to be of paramount importance in every country and these professionals play a vital and important role in society. There are a variety of study routes for students wishing to pursue a career in the health and social care professions. However, not all courses lead to the direct path of being able to practise in Ireland once qualified.

Regulation of health and social care professionals in Ireland

In Ireland, if you want to practise as a Biomedical Scientist, you must be registered with CORU, - Ireland’s regulator of health and social care professionals:

CORU regulates Ireland’s health and social care education and training programmes

One of the functions of the Registration Boards at CORU is to approve and monitor education and training programmes. The purpose of regulating education and training programmes is to ensure that all graduates entering the Register meet the necessary standards and have the knowledge and skills required for public protection. This ensures the delivery of safe and effective practise to the benefit of the service user.

What does this mean when selecting a course to study in Ireland?

This is the current list of Approved Qualifications to work as a Biomedical Scientist.  If you achieve one of these qualifications, you are eligible to apply for CORU registration.

What about studying abroad, and practising in Ireland once qualified?

If your professional qualification is awarded outside of Ireland and you want to register and work in Ireland, the process is a little more complex. You must first apply to have that qualification “recognised” by the Registration Board for your profession.

This ensures that everyone providing health and social care services in Ireland meets the standards of proficiency for safe practise in Ireland. 

To be eligible to apply for recognition of your international qualification, you must have completed professional training, which gives you eligibility to practise your profession in the country where you were awarded the qualification.

The Registration Board will assess your qualification as well as any other relevant qualifications and work experience for compliance with the standards required for practising in Ireland.

If you are unsure about health and social care regulation, CORU is happy to help with any questions. You can contact CORU at [email protected]

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: quality management, life sciences, manufacturing operations, manufacturing technician, pharmaceutical manufacturing, laboratory assistant, engineering technology.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: applied laboratory science, applied science, forensics, laboratory techniques, pharmacy studies, engineering technology, biotechnology, biomedical, pharmaceutical science.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Lab Tech, Lab Analyst.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: science, engineering, biology, chemistry, physics.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: biomedical engineering, regenerative medicine, BMERM, structured, biomedical genomics.

Serach for PLC and HE courses here

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Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €75k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Collins McNicholas / Morgan McKinley/ Indeed/ Sigmar/ HSE/ Clark

Last Updated: August, 2024

"Ireland is home to 250 medical technology companies, employing 25,000 people. Some 80% of the world's heart stents are produced here, along with 50% of ventilators and 33% of contact lenses. Biomedical engineers can specialise in research, design or development, and may work in labs, hospitals or industry." - Engineers Ireland. 

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Laboratory technicians, Electrical and electronic technicians, Engineering technicians, Quality assurance technicians, Planning, process and production technicians, Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Employment growth was below average for this occupation with employment levels remaining almost unchanged between 2022 and 2023. A half of those employed were in industry, with the remainder spread across most other sectors. Online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) were particularly prevalent for lab technicians followed by electrical/electronic technicians, while vacancies advertised through DSP were notable for mechanical, maintenance and electrical technicians.

Employment permits were issued across a number of technician roles including manufacturing, mechanical and maintenance. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified vacancies for maintenance and lab technicians as difficult-to-fill, while Skills for Growth data indicated issues with sourcing lab analysts and maintenance, QA/QC and process technicians. Skills in demand included environmental awareness and monitoring as well as health and safety. With output from new apprenticeships (e.g. lab analyst/technician, OEM engineer, wind turbine maintenance technician) along with other apprenticeship awards for these roles (e.g. manufacturing technology), supply may soon be sufficient to meet demand for these roles, particularly without any employment growth.

While output from new apprenticeships has begun to emerge, demand for this occupation remains strong with shortages persisting in the short term.

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here

• BioPharmaChem Ireland

  • 84/86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 6051500
  • Click Here

• ACSLM Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine

  • 31 Old Kilmainham Dublin 8 D08 V062 Ireland
  • 01 9059730
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here