High School

You can best prepare for a career as a biomedical engineer by taking courses in biology, health, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, mathematics (especially calculus), and computer science (especially computer-aided design, programming, and artificial intelligence). Communication and problem-solving skills are important, so classes in English, writing, and logic are important. Participating in science clubs and competing in science fairs will give you the opportunity to design and invent systems and products.

Postsecondary Training

Most biomedical engineers have an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering or a related field and a graduate degree in some facet of biomedical engineering. Undergraduate study is roughly divided into halves. The first two years are devoted to theoretical subjects, such as abstract physics and differential equations in addition to the core curriculum most undergraduates take. The third and fourth years include more applied science. Nearly all students participate in at least one internship or co-op at a hospital or a related employer. In the United States and other countries, biomedical engineering programs are accredited by ABET (http://www.abet.org). More than 180 baccalaureate-level biomedical engineering program are accredited by ABET.

Youll need to earn a masters degree to become eligible for managerial and top research positions, and a doctorate if you want to become a college professor at top schools. During graduate programs, students work on research or product development projects headed by faculty.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs in biomedical engineering, engineering, emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, augmented reality), engineering management, bioengineering, and related fields. Certificate programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats.

Other Education or Training

Many professional associations provide continuing education (CE) opportunities to biomedical engineers. For example, the Biomedical Engineering Society offers webinars, workshops, and seminars. Recent webinars included "Leadership Development and Networking," "Best Practices for Running Your Own Lab and Managing Employees," and "Developing an Industry Career in Biomedical Engineering." Additionally, the following organizations offer CE opportunities for biomedical engineers: American Society for Engineering Education, Biotechnology Innovation Organization, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, and the Canadian Medical and Biological Engineering Society. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Biomedical engineers who work in manufacturing can receive voluntary certification from SME. Visit https://www.sme.org for more information.

Engineers whose work may affect the life, health, or safety of the public must be licensed. Licensing requirements in all 50 states and the District of Columbia usually include graduation from an accredited engineering school, passing a written exam, and having four or more years of engineering experience. There are two levels of licensing for engineers: engineers in training (EITs) and professional engineers (PEs). After graduation, engineers who pass the Fundamentals of Engineering examination are designated as engineers in training or engineer interns or intern engineers. The EIT certification usually is valid for 10 years. With several years of appropriate work experience, EITs are qualified for the second examination, the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, to gain full PE licensure. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (https://www.ncees.org) administers the exam.

Any experience one can obtain in biomedical engineering—such as an internship, volunteering, or a part-time job—will be useful.

Successful biomedical engineers are creative, able to think "outside of the box" to solve problems, have strong analytical abilities, and are excellent communicators. Other important traits include strong organizational and time-management skills.

You should have a strong commitment to learning if you plan on becoming a biomedical engineer. Becoming a biomedical engineer requires long years of schooling because a biomedical engineer needs to be an expert in the fields of engineering and biology. Also, biomedical engineers have to be familiar with chemical, material, and electrical engineering as well as physiology and computers.