In today’s tough economy, health professions offer great job security. Many jobs in the medical field require a good bedside manner. But there are other options in health sciences for people who’d rather work behind the scenes.

Gannon has just announced that biomedical engineering will be offered as an undergraduate major next year. Gannon’s program will be the only one of its kind in the region and will focus on things such as force and motion as it relates to the human body.

Biomedical engineering majors will work with biomechanics  in conjunction with computer programs that simulate processes such as body movement and circulation to ultimately design implants and other medical equipment.

Not only will the program have an engineering aspect, but it will also feature chemistry, biology and computer science classes.

“We envision a very unique offering that combines engineering and health professions,” said Dr. Melanie Hatch Ph.D., dean of Engineering and Business.

According to the American Society for Engineering Education, the program is one of the fastest growing academic disciplines. This provides many job opportunities upon graduation. The average starting salary for a graduate of a biomedical engineering program is $52,850.

Graduates enjoy careers in hospitals, research laboratories, government agencies or colleges and universities.

The program was made possible by an $80,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

If a career in biomedical engineering is what you’re looking for, check out the program fact sheet.