Do you love challenges and problem solving?

In biomedical engineering, you could literally save lives and make life better for people.

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Check Your Interests!

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Unlike other engineering fields, biomedical engineering is still young, fast-growing, and ever-changing. It’s also highly multidisciplinary. You’ll be learning across biology, medicine, and engineering all at once.

SpongeBob multitasking by cleaning a window, vacuuming, ironing, and cooking at the same time.

Think of it this way: some days you’ll wear the hat of a doctor, other days a lab researcher, and sometimes an engineer. 👩‍⚕️🔬⚙️

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That’s because biomedical engineering is so broad. Your work could lead to very different career paths depending on you. You may decide to focus on hospital-based clinical engineering, move into biotech startups, or dive deep into research or regulation.

It’s not easy… but that challenge is exactly what makes it so exciting!

Here's a quick self-check:

  • Do you enjoy biology + medicine?

  • Do you like physics?

  • Do you like math?

  • Do you like tech and innovation?

If you’re excited about all these areas, biomedical engineering could be your perfect match!

Look at What BMEs Do

  • Design medical devices (prosthetics, implants, diagnostic tools)

A left hand prosthesis being built.

  • Improve medical imaging (MRI, ultrasound, X-ray)

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  • Contribute to rehab technology (lbionics, exoskeletons)

A patient walking with an exoskeleton device, assisted by a caregiver.

Quiz

Which of the following are responsibilities a biomedical engineer might have?

How to Prepare

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  • Take high school courses in biology, physics, chemistry, and math (especially calculus).

  • Explore programming languages like C++ or Python, which are commonly used in engineering projects.

  • Stay curious about healthcare technology by listening to podcasts, TED talks, science news.

How to Succeed in the Program

A robotic hand on a desk moving four fingers, showing its motor and mechanical linkages.

  • Hands-on learning: Expect courses in biomechanics, medical imaging, biomaterials, and bioinstrumentation, plus labs and projects. You’ll get practical experience with blood tests, ECGs, EEGs, and more.

  • Teamwork matters: Many projects require collaboration. Building medical devices is never a solo job. In the field, you’ll work with doctors, physiotherapists, and other medical experts, so communication is key.

  • Ask and share: Discuss ideas with classmates and instructors. Sharing insights helps everyone, especially when you’re stuck on the same problem.

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  • Stay updated: Biomedical engineering is always evolving. Use recent research (within the last 3 - 5 years) and follow new innovations to keep your work current.

Consider Study Options

There are several ways to shape your study path in biomedical engineering:

  • Major in biomedical engineering: The standard route, blending engineering, biology, math, and tech.

  • Combined or interdisciplinary programs: You can take another engineering discipline as your major (e.g., mechanical or computer engineering) and minor in biomedical engineering to gain specialized knowledge while keeping a broader engineering focus.

  • Graduate options: You can pursue a master’s in biomedical engineering after graduation.Most programs accept students with an engineering or science background, even if undergrad wasn’t in biomedical engineering.

Books stacked to form a tall tower.

Think About Career Paths

Your future is in your hands. Depending on your interests, you could become a clinical engineer, medical device designer, biomechanics specialist, or regulatory affairs expert. With so many paths to explore, you have the opportunity to shape a career that’s as unique and dynamic as you are.

These could be your future:

The text reads,

  • Research & development in hospitals, labs, or startups.

  • Medical device and biotech companies.

  • Regulatory and quality assurance e.g. device approvals.

  • Further studies to specialize or do cutting-edge research.

Take Action

Before you make the decision, do some more research.

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