How Can I Become a Biomedical Engineer? Schools, Cost, Program

Do you love healthcare and engineering? Do you seek how to combine your engineering skills by providing medical help? Probably, you can consider a career as a Biomedical engineer.

Let’s have already decided to become biomedical engineers, but you are lost on how to do it. This article is just for you because it is embedded with all the information you may need to become a biomedical engineer.

You can apply engineering principles to biology and healthcare as a biomedical engineer.

So, judiciously read through this excerpt to discover the educational requirements, where you can obtain them, and available jobs you may do with a degree in Biomedical engineering, look at the table of contents to see some of the topics discussed in detail.

Table of Contents

What is Biomedical Engineering?

Well, over the years, in response to advancements in science and technology, Biomedical engineering has evolved as a response to the technological demands of the health sector. Basically, Biomed is the application of engineering principles and skills to the fields of biology and health care.

In fact, its practice dates back to a wood and leather prosthetic toe found on a 3000-year-old Egyptian mummy. However, simple clutches and walking sticks are examples of assistive devices that early medical engineering provided.

So, we can say that bio-medical engineering allows professionals to apply engineering skills and knowledge in biology or medicine.

Who is a Biomedical Engineer?

Obviously, it is now clear that a biomedical engineer must have great insight into biology and medicine alongside engineering principles.

A biomedical engineer works in a vocation that merges engineering and medicine. Basically, their job is to create lifesaving medicine and technology.

They assist with their technology in developing pharmaceutical drugs, biocompatible prostheses, imaging equipment, and other technologies that can help diagnose and treat patients.

Also, they are expected to innovate ways to preserve and improve the quality of life for sick patients.

Biomedical engineers design and develop medical systems, equipment, and devices. Let’s date back to history and see what devices have been innovated by biomedical engineers and what they are used for.

Medical Engineers and Inventions

Basically, the first person to fashion a splint for a broken bone can be the first biomedical engineer. Afterward, humans have increasingly discovered effective devices for diagnosing and treating disease. T

his medical engineering innovation alleviates, rehabilitates, or compensates for disabilities and injuries.

The earliest inventors and their inventions will help you understand the importance of this career path you are about to choose in human life. Also, it will help you discover new ways to solve human medical difficulties and problems.

Well, these scientists’ late 19th and early 20th century works were used to make the first tabletop hearing aids. However, William Shockley and his team’s innovations produced the first wearable hearing aids at bell laboratories.

This biomedical engineer invented a mechanical ventilator. Actually, this machine helps a patient breathe when he/she is recovering from surgery or a critical illness. Also, a patient who cannot breathe for any reason may use a mechanical ventilator for support.

This Biomed engineer invented a type of radiation called electromagnetic waves or Xrays. Basically, x-rays create pictures of the inside of your body. Usually, it is used to check for fractures.

Yes, the medical device for listening to the action of someone’s heart or breathing was invented by this medical engineer. Basically, this device is used for listening for a pulse, blood flow, or heartbeat of a fetus, among other uses.

Other Biomed Engineers include:

  • John Charnley who discovered an artificial hip replacement
  • Graeme Clarke invented Cochlear implant
  • Wilson Greatbatch: Internal cardiac pacemaker
  • Charles Hufnagel: artificial heart valve
  • Willem Johan Kolff: Kidney dialysis
  • Willem Einthoven: Electrocardiograph

Where do Biomedical Engineers Work?

Biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with medical sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.

So, they can work in manufacturing companies, universities, hospitals, and research facilities. Also, the employment opportunity for Biomed engineers is expected to grow to 4 % from 2108 to 2028.

In addition, a medical engineer can also decide to work for government regulatory agencies or focus on a specific field.

They could focus on equipment manufacturing, research and development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

How Much do Medical Engineers earn?

Actually, your total earning as a Biomed engineer will be influenced by many factors like your entry-level, educational qualification, and current employer.

However, according to a survey, the highest-paid biomedical engineer takes home an average salary of $118,730. In fact, Biomed engineers with bachelor’s and doctoral-degree earn over a median annual wage of $88,550.

Furthermore, researchers at payscale.com posit that Biomed engineers have the potential to double their salaries as they gain experience nearly.

Where can I study Biomed Engineering?

Well, now you understand what Biomed engineers do and find it interesting. You will need a degree to excel in this career path.

As we advance, we will look at educational qualifications and certifications for you to top the corporate ladder and earn more.

Schools for BioMed Engineering

The University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB)

Actually, this university offers a curriculum that offers pertinent classes in engineering physics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology.

It awards a Bachelor of Science degree in bio-med engineering on completion of coursework. Interestingly, UAB offers an honors track that includes opportunities for undergraduate research.

However, this will cost you about $13,982 per year. In contrast, you can access scholarships for engineering and international students to augment this financial cost. For more information and application, click the button below.

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University of Texas

This university ranks as one of the top 10 engineering schools. Basically, the BME program in this school offers one of the best biomedical engineering degrees.

Generally, the undergraduate program of the university of texas boasts of an average starting salary of $70,000 for their graduands and says 81% of them participate in research.

Consequently, 50% of their graduates find industry jobs, while 50% pursue medical and graduate degrees.

It awards a bachelor of science degree and covers all the cutting-edge laboratory facilities and technological resources.

A BioMed student in this university can study under top Cambridge professors while learning European culture. However, this will cost you about $16,832 to acquire. For more information, visit the school website.

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Illinois Institute of Technology

Well, we can’t talk about top schools for biomedical engineering without mentioning the institute of technology.

The biomedical engineering department supports its student’s ambitions by offering a course that concentrates on medical imaging., cell tissue engineering, and neural engineering.

Also, undergraduates in BME can conduct research and develop the necessary skills to succeed as professional Biomed engineers or excel in the graduate school of law business or medicals. Furthermore, it may cost you $22,499 annually to acquire this asset. For more information and enrollment, click the button below.

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The University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science

Well, it has been barely ten years since this university’s engineering degree came into existence, but it is now one of the programs to reckon with.

Basically, it has a highly integrative curriculum that links engineering skills with biological concepts, and interestingly, they have close ties with the University of Virginia’s school of medicine.

Additionally, this university claims that 100% of its students participate in research, internships, and global health experiences.

Consequently, upon graduation, they get direct access to industry jobs and the nation’s top medical schools. Furthermore, this degree at the University of Virginia may cost you $11,277 each academic year.

Click the button below to enroll in this Bachelor of Science degree program.

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The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering-Georgia Tech

This is the best university in our ranking to get a degree in biomedical engineering. Actually, this department houses an incredible engineering curriculum that is all-encompassing at a reasonable tuition rate.

In fact, this department bears the nickname: second to none because its curriculum is very practical and covers the diversity in biomedicine, and emphasizes the importance of communication and teamwork in a professional environment.

Furthermore, the university boasts that 70% of its students in the BME department complete an independent project of theirs’ before they graduate. Making them employers of labor and job creators.

Finally, a degree from this university in biomedical engineering will cost you a net price of $12,187 each year of the academic journey. For more information, click the button below. OFFICIAL WEBSITE

How do I become a Biomedical Engineer?

Basically, this is a professional job and demands specific educational and licensing requirements.

It’s important to note that a student may complete a degree in any engineering field and then pursue a graduate degree in BioMed engineering.

Also, note that once you acquire a degree in this field, you may start a career and advance by gaining experience and enrolling for masters and doctoral degrees.

Meanwhile, critically analyze basic requirements before pursuing a biomedical engineering career. These requirements are classified into educational qualifications for Biomed engineers and characteristics of a successful engineer.

Basic Requirements

A known prerequisite for biomedical engineering is a bachelor of science degree in Biomedical Engineering. Basically, this degree program is offered in most universities. Check out the best schools for this course, and start your career journey now.

In addition to this degree, you may need a master’s degree and a doctoral degree to excel in this professional field.

Actually, there are no basic traits of a Biomed engineer though there are several traits that every biomedical engineer needs to excel.

Generally, bio-med engineers are always looking for better ways to aid medical scientists and physicians in doing a better job of saving lives. So, a biomedical engineer must be a complex problem-solving critical thinker. In addition, an aspiring Biomed engineer should also have a sense of judgment and be a good decision-maker.

Finally, he needs all the knowledge of science he can get.

Guide to Becoming a BioMed Engineer

Now that we understand the Biomed engineering requirements, let’s see a step-by-step guide on becoming a certified biomedical engineer.

1st Step: get a high school diploma or a general education diploma.

Actually, this is a basic requirement for any course in any four-year college with accreditation. So, to become a Biomed engineer, you must complete chemistry and biochemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and statistics.

Step 2: Enroll and Complete a Degree program

Upon graduation from high school, you must not lose focus. Make sure to enroll in a four-year bio-medical engineering program.

You can pursue a Bachelor of Science degree program in biomedical engineering or any other engineering field to pursue a graduate degree in Biomed engineering later. Whichever works for you, get a degree.

3rd Step: Get employment or volunteer experience

Basically, this may not be a prerequisite for becoming a medical engineer but doing so will help you in the field when you complete your degree and in your career journey.

Step 4: Start a career

Usually, once you get a degree in biomedical engineering, you may start your career journey. However, to be eligible for additional and higher-paying jobs, you should further your academic pursuit and graduate.

5th Step: Get your license

Subsequently, it is important, maybe not necessary, to get a degree after four years of relevant work experience.

How Do I get a Professional Engineering License?

While this may vary according to state, the National Society of Professional Engineers says to get your license and be certified as a professional in the engineering world, you must do the following:

  • Complete a four-year degree program from a university that ABET accredits. See a list of accredited programs here.
  • Must work in the field for at least four years under the supervision of another certified and licensed engineer
  • Should pass two intensive competency exams provided by the relevant state licensure board.
  • Continuously improve and maintain your skills throughout your career as an engineer after you get licensed to avoid it being revoked.

Biomedical Engineering FAQs

How long does it take to get a Biomedical engineering degree?

Basically, you may have to spend four years in high school and get a high school diploma with good grades. However, you get a great general education diploma which takes a shorter time. Then, you must complete another four years in an accredited university or college to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. Finally, you may have to spend one to two years for a graduate degree and then complete four-year relevant working experiences to get a license. In summary, it will take approximately ten years to be a bio-med engineer and another four years to get a license.

What does a Biomedical Engineer do?

A Biomedical engineer designs instrument devices and software used in healthcare. They also develop new procedures using knowledge from engineering principles and skills.

How much does a medical engineer earn?

According to Payscale.com, the median annual wage for medical engineers is $88,550.

Conclusion

Actually, it is possible to merge those engineering skills of your and your innate burning desire to offer medical help.

Basically, this profession allows you to profer solutions and improve on existing medical devices by employing engineering principles and skills.

So, this post is a complete guide on how to make your dream come true. It explains, what these professionals do, and how they do it. Also, we brought you five great universities you may enroll in a degree program.

Furthermore, job opportunities, salary range, and how to get a license were analyzed.

Now, all you have to do is choose a school that best suits you, apply for a scholarship if you need financial aid, and start your career journey to greatness as a biomedical engineer.

References

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