Best Master's in Biomedical Engineering Degrees

Biomedical engineering is a field steeped in highly specialized subjects. Students are expected to have a strong foundation in medicine, biology, engineering, and mathematics. As a result, admission into many biomedical programs will be less flexible than other master's programs. Some of the most common undergraduate degrees that students possess before starting a master's in biomedical engineering are:

• Biomedicine
• Electrical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Biology and Chemistry
• Mathematics

Some universities will consider applications from students in medicine, dental, and nursing programs.

Master's programs will require a transcript of records from all accredited colleges and universities the applicant has attended. Specifically, it must demonstrate that the applicant has the necessary skills in mathematics (with college-level calculus as its foundation), computer sciences, biology, chemistry, and other related subjects.

Some colleges also require the student's Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test as further proof of their proficiency. Be sure to check if your college of choice does in fact list the GRE as an admissions requirement. For further information about the test, visit the GRE website.

Other admissions requirements may include:

• Letters of recommendation
• CV
• Personal statement essay

Because of biomedical engineering's very nature, a good deal of coursework will take place in laboratories and other research facilities. Students can hone their skills in handling complex equipment in school installations. An important factor to help you decide what college you will be attending is the available labs and the faculty's expertise. Take advantage of campus tours to get a sense of what each program has to offer.

Additionally, many schools have special arrangements with leading companies in the industry for student internships and other practical learning opportunities. Researching what those internship programs are beforehand can help you choose between schools that offer biomedical engineering graduate programs.

As a branch of engineering, graduate biomedical engineering program accreditation falls under the purview of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), specifically its Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission (ANSAC). This nonprofit organization based in the United States strives to ensure high-quality standards in engineering courses around the world. By obtaining this accreditation, universities attest to their compliance with the industry's expectations. The ABET reviews a program's curriculum, installations, faculty, and reputation among employers to assess its credibility. When you obtain a degree from an internationally accredited employers worldwide can verify the quality of your education.

Most Biomedical Engineering graduate programs offer students a combination of core subjects and electives organized around specialized tracks. All students will be required to partake in mandatory courses in essential subjects such as biology, engineering, and mathematics. Many students work with graduate advisors to choose both the concentration and elective courses that best fit their career goals. To complete their studies and earn their degree, students can choose between writing and defending a thesis, further guided research, or additional certification courses. Be sure to check what options are available at your desired school beforehand.

Biomedical Engineering Foundational Courses

Most graduate programs offer students the chance to follow one concentration and study its respective courses. However, most still require that students enrolled in a biomedical engineering master's program take some of the following foundational courses.

• Anatomy and Physiology: Students typically study body structures, understanding their function, interaction with other systems, and their possibility for diseases.
• Medical Imaging: These courses dive into the functioning, operation, and interpretation of x-ray imaging, ultrasound medicines, MRI scans, and more.
• Statistics for Bioengineering: Courses such as this consider the application of statistical models for analysis, discussing confidence intervals, correlation, regression, and probability.
• Immunology: Students in immunology classes receive an overview of the body's immune system as it pertains to bioengineering. Courses on the subject focus on drug therapy and vaccine development.

Biomedical Engineering Specialist & Elective Courses

Elective courses during a master's degree in Biomedical Engineering will allow students to hone their skills in more specific areas. Given bioengineering's potential for specialization, it is essential that students choose these electives carefully. It is advisable to do so under the guidance of a college career advisor. For the most part, the available elective courses will vary according to a student's chosen concentration. The following is a small sample of the kinds of specialist courses universities offer.

• Nanomedicine
• Orthopedic Biomechanics and Materials
• Bioethics
• Laboratory Technician
• Cellular engineering

Licensure & Certification in Biomedical Engineering

Unlike other fields of engineering, the biomedical industry does not require that job applicants present a professional license to be hired. For other engineering professions, each state's licensure board issues a Professional Engineer license after completing a 4-year college program, working for four years in the industry, and passing two exams: the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE). While this credential isn't specifically designed for biomedical engineers, there are several benefits to earning a PE for those in the biomedical field:

• It demonstrates advanced proficiency to potential employers and the public
• It lets you give expert testimony in court
• It offers more career flexibility and a potentially higher salary
• It lets you work as a consultant in the field

Students and working professionals may also seek certification to improve their skills and distinguish themselves from other job applicants. There are a number of institutions offering these certifications, in subjects ranging from laboratory safety and lab technician to patent registration. Most medical equipment manufacturers offer certification programs to correctly operate their machinery.

Some examples of certification include the Biomedical Electronics Technician (BET) and the Biomedical Imaging Electronics Technician from ETA International and the Bioanalysts Clinical Laboratory Director from the American Board of Bioanalysis.

• Biomaterials: A concentration in Biomaterials prepares students for a career in orthopedic biomechanics, tissue engineering, and immunology. Courses focus on biophysics and cellular structure.
• Medical Imaging and Innovation: Medical imaging refers to the instruments used to observe bodily functions and diagnose diseases (X-rays, MRI machines, ultrasound, etc.). Students become adept at operating the equipment and interpreting the images they yield. Read this Study.com article for more information about careers as a biomedical technologist.
• Bioinstrumentation: Starting with a basis in anatomy and physiology, students in a bioinstrumentation track learn about the equipment used for monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of biological processes. Using knowledge in biology, computer sciences, and statistics, students explore bio-optics and other real-world applications.

For all those interested in continuing their education after completing a master's degree in biomedical engineering, many universities also offer doctoral programs. A Ph.D. in biomedical engineering will focus heavily on research. Doctoral candidates will work with a faculty advisor as they write their thesis projects. Oftentimes, this involves laboratory work and other testing methods, as students pose research questions and set out to answer them. The work produced during a Ph.D. program is expected to be strong enough for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

A biomedical engineering master's degree opens many possible career paths for students. The following is a small sample of the possible career paths to follow upon earning a master's degree.

• Medical Imaging Researcher: An imaging professional will develop complex imaging instruments such as X-ray machines or Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment. They will work in hospitals and other health institutions, collaborating with medical professionals in diagnosing ailments. Some specific jobs in this field include biomedical electronics technologist, biomedical scientist and biomedical tech.

• Biomaterials Researcher: Many biomedical engineering graduates take an interest in developing and studying artificial substances and their application for medical implants. Their work will take place in a lab and other similar testing facilities.
• Genetic engineers: Genetic engineering is a field with varied applications, from medical research for cell therapy to the development of genetically modified crops.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Biomedical Engineering

The demand for the types of medical innovations biomedical engineers produce is on the rise. As people live longer and place a greater strain on the world's healthcare systems, biomedical engineers can offer a variety of solutions to improve people's quality of life. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs for biomedical engineers will rise at a rate of 5% between 2019 and 2029. That surpasses the estimate for all other professions (currently placed at 4%). Furthermore, the industries that employ biomedical engineers are expected to diversify. More industries can benefit from bioengineering as a way to discover better solutions for the world's problems.

How to Become a Medical Imaging Researcher

A medical imaging researcher's career usually begins with studying for a bachelor's degree in bioengineering or biomedical engineering. There, they acquire foundations in biology, mathematics, and engineering. While still in school, students will likely be encouraged to partake in internship programs in research facilities, medical equipment manufacturers, or healthcare centers. For most entry-level positions in the industry, a bachelor's degree is sufficient. To work as a medical imaging technician a bachelor's or associate degree will suffice. It is highly advisable to consult with the medical equipment manufacturers for instrument-specific certifications, as they can help job applicants stand out.

Should you be interested in developing new technologies within the branch of medical imaging, equipment manufacturers expect job seekers to have completed a master's degree in biomedical engineering. Completing a master's degree will give you the tools you need to identify areas of opportunity, carry out independent research, and apply advanced concepts. Researchers will work with biomedical technicians and healthcare providers to improve existing equipment and develop new technologies. An imaging researcher can expect to earn $81,185 annually.

How to Become a Genetic Engineer

A genetic engineer can work in a variety of industries, but their careers usually begin by completing a bachelor's degree in bioengineering or similar fields. Students are expected to develop strong research skills, collaborating with other researchers for large-scale projects. Internships are common and encouraged, as they afford students the opportunity to learn about the complex instruments found only in top schools or pharmaceutical companies.

Upon graduation, students can apply for entry-level positions at pharmaceutical companies, biomaterials companies, research institutions, etc. To advance their careers, a master's degree in biomedical engineering can help students develop further research skills and gain mastery of more specialized subjects. Choosing a concentration in biomaterials, genetics, or life sciences can help boost student's grasp of key concepts.

Given the high degree of specialization, genetic engineers are comparatively well paid within the industry; the BLS places a genetic engineer's median annual salary at $92,230.

Financial aid can help students interested in studying for a master's degree in Biomedical engineering achieve their career goals. A good place to start is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submit your application to find out what financial aid programs are applicable to you.

The following are some of the many scholarship programs offered to students wishing to study for a master's degree in biomedical engineering. None of these are college-specific, so be sure to review what scholarship options are available at your school of choice.

• GEM Fellowship Program: The National GEM Consortium grants scholarships every year to students of underrepresented populations in STEM programs across the country. Those interested in studying for a graduate program in Biomedical Engineering can apply, so long as they do so at a GEM-affiliate program.
• National Science Foundation Research Fellowship Program: The NSF Research Fellowship Program provides funds for research at a graduate level in STEM fields. Learn more about the program on their website.
• BHW Women in STEM Scholarship: The BHW Women in STEM scholarship website offers scholarships to women interested in pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in STEM fields.