Becoming a Biomedical Engineer with a Biology Degree can be a tricky career path. However, with the right preparation and research it can be an excellent choice for scientists who want to make a positive impact on healthcare. In this article, we’ll talk about what you need to get started and potential questions you’ll face along the way.

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Introduction to How To Become A Biomedical Engineer With A Biology Degree

Biomedical engineers are the scientists who design and develop medical devices, instrumentation and equipment. The biomedical engineering field is growing rapidly, so if you’ve always wanted to work in health care but weren’t sure how to break into it, becoming a biomedical engineer is an excellent option.

This guide will walk you through what it takes to become a biomedical engineer with a biology degree. We’ll cover everything from education requirements and salary expectations to career options and job outlooks.

What Do Biomedical Engineers Do?

Biomedical engineers are responsible for developing new technologies that help improve patient care and quality of life. They use their knowledge of biology and engineering principles to design devices that can be used in hospitals or other medical settings. This can include anything from surgical tools or diagnostic equipment such as MRI machines all the way down to simple medical devices like IV pumps used in surgeries or chemotherapy treatments. Biomedical engineers also work on improving existing technology through innovation and research projects that involve studying animal models or conducting clinical trials on human subjects (such as when testing new drugs).

Master’s in Biomedical Engineering Program Admissions

Admission to a biomedical engineering master’s program is highly competitive. Schools want the best and brightest students, so they require high GPAs and test scores. Students should start applying to schools at least a year before they start a program. Schools handle the admissions process through online portals. Students create an online profile containing their personal information, upload their documents, and submit their application to the school.

When selecting candidates, schools review work experience, research experience, and academic performance. A committee that heads the biomedical engineering program reviews applications, but the graduate school makes the final decisions. Schools also impose their own application deadlines. Some programs only accept students during the fall or spring semester. In these instances, students must submit their application as soon as the school starts accepting them. For the fall semester, schools accept applications in early spring.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s Degree: An undergraduate degree in bioengineering or life sciences helps a student understand the concepts in the biomedical engineering master’s program. The program requires an undergraduate degree with a math or science focus.
• Professional Experience: Many students apply for their master’s degree immediately after graduating from an undergraduate program. However, administrators welcome students with any scientific or medical experience.
• Minimum GPA: Schools seek applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Many programs want applicants with a minimum 3.2 or even a 3.5 GPA.

how to become a doctor after biomedical engineering

Can I Be A Biomedical Engineer with a Biology Degree

Biomedical engineers enjoy work in a vocation that straddles the line between engineering and medicine, and that is often responsible for the creation of lifesaving medicine and technology. These professionals may assist in the development of pharmaceutical drugs, biocompatible prostheses, imaging equipment, and other products that help with the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Ultimately, biomedical engineers devote a substantial amount of time to research and development, where they work to expand the boundaries of medicine by leveraging their engineering skills and expertise. Some biomedical engineers may spend their career in a university setting, while others may work in manufacturing facilities, research labs, medical institutions, or even government agencies.

Biomedical engineers are often responsible for the preservation and improvement of quality of life for ailing patients, so the work can be quite fulfilling. However, because of the complex and demanding nature of the work, interested individuals should possess certain character traits, and complete their engineering education, before beginning to work in the field.

What Else Can I Expect From a Master’s Program in Biomedical Engineering?

While curricular details vary, there are some common characteristics — including concentrations and core coursework — that can be found in most biomedical engineering programs.

CONCENTRATION	DESCRIPTION	CAREERS
Biomaterials	Biomaterials are the substances used to create medical equipment. These substances can either be found in nature or made in a laboratory. Many engineers take this concentration to study different materials and their uses. Students may be asked to use these materials to construct an artificial organ or prosthetic limb.	Rehabilitation Engineer
Biotechnology	Biotechnology combines biology with technology to create a comprehensive curriculum for future bioengineers. Students learn about molecular biotechnology and structural technology, two advanced science concepts. Students also review pharmaceutical technologies used to create and test prescription drugs. Biotechnology is a broad field that is offered as its own major at other schools.	Research Scientist
Health Data Science	Health data science involves mathematics and computer engineering. Heavily rooted in statistics, this discipline teaches students how to collect and analyze the health data needed to solve problems in the biomedical sciences. Students apply statistical methods and scientific computing to a host of problems.	Health Data Scientist
Immune Engineering	This concentration explores the immune system and how it responds to diseases. This information helps bioengineers create new devices that mimic the functions of the immune system and improve them. In this concentration, learners study the cells, tissues, and other system components.	Clinical Engineer
Biosensors and Bioinstrumentation	Elements of biochemistry, electronics, and physiology make up the foundation of this concentration. Researchers use biosensors to detect antibodies in different environments. Bioinstrumentation is the basis of healthcare technology. Further research in this field can help with developing devices for third-world countries.	Environmental Scientist

Courses in a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering Program

A biomedical engineering master’s curriculum varies. Each school creates its own curriculum to meet the learning and course objective they deem important. Core courses hold different names, but the content stays the same with a focus on science and mathematics. See below for a sample curriculum.EXPAND ALLNeural Signal AcquisitionBiomedical Materials and Artificial OrgansCell Mechanics and MechanotransductionTissue BiomechanicsBiosensors

How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering?

Degree candidates can finish their biomedical engineering master’s degree in two years or less depending on the amount of credits they take each semester. Most programs consist of 30 credits or more. Students can also choose a concentration which includes additional courses. Most schools want students to take 12 elective credits and complete a thesis or final project to graduate. Thesis programs include a seminar course and a final review by board members. Learners must receive a passing grade on their project to graduate.

To graduate on time, students take the maximum number of credits allowed per semester. Students also enroll in summer and winter session courses. These accelerated programs take a few weeks to complete and students use their financial aid to pay for them. If students take longer than two years to graduate, they pay more for their program as prices change each year.

How Much is a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering?

The price of a biomedical engineering master’s degree depends on the school. Several factors affect tuition, especially how the school divvies up tuition rates. Schools can charge students a flat rate per semester, a rate for credit ranges, or cost per credit. With flat-rate tuition, students pay one fee for the entire semester. The rate also includes additional university fees. The rate for credit range options covers a full course load, usually 12-18 credits per semester. Students who want to take less than 12 or more than 18 credits pay individually for the course. Cost per credit options cover one course. Most courses are worth 1-4 credits.

biomedical engineer salary

Steps To Becoming A Biomedical Engineer

Overall, the path to becoming a biomedical engineer will be very similar for most individuals aspiring to work in this career. In light of this, anyone interested in working in this capacity should consider following the steps listed below:

• Step One: Fundamentally, anyone who intends on working as a biomedical engineer in the future should obtain a high school diploma, or obtain a GED. This is, in general, a requirement for eligibility at virtually all four-year colleges or universities nationwide. In addition, certain courses should be completed during high school that focus on chemistry and biochemistry, physics, biology, mathematics and statistics, and any other related subjects. This will help the individual become comfortable with these subjects, and test his or her ability to handle a significant amount of concurrent work.
• Step Two: Enroll in a four-year biomedical engineering program; or, if the student aspires to pursue a graduate degree in biomedical engineering in the future, he or she may obtain a bachelor’s degree in any field of engineering. As mentioned before, strong consideration should be placed on engineering programs that have received accreditation from ABET.
• Step Three: While it is certainly not a requirement of becoming a biomedical engineer, students may wish to find related employment or volunteer experience in the field as they complete their degree. Doing so will give them a better idea of what to expect upon graduation.
• Step Four: Once the individual has obtained a degree, he or she may begin working as a biomedical engineer immediately. Or, he or she may choose to pursue a graduate degree in the field in order to be eligible for additional, sometimes more lucrative, types of employment.
• Step Five: Although this is not necessary, biomedical engineers with four years of relevant work experience may apply for a professional engineering license to help them obtain more lucrative opportunities in the future.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Biomedical Engineer

The following provides a short overview of the time requirements necessary to become a biomedical engineer:

• High School: In most cases, it takes a total of four years to complete a high school degree, although some may complete it in three. It may take a shorter period of time to obtain a GED, although this depends entirely on the individual.
• Undergraduate Degree: A bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering will take four years to complete, unless the student takes on a significant course load each year, or he or she enters college or university already with credits to his or her name.
• Graduate Degree: Although a graduate degree is not a necessity, it will likely take one or two years to complete a master’s degree, and significantly longer for a doctorate degree.
• Professional Licensure: A biomedical engineer must work in the field for at least four years before becoming eligible to obtain a professional engineering degree.

Total Time: Not counting the time it takes to finish high school or obtain a GED, an aspiring biomedical engineer may be eligible to work in this field within three to four years (this solely includes the time it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree). Once a biomedical engineer finds a position in the industry, he or she may take another one to five years, or more, to obtain additional qualifications leading to greater responsibilities and pay. The relatively short time frame necessary to begin work, as well as the additional possibilities for career advancement, make this choice an enticing option for those who wish to work in the fields of both engineering and medicine.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 10% growth in life, physical, and social science occupations by 2026, with 100,000 new jobs flowing into the economy. The boom in life science occupations means that the industry needs more educated professionals to work in these positions. For students interested in medicine and technology, biomedical engineering combines both fields into one compelling industry.

THE BLS PROJECTS 10% GROWTH IN LIFE, PHYSICAL, AND SOCIAL SCIENCE OCCUPATIONS BY 2026, WITH 100,000 NEW JOBS FLOWING INTO THE ECONOMY.

A biomedical engineering master’s degree increases earning potential and makes workers more attractive to employers. This degree also teaches employees innovative skills to help them design the next generation of medical equipment. Workers who want to take the next step in their careers must find the right master’s program in biomedical engineering. Each biomedical engineering master’s program offers its own benefits. This guide provides all the information you need regarding cost, coursework, and the admissions process.

masters in biomedical engineering

Students who love the technical aspect of medicine can pursue a biomedical engineering master’s degree. Most schools with a master’s program in the discipline also offer a bachelor’s degree in the field. However, many students with a background in life or natural sciences enroll in biomedical engineering programs. Once students enroll, they can explore class format.

On-campus courses appeal to students looking for the traditional college experience complete with a lecturing professor and a written syllabus. Online programs work best for self-starters, people who need little direction, and whose busy schedules prevent them from taking traditional courses. On-campus students value the face-to-face contact and individualized attention from instructors.

With this degree, learners develop into medical engineers capable of building an artificial heart from scratch. They understand the functions of every cell, artery, and organ in the body. They use this knowledge to create innovative medical devices that improve the quality of life for many people. Master’s programs in biomedical engineering expose students to the world of scientific technology and the ever-growing healthcare industry.

While in this program, students visit hospitals, laboratories, and other healthcare facilities filled with healthcare personnel and patients who rely on engineers to create the technology they use daily. Schools also help connect students with industry professionals and like-minded individuals. Students should take advantage of their school’s career services center before graduation.

What Can I Do With a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering?

Biomedical engineers possess a unique skill set because they understand the complexities of engineering coupled with the attributes of medicine. They can work in many different capacities creating, using, and selling equipment. Most scientists must know how to use advanced technology to perform their duties. A biomedical engineering master’s degree prepares graduates to work with this equipment, using it to conduct research and test samples. Students interested in the industry’s research aspect enjoy working in laboratories with other researchers to brainstorm ideas. Extroverted students like interacting with other healthcare personnel and prefer sharing their inventions in the field.EXPAND ALLBiomedical EngineersBiochemistsEnvironmental ScientistsMedical ScientistsAgricultural Scientists

How to Choose a Master’s Program in Biomedical Engineering

Master’s programs in biomedical engineering take two years to complete. Most schools offer a thesis or non-thesis track. The thesis track features a practicum requirement or courses pertaining to the thesis project. Non-thesis tracks can also include a final project, but it is not graded like a thesis. A thesis involves original research, so it takes time to write. Instructors often work with students to meet deadlines. Thesis and non-thesis options are comparable in length. The curriculum consists of courses in life sciences, mathematics, research, and engineering. For advanced courses, students must take and pass the prerequisite course. Classes tend to build off of each other.

Accreditation also matters. Accredited schools receive the seal of approval from the U.S. Department of Education, which allows them to receive and distribute federal funds. Students have a better chance of receiving funding from an accredited institution.

A student’s enrollment status remains one of the biggest factors in program length. Full-time students take more credits per semester than part-time students. Due to their course load, full-time students graduate on time or ahead of their graduation date. Part-time enrollment helps students with busy schedules or tight budgets complete courses when they can. However, these students pay the same or more tuition than full-time enrollees.

Program specializations also affect a degree’s length and cost. Concentration courses can raise tuition price by a few hundred or thousands of dollars.

Programmatic Accreditation for Master’s Programs in Biomedical Engineering

Attending an accredited school helps students receive better financial aid packages. Regionally accredited schools use federal funds to award grants, scholarships, and loans to students in need. Accredited schools make it easy to transfer credits to other institutions. They also partner with community colleges to allow students to transfer all of their undergraduate credits.

Programmatic accreditation is more specific. Programmatic accrediting bodies consist of industry insiders and academics. They evaluate the faculty and program curriculum to ensure courses prepare students to work in the field. While programmatic accreditation isn’t required, it represents exceptional educational quality and delivery.

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) supervises the evaluation process for biomedical engineering master’s programs. ABET oversees many of the engineering programs at higher education institutions. Students can find accredited programs online.

Characteristics Of A Successful Biomedical Engineer

It would be untrue to claim that all successful biomedical engineers possess an identical set of character traits that set them apart from the rest. In general, though, there are a number of characteristics that will certainly benefit an individual interested in becoming a biomedical engineer in the future. For example, O*Net Online lists the following skills among those necessary for someone hoping to work in this position:

• Complex problem solving: Biomedical engineers may be faced with problems to which the solution are not readily available, and must be able to review the information at hand to develop and implement an appropriate solution.
• Critical thinking: In addition to being able to solve complex problems, biomedical engineers should also be able to utilize logic and reasoning to determine which course to take when identifying an approach to an issue.
• Judgment and decision making: When faced with a multitude of options, a skilled biomedical engineer must be able to weigh the outcomes of each to determine the most reasonable one, given the resources available.
• Knowledge of science: A successful biomedical engineer generally must have a strong grasp of scientific rules and methods, as well as their application to this work. Fields of science in which biomedical engineers must be proficient include biology, physics, and general engineering and technology.

Becoming A Biomedical Engineer – Role, Requirements And Responsibilities

There are specific educational and licensing requirements necessary for anyone who wishes to work as a biomedical engineer. To begin, anyone who intends on working in this career field should first obtain a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in biomedical engineering. Of course, while an individual does not necessarily need to obtain a degree from a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET), doing so is a requirement for eligibility to receive a professional engineer license, which may be a prerequisite for a number of jobs in the field.

Here, it should be mentioned that a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, specifically, is not a requirement to work in this capacity. Instead, a student may complete a degree in another field of engineering, and then go on to further obtain a graduate degree in biomedical engineering. This may take more time overall, however, it may provide the individual with a broader view of general engineering concepts and a deeper understanding of biomedical engineering specifically, which he or she can put to use throughout his or her career.  Based on Payscale data (2016), the yearly salary range for biomedical engineers with master’s degrees is $3-10,000 higher than that of biomedical engineers with bachelor’s degrees.

Furthermore, a student who has already obtained a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering may still benefit from pursuing a graduate degree in the subject, as this will reinforce and deepen that student’s understanding.

Once a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biomedical engineering has been obtained, an individual may begin working in the field immediately. However, as mentioned above, anyone wishing to work as a biomedical engineer should consider pursuing professional licensure in order to maximize employability and validate his or her qualifications and abilities.

As described by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), there are certain required steps in order to achieve a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which are listed below:

• The individual must complete a four-year college degree from an institution that has been accredited by ABET. For convenience, ABET has compiled a database of accredited programs nationwide that can be searched by visiting its website.
• Upon completing a degree in engineering from a four-year college or university, the individual must work in the field for at least four years under the supervision of another PE.
• Once the engineer has completed a degree and worked for four years in the field, he or she must then pass two intensive competency exams that are provided by the relevant state licensure board. At this point in time, upon successful completion of all of these steps, the engineer should be awarded a Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Finally, in order to maintain said license, the individual must continually maintain and improve his or her skills throughout the duration of his or her career as an engineer.

It is also important to note that a Professional Engineer (PE) license is applicable to all fields of engineering. As such, if an individual has degrees in both biomedical engineering and, for example, electrical engineering, a professional engineering license will benefit him or her while searching for employment in either field.  In other words, once an engineer has earned the PE designation and so long as said engineer keeps it up to date, the PE certification remains valid.

It’s hard to imagine a world without biomedical engineers. They are responsible for the medical devices and technologies we take for granted, like pacemakers and artificial hearts.

Becoming a biomedical engineer with a biology degree is not impossible; it just requires some extra work. You’ll need to get involved in research with your school’s biology department and get hands-on experience working with medical equipment. You can also consider taking some classes outside of your major like anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics and engineering courses.

In order to be eligible for this job, you’ll need at least an undergraduate degree from an accredited university in biomedical engineering or related field (i.e., electrical engineering). If you don’t have one yet but are still interested in pursuing this career path, consider enrolling at an institution that offers an accelerated program where you can study both biology and engineering simultaneously!

After obtaining your degree, look for internships or volunteer opportunities where you can gain experience working with medical devices or developing new ones yourself!