communications
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Superintendent’s Healthcare & Life Sciences Communication
Subject: Skills Lab in Action: Preparing the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders
Dear Families and Community Partners,
Across our district this month, students are stepping into the world of Healthcare and Life Sciences through the K12 Regional Skills Lab—an innovative, hands-on learning program that connects classroom learning to real-world careers right here on the Central Coast.
In classrooms from kindergarten through sixth grade, students are not just reading about science—they’re becoming scientists, problem-solvers, and caregivers. They’re exploring how the human body works, diagnosing mock patient cases, and learning how professionals in healthcare and life sciences help people heal and live healthier lives.
This work matters deeply. Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing and most essential industries in our region, employing thousands of residents in hospitals, clinics, and biotech firms. As our population grows and ages, demand for skilled healthcare workers continues to rise—creating opportunities for today’s students to become tomorrow’s nurses, radiologic technologists, respiratory therapists, and biomedical engineers.
Through the Skills Lab, students are gaining foundational skills that will serve them in any future career—critical thinking, teamwork, empathy, and communication. Just as important, they’re beginning to see themselves as capable contributors to their community’s well-being and success.
This districtwide effort represents what public education does best: inspiring curiosity, building purpose, and preparing every child to thrive in a changing world.
With appreciation for your continued partnership,
[Superintendent’s Name]
Superintendent, [School District Name]
School Site Principal’s Healthcare Communication
Subject: Skills Lab Spotlight: Exploring Healthcare & Life Sciences
Dear Families,
This month, our K12 Regional Skills Lab is spotlighting one of the fastest-growing and most impactful career sectors on the Central Coast: Healthcare & Life Sciences. From hospitals and clinics to research labs and biotech companies, this field plays a critical role in keeping our communities healthy—and offers exciting career opportunities for the next generation.
Students will explore careers that help people heal and live longer, healthier lives. This includes nurses, respiratory therapists, radiologic technologists, and cardiologists—the hands-on professionals working directly with patients. They'll also learn about behind-the-scenes innovators like geneticists and biomedical engineers, who develop tools, technologies, and treatments that are shaping the future of medicine.
Why does this matter locally? Our region is home to a growing healthcare workforce, regional hospitals, and life science firms that are driving both medical innovation and economic growth. As the Central Coast population grows and ages, demand for skilled healthcare workers continues to rise—making this a high-opportunity sector for students of all backgrounds.
Through hands-on activities, students will practice observation, problem-solving, and teamwork—skills essential in both medicine and science. Whether they’re identifying a patient’s symptoms or designing a tool to solve a health problem, they’re building confidence, empathy, and curiosity.
We encourage you to ask your child: How would you help someone feel better? What kind of healthcare job would you like to try? Their answers may spark big dreams—and a deeper appreciation for the people who keep our communities well.
With gratitude,
[Principal’s Name]
Principal, [School Name]
K12 Regional Skills Lab: Nurse Power! Becoming a Healthcare Hero
This Month’s Theme: Healthcare & Life Sciences
This month, in the K12 Regional Skills Lab, your Kindergartener became a Healthcare Hero in the lesson "Nurse Power: Helping Hands in Action!" Students explored the important role of nurses in keeping people healthy, providing care, and helping their communities. Through hands-on activities, they practiced using real nurse tools, created their own nurse name badges, and cared for "patients" in a fun, interactive way.
With nursing being one of the fastest-growing careers in California, this lesson introduced students to a high-demand job that offers stability, career growth, and the chance to make a difference in people's lives.
Learn more and watch the local industry spotlight video here: https://k12skillslab.org/kg/healthcare
What Do Nurses Do & Why Are They Important?
Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, working in hospitals, schools, clinics, and even in people’s homes. They check vital signs, help doctors, care for patients, and provide comfort and support to people when they need it most.
In the Central Coast of California, where hospitals, clinics, and senior care facilities are expanding, the demand for skilled nurses continues to grow. The U.S. will need over 200,000 new nurses each year to keep up with patient care needs, making nursing one of the most secure career paths for future generations.
Fast Facts About Nursing Careers:
Nursing jobs are expected to grow by 6% over the next decade (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
75% of hospitals report needing more nurses to meet patient care demands.
Nurses work in over 15 different specialties, including pediatrics, emergency care, and surgery!
Careers & Earning Potential
If your child enjoys helping others, science, or teamwork, they may be interested in a future career in healthcare and nursing! Here are a few exciting career paths:
Registered Nurse (RN) – Provides patient care, assists doctors, and educates people about staying healthy.
Average salary: $75,000 - $110,000
Training needed: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing + RN license
Pediatric Nurse – Specializes in caring for children, from infants to teens.
Average salary: $70,000 - $100,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing + Pediatric Nursing Certification
Nurse Practitioner (NP) – A highly skilled nurse who can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medicine, and treat patients.
Average salary: $100,000 - $150,000
Training needed: Master’s degree in Nursing + NP license
School Nurse – Works in schools to care for students and help with health education.
Average salary: $60,000 - $90,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing + School Nurse Certification
Home Health Nurse – Helps people recover from illness or surgery at home.
Average salary: $65,000 - $95,000
Training needed: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing
Extend the Learning at Home!
Encourage your child to think like a nurse with these fun activities:
"Little Nurse Kit!" Create a pretend nurse kit with band-aids, cotton balls, and a toy stethoscope. Let your child "take care" of stuffed animals or family members.
"Play Hospital!" Take turns playing nurse and patient! Let your child practice checking temperatures, wrapping bandages, and giving kind words of care.
Read About Healthcare Heroes!" Choose books about nurses, doctors, and hospitals to help your child see real-world examples of healthcare careers.
By introducing nursing and healthcare careers at a young age, students gain early exposure to one of the most rewarding professions and learn how important it is to help others. Stay tuned for next month’s exciting career exploration adventure!
K12 Regional Skills Lab: X-Ray Vision! Exploring the World of Radiologic Technologists
This Month’s Theme: Healthcare & Life Sciences
This month, in the K12 Regional Skills Lab, your 1st grader became a Radiology Explorer in the lesson "X-Ray Vision: Exploring the World of Radiologic Technologists!" Students discovered how X-ray machines help doctors see inside the body and how Radiologic Technologists play a key role in diagnosing injuries and illnesses. Through hands-on activities, students used flashlights, skeleton models, and "X-ray images" to simulate how medical imaging works, all while learning about the importance of safety, technology, and teamwork in healthcare.
With healthcare careers growing rapidly in California, this lesson introduced students to one of the most in-demand medical professions—where technology and patient care come together to improve lives.
Learn more and watch the local industry spotlight video here: https://k12skillslab.org/1/healthcare
What Do Radiologic Technologists Do?
Radiologic Technologists (also called X-ray Technicians or Radiologic Technologists) use special imaging machines to take pictures of bones and organs. These images help doctors diagnose injuries like broken bones, lung infections, and other medical conditions.
In the Central Coast of California, hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers are in need of skilled Radiologic Technologists to help provide fast and accurate medical imaging for patients. The demand for radiology jobs is expected to grow by 6% in the next decade, creating new opportunities for future healthcare professionals!
Fast Facts About Radiology Careers:
The U.S. will need over 17,000 new radiology technicians by 2030.
80% of hospitals say imaging technology is one of their most important tools for patient care.
Radiology is used in nearly every medical field, from sports medicine to cancer treatment!
Careers & Earning Potential
If your child enjoys technology, problem-solving, or science, they may be interested in a future career in radiology and medical imaging! Here are a few exciting career paths:
Radiologic Technologist – Takes X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to help doctors diagnose injuries.
Average salary: $60,000 - $90,000
Training needed: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Technology + Certification
MRI Technologist – Specializes in taking advanced MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans.
Average salary: $70,000 - $100,000
Training needed: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree + MRI Certification
Forensic Radiographer – Works with law enforcement to take X-rays that help solve crimes.
Average salary: $65,000 - $95,000
Training needed: Radiologic Technology degree + Forensic Science coursework
Ultrasound Technician (Sonographer) – Uses sound waves to create images of organs and babies in the womb.
Average salary: $65,000 - $100,000
Training needed: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Bone Densitometry Technician – Specializes in imaging bones to check for osteoporosis.
Average salary: $55,000 - $85,000
Training needed: Certification in Radiologic Technology + Specialization in Bone Densitometry
Extend the Learning at Home!
Encourage your child to think like a Radiology Explorer with these fun activities:
“X-Ray Art!" Have your child place black construction paper over a toy and trace its shape with a white crayon—just like how an X-ray reveals bones inside the body!
"Find the Hidden Object!" Hide a small object under a piece of fabric and shine a flashlight through it. Have your child guess what’s inside—just like X-ray Technicians do!
"Read About the Human Body!" Look at books with skeletons, organs, or medical machines to spark curiosity about how doctors use X-rays to help patients.
By exploring how technology and healthcare come together, students are gaining early exposure to one of the fastest-growing careers in medicine. Stay tuned for next month’s exciting career exploration adventure!
K12 Regional Skills Lab: Lung Power! Exploring the Role of a Respiratory Therapist
This Month’s Theme: Healthcare & Life Sciences
This month, in the K12 Regional Skills Lab, your 2nd grader stepped into the shoes of a real healthcare hero during the lesson “Lung Power Lab: Test It, Track It, Try Again!” Students learned all about the respiratory system and the essential work of Respiratory Therapists—the professionals who help patients breathe better and stay healthy. Through hands-on science activities, students built a working model of the lungs, tested their breath strength using a tool similar to a real spirometer, and discovered how science can be used to help others.
By learning how the lungs and diaphragm work together, students began to understand how important breathing is—and how respiratory therapists play a critical role in hospitals and clinics across our region.
Learn more and watch the local industry spotlight video here: https://k12skillslab.org/2/healthcare
What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?
Respiratory Therapists are highly trained healthcare workers who help people with breathing problems caused by asthma, pneumonia, lung infections, and more. They use special tools to measure lung strength and help patients improve their breathing through therapy and care.
On the Central Coast, respiratory therapists are in high demand—especially in hospitals, pediatric clinics, and senior care facilities. This career offers the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life while also providing strong job security and opportunities for advancement.
Fast Facts About Respiratory Therapy Careers
Respiratory therapists help patients of all ages—from newborns to seniors—breathe easier.
This career only requires a two-year associate’s degree or specialized training.
The demand for respiratory therapists is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
These professionals are often on the frontlines of care during emergencies like COVID-19 and flu season.
Careers & Earning Potential in Respiratory Care
If your child is curious about science, enjoys helping others, or wants to learn more about how the body works, they may be interested in one of these growing careers:
Respiratory Therapist – Helps patients breathe better by using medical tools and techniques to strengthen lung function.
Average salary: $80,000 – $100,000
Training needed: Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy + licensing exam
Pulmonary Technician – Assists with breathing tests and tracks lung function data in hospitals or clinics.
Average salary: $45,000 – $65,000
Training needed: Certification program or associate’s degree
Home Respiratory Care Provider – Supports patients at home with oxygen machines and breathing exercises.
Average salary: $50,000 – $80,000
Training needed: Respiratory therapy training + home care certification
Extend the Learning at Home!
Support your child’s curiosity and understanding of breathing and the human body with these fun and simple activities at home:
“Breath Detective!”
Play a game where your child becomes a “breath detective,” noticing how their breathing changes in different situations. Try deep breathing when calm, short breaths after running in place, or breathing through a straw while plugging their nose (safely!). Talk about how our lungs and diaphragm work harder or slower depending on what we’re doing.
“Balloon Belly Breathing”
Teach your child a simple calming technique used by respiratory therapists: diaphragmatic breathing. Have them lie down, place a small stuffed animal or toy on their stomach, and slowly breathe in and out to make the toy rise and fall like a balloon. It’s a fun way to build awareness of how the diaphragm works—and can also help with focus and relaxation!
By helping students understand how their own bodies work—and how science and healthcare professionals help others—this lesson builds a foundation of both STEM skills and empathy. It also introduces students to the idea that even with just two years of training, they can pursue a career that’s essential, respected, and deeply rewarding.
Stay tuned for next month’s K12 Regional Skills Lab adventure!
K12 Regional Skills Lab: Pump It Up! Exploring the World of Cardiologists
This Month’s Theme: Healthcare & Life Sciences
This month, in the K12 Regional Skills Lab, your 3rd grader became a Junior Cardiologist in the lesson "Pump It Up: Building a Heart Model!" Students explored how the heart works to pump blood throughout the body, just like a real cardiologist helps people monitor and maintain heart health. Through hands-on activities, they built their own heart pump models, learned about how the cardiovascular system functions, and discovered exciting careers in the fast-growing field of healthcare and life sciences.
Cardiology is one of the most in-demand medical fields today. Heart disease remains a leading health challenge worldwide, and advancements in medicine and technology are helping doctors diagnose, treat, and prevent heart problems more effectively than ever before. This lesson gave students a fun and interactive way to understand how their own hearts work and explore career opportunities in healthcare!
Learn more and watch the local industry spotlight video here: https://k12skillslab.org/3/healthcare
What Does a Cardiologist Do?
A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in heart health. They use tools like stethoscopes, electrocardiograms (EKGs), and imaging tests to diagnose heart problems and help people stay healthy.
In the Central Coast of California, the demand for heart specialists and cardiovascular technicians is growing as hospitals and clinics work to provide better care for our communities. More preventative heart care, new medical technology, and an aging population are all driving the need for more skilled professionals in cardiology and related fields.
Fast Facts About Heart Health Careers:
The human heart beats about 100,000 times a day and pumps blood through over 60,000 miles of blood vessels!
The demand for cardiologists and heart health professionals is expected to grow by 15% in the next decade.
Heart disease is the #1 health concern in the U.S., making cardiologists essential to improving public health.
Careers & Earning Potential
If your child enjoys science, problem-solving, or helping people stay healthy, they may be interested in a future career in cardiology and heart health! Here are a few exciting career paths:
Cardiologist (Heart Doctor) – Diagnoses and treats heart conditions, performing procedures to help patients stay healthy.
Average salary: $250,000 - $500,000
Training needed: Medical school + specialized cardiology training
Cardiovascular Technician – Assists doctors in performing heart tests, such as EKGs and ultrasounds, to check for heart problems.
Average salary: $50,000 - $85,000
Training needed: Associate’s degree or certification in cardiovascular technology
Cardiac Nurse – Cares for patients with heart conditions, helping them manage treatments and recover after heart procedures.
Average salary: $70,000 - $120,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN)
Biomedical Engineer (Heart Technology Specialist) – Designs and improves medical devices like pacemakers and artificial heart valves.
Average salary: $80,000 - $130,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering
Exercise Physiologist – Helps patients strengthen their hearts through fitness, rehabilitation, and heart-healthy lifestyle plans.
Average salary: $50,000 - $85,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science or Kinesiology
Extend the Learning at Home!
Encourage your child to think like a Cardiologist with these fun activities:
Heart Rate Experiment! Have your child take their pulse before and after jumping jacks or running in place. Talk about how exercise helps keep the heart strong!
Listen to Your Heart! If you have a toy stethoscope (or a real one), let your child listen to their own heartbeat or a family member’s. Discuss why doctors listen to heartbeats.
Heart-Healthy Foods Challenge! Ask your child to identify heart-healthy foods at home, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Explain how good nutrition helps keep the heart strong.
By exploring how the heart works, students are building a foundation for careers in healthcare, science, and medicine. Stay tuned for next month’s exciting career exploration adventure!
K12 Regional Skills Lab: Lab Tech Legends! Exploring Clinical Lab Science
This Month’s Theme: Healthcare & Life Sciences
This month, in the K12 Regional Skills Lab, your 4th grader became a Clinical Lab Scientist in the lesson "Lab Tech Legends: Unveiling the Mystery of Clinical Lab Scientists!" Students explored the fascinating world of medical testing and diagnostics, learning how lab scientists analyze blood, bacteria, and other samples to help doctors diagnose diseases. Through hands-on activities, they simulated blood typing, microscopic investigations, and lab testing—experiencing what it’s like to work in a real medical laboratory!
Clinical laboratory science is a crucial part of the healthcare industry. Every time a patient gets a blood test, biopsy, or infection screening, a lab scientist is behind the scenes analyzing the results. These professionals play a key role in diagnosing diseases, from diabetes to infections to cancer, making their work critical to patient care.
Learn more and watch the local industry spotlight video here: https://k12skillslab.org/4/healthcare
What is Clinical Lab Science & Why is it Important?
A clinical lab scientist is a healthcare professional who tests and analyzes biological samples to help doctors diagnose and treat diseases. These scientists don’t work directly with patients like doctors and nurses do, but their lab work helps save lives every day.
In the Central Coast of California, the demand for clinical lab scientists is rising rapidly due to growing healthcare needs, new medical technologies, and an aging population. Hospitals, clinics, and research labs are expanding their teams of diagnostic scientists, creating high-paying, in-demand careers in healthcare.
Fast Facts About Clinical Lab Science Careers:
70% of medical decisions are based on lab test results provided by clinical lab scientists.
The job market for clinical lab professionals is growing 11% faster than average, making it one of the top healthcare careers.
Over 13 billion lab tests are performed each year in the U.S. alone!
Careers & Earning Potential in Clinical Laboratory Science
If your child enjoys science, problem-solving, and hands-on experiments, they may be interested in a future career in clinical lab science! Here are a few exciting career paths:
Clinical Lab Scientist (Medical Laboratory Scientist) – Performs blood tests, examines bacteria, and analyzes patient samples to help doctors diagnose diseases.
Average salary: $60,000 - $90,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, Biology, or Chemistry
Microbiologist – Studies bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to help prevent and treat infections.
Average salary: $65,000 - $100,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Microbiology or Biochemistry
Cytotechnologist – Specializes in analyzing cells under a microscope to detect cancer and other diseases.
Average salary: $70,000 - $110,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s degree in Cytotechnology or Medical Laboratory Science
Blood Bank Specialist (Immunohematologist) – Works in hospital blood banks, ensuring safe blood transfusions and managing blood supplies.
Average salary: $65,000 - $100,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s degree with certification in Blood Banking or Immunohematology
Genetic Technologist – Analyzes DNA to detect genetic disorders, helping doctors provide personalized treatment plans.
Average salary: $75,000 - $120,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s degree in Genetics, Molecular Biology, or Clinical Laboratory Science
Extend the Learning at Home!
Encourage your child to think like a Clinical Lab Scientist with these fun activities:
Kitchen Chemistry! Experiment with safe at-home chemical reactions like mixing vinegar & baking soda or testing for acidity in foods using pH strips—just like real lab scientists do!
Microscope Explorers! If you have a magnifying glass or microscope at home, encourage your child to examine salt, sugar, leaves, or even a drop of water—just like scientists study samples in a medical lab!
Blood Type Research! Have your child interview family members about their blood types and research why blood types are important in transfusions, surgeries, and medicine.
By exploring the world of medical diagnostics, students are gaining valuable knowledge about science, healthcare, and laboratory technology—all critical fields in modern medicine. Stay tuned for next month’s exciting career exploration adventure!
K12 Regional Skills Lab: Unlocking the Code! Exploring the World of Geneticists
This Month’s Theme: Healthcare & Life Sciences
This month, in the K12 Regional Skills Lab, your 5th grader became a Genetics Investigator in the lesson "Unlocking the Code: Exploring the World of Geneticists!" Students explored how DNA is the blueprint of life and how geneticists use it to understand traits, identify diseases, and develop life-saving medical breakthroughs. Through hands-on activities, they built model DNA strands using gum drops, mimicking the real-world information geneticists use in labs to study DNA and solve medical mysteries.
Genetics is a rapidly growing field in healthcare, helping doctors and scientists personalize medicine, improve treatments, and even predict health risks before they happen. By introducing students to genetic science at an early age, we are helping them explore careers in biotechnology, medicine, and life sciences—all of which are in high demand across the Central Coast region and beyond!
Learn more and watch the local industry spotlight video here: https://k12skillslab.org/5/healthcare
What Does a Geneticist Do?
A geneticist is a scientist who studies DNA—the code that makes us who we are! They research how genes affect our health, physical traits, and even our risk for diseases. Geneticists work in hospitals, laboratories, and biotech companies to discover new treatments, develop medicines, and even solve crimes using DNA evidence.
In the Central Coast of California, the demand for biotech professionals and genetic researchers is increasing as hospitals, universities, and research labs work to advance medical science and personalized healthcare solutions.
Fast Facts About Genetics & Healthcare Careers:
The biotech industry is growing at twice the rate of other industries, creating high-paying jobs in California.
Genetic testing is now used to predict diseases before symptoms even appear, helping doctors prevent illnesses before they start.
Forensic scientists use DNA to solve crimes, proving the power of genetics beyond medicine!
Careers & Earning Potential in Genetics
If your child enjoys science, problem-solving, or making discoveries, they may be interested in a future career in genetics and biotechnology! Here are a few exciting career paths:
Geneticist (DNA Scientist) – Studies genes to understand how diseases develop and how to prevent them.
Average salary: $80,000 - $130,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Genetics, or Biomedical Science; Advanced degrees for research roles
Biotechnologist – Develops new medicines, vaccines, and treatments using genetic science.
Average salary: $65,000 - $120,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology or Life Sciences
Genetic Counselor – Helps patients understand their genetic health risks and guides them through genetic testing.
Average salary: $70,000 - $100,000
Training needed: Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling
Forensic DNA Analyst – Uses DNA in crime investigations to identify suspects and solve cases.
Average salary: $55,000 - $95,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science, Biology, or Criminal Justice
Bioinformatics Specialist – Uses computers and AI to analyze DNA data, helping doctors and scientists develop new medical treatments.
Average salary: $85,000 - $140,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Data Science, or Biology
Extend the Learning at Home!
Encourage your child to think like a Geneticist with these fun activities:
Explore Family Traits! Have your child compare their eye color, hair color, and other traits with family members to see how genetics shape our appearance.
Become a DNA Detective! Research how DNA is used in crime-solving, ancestry tests, or even in developing cures for diseases.
By exploring how DNA unlocks life’s secrets, students are gaining valuable knowledge about biotechnology, medicine, and scientific research—careers that are shaping the future of healthcare. Stay tuned for next month’s exciting career exploration adventure!
K12 Regional Skills Lab: Building Ironman! Designing a Prosthetic for a Superhero
This Month’s Theme: Healthcare & Life Sciences
This month, in the K12 Regional Skills Lab, your 6th grader became a Biomedical Engineer in the lesson "Building Ironman: Designing a Prosthetic for a Superhero!" Students explored how biomedical engineers create prosthetic limbs and medical devices to help people regain mobility and live healthier lives. Through hands-on activities, they designed and built their own prosthetic hand prototype for Ironman—learning how science, engineering, and healthcare come together to change lives.
Biomedical engineering is one of the fastest-growing careers in healthcare and technology. It combines problem-solving, creativity, and innovation to design artificial limbs, robotic prosthetics, bionic implants, and even 3D-printed organs. By introducing students to engineering in medicine, we are helping them explore careers in healthcare, technology, and research—fields that are in high demand in the Central Coast region and beyond!
Learn more and watch the local industry spotlight video here: https://k12skillslab.org/6/healthcare
What is Biomedical Engineering & Why is it Important?
A biomedical engineer is a scientist who designs technology to improve human health. They create prosthetic limbs, artificial hearts, medical imaging machines (like X-rays & MRIs), and even robotic surgery systems! Their work helps millions of people live healthier, longer lives.
In the Central Coast of California, hospitals, universities, and medical research centers are expanding their biomedical technology programs to develop new life-saving medical devices. This means more job opportunities in healthcare, science, and engineering for future generations.
Fast Facts About Biomedical Engineering Careers:
The biomedical engineering field is expected to grow 10% faster than other careers in the next decade.
3D printing technology is now being used to custom-make prosthetics for children and adults around the world.
Bionic limbs can now be controlled by signals from the brain, allowing patients to regain movement like never before!
Careers & Earning Potential in Biomedical Engineering
If your child enjoys science, technology, and building things, they may be interested in a future career in biomedical engineering! Here are a few exciting career paths:
Biomedical Engineer – Designs and builds medical devices, artificial limbs, and healthcare technology.
Average salary: $80,000 - $120,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Bioengineering
Prosthetist & Orthotist – Creates and fits prosthetic limbs, braces, and support devices for patients.
Average salary: $70,000 - $110,000
Training needed: Master’s degree in Prosthetics & Orthotics
Medical Device Designer – Develops cutting-edge medical tools, from robotic surgery systems to wearable health trackers.
Average salary: $75,000 - $130,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Biotechnology, or Product Design
Tissue Engineer – Uses stem cells and 3D printing to develop artificial organs and tissue for transplants.
Average salary: $85,000 - $140,000
Training needed: Advanced degree in Biomedical Engineering or Regenerative Medicine
Rehabilitation Engineer – Designs wheelchairs, robotic exoskeletons, and assistive devices for people with disabilities.
Average salary: $65,000 - $100,000
Training needed: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
Extend the Learning at Home!
Encourage your child to think like a Biomedical Engineer with these fun activities:
DIY Prosthetic Challenge! Have your child design their own prosthetic hand using household materials like straws, rubber bands, and tape. How strong can they make it?
Explore Robotics in Medicine! Research how robotic arms and AI are being used in surgeries and hospitals. Ask: “How could robots make healthcare better?”
Watch STEM in Action! Look up videos of 3D-printed prosthetics, brain-controlled bionic limbs, or robotic surgery tools—all created by biomedical engineers!
By exploring the world of medical technology, students are gaining valuable knowledge about science, engineering, and innovation—careers that are revolutionizing healthcare. Stay tuned for next month’s exciting career exploration adventure!