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What is Biomedical Engineering?

Bioengineering or biomedical engineering (BME) or medical engineering (ME) is the utilization of fundamental engineering principles applied to biology, healthcare, and counseling disciplines.  A biomedical engineering degree will allow bioengineers work closely with a variety of medical practitioners including doctors, nurses, physical therapists, counselors, and research specialists to solve a variety of chronic or acute diagnostic and therapeutic issues.  The clinical problems can be a collaborative process to develop an improved system, new or modified medical equipment, or user-specific devices.

Individuals in this field design technologies that utilize, work with, or replace biologic functions in order to ensure the longevity and survivability of a given patient. The field is extensive, and spans beyond its traditional definitions to work in the development of technologies related to but not specific to biomedicine.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$89,970

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

58.80%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

20,590

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Biomedical Engineering Degree

Harvard university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts is a private Ivy League research university that was established in 1636. The prestigious university is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. It provides a variety of programs in different areas and it consists of ten academic faculties and Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study in Arts and Sciences. Moreover, faculty members consist of notable alumni and Nobel Prize Awardee, Pulitzer Prizes, and Academy awards. For their Biomedical Engineering degree, the program is designed to provide quality education about quantitative mathematical analysis, physics, chemistry, and other principles and intersection of physical life and science. Furthermore, this program will enable to test and prepare the understanding of the students about the context of societal needs that may help through biomedical engineering. 

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Yale University located in New Haven, Connecticut is a private Ivy-League research university that was established in 1701. The university is considered to be the 3rd oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Another, it has been offering a variety of programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in different areas of study. And, for their Biomedical Engineering, the Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science offers a degree in Biomedical Engineering since 2003. The program is designed to provide broad knowledge methods of engineering, human physiology and diseases. Where, this could help to innovate technologies for treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of human disease and sufferings. 

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Columbia University in the City of New York is one of the oldest institutions in the higher education of New York where it was established in 1754 as a private Ivy League research university. The university is always on top of the best universities in the world. Another, the university seeks an attraction on diverse, international faculty, and a student body that will support research and teaching to cure global issues. They aim to provide the highest level of education to convey good products for the betterment of the world. The Biomedical Engineering degree at the university offers it in Full-time Masters degree and doctoral degree where it is conferred by GSAS hence it is administered by the Fu Foundation of Engineering and Applied Science. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Pennsylvania located at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university that was established in 1740. The university has been offering various programs for undergraduate degree, graduate degree, and professional schools. As a matter of fact, it has four undergraduate, professional schools, and twelve graduates. The university holds a proud tradition of translating knowledge into social-mindedness.  Moreover, the institution offers a Biomedical Science and Bioengineering in Doctoral degree program. The program is designed to provide education in biomedical science, biology, and medicine to solve health problems and innovate human health medicine. This program prepares the graduate in a career path in medicine, business and other health related jobs in the industry. 

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Brown University located in Providence, Rhode Island is a private research university that was established in 1764. The university established its engineering program in 1847 and that makes the institution the oldest in the Ivy League. The university offers various programs in different areas for undergraduate, graduate ,and professional study. The home of renowned faculty members provides an innovative education where students can express their curiosity in learning, creativity and intellect that drives them towards academic excellence. For their biomedical engineering major, the program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET where it provides useful learning to society, scientific and technical experiment areas within medicine and healthcare that will benefit them in the future. 

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology located in Cambridge, Massachusetts is a private land-grants research university that was established in 1861. The university offers various programs in different areas of study for undergraduate, graduate, and professional. The institution offers a top ranked Biomedical Engineering degree that is designed to provide advanced bioscience and biotechnology. Such targeted academic courses prepares the graduate to be the next-generation leaders, engineers and scientist addresses problems and solve using their ability to measure, innovate, think rationally manipulate technologies to avoid affecting biological system.

Acceptance Rate

6.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Stanford University located in Stanford California is a private research university that was established in 1891. The university offers various programs in different areas of study for undergraduate and graduate students. Also, the institution offers a Biomedical Engineering program conferred as an undergraduate degree. The program is designed to provide knowledge about imaging, devices and systems that addresses the biological research and engineering problems and challenges in the health sector. Furthermore, through this unique aspect of a multidisciplinary program, these could guarantee the student’s opportunity in the future.

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Dartmouth College located in Hanover, New Hampshire is a private research  university that was established in 1769. The university is the 9th oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Another, the university offers various programs in different areas of study for undergraduate, graduate, and professional study. One such academic program is the major in biomedical engineering where it is designed to provide a multi discipline foundation that supports  discovery in engineering and applied science. Another, students are exposed to research and experimental activity that focuses on developing medical technologies. Technologies that help clinicians to detect stages, treat, diagnose, and monitor patients.

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Duke University located in Durham, North Carolina is a private university that was established in 1838. The university offers various programs in different areas of study for undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Another, the university was   known to be the 2nd largest private employer in North Carolina with more than 39,000 employees. It has been ranked as an excellent employer by publications. Moreover, the university offers biomedical engineering where it is designed to provide quality education in numerous specializations including biochemical engineering, bioanalytic engineering, biofluid, and more. Courses of the program will ensure the student’s learning, education  and skills to be on the top of the line in the field of biomedical engineering

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

California Institute of Technology located in Pasadena, California is a private research university that was established in 1891. The university is very popular for its strength in science and engineering. Also, it offers various programs in different areas of study for undergraduate, graduate, and professional study. In related to the study of biomedical engineering, the university offers Biological Engineering degrees where it focuses on general theory that can be applied to different areas of natural science, biological science, and to solve problems. This program will help the student if they pursue biomedical engineering. The application of engineering in the principles of manipulation, design, contraction of biological systems can be handy to them. CIT values the discovery and application engineering principles to the properties of biological systems.

Acceptance Rate

6.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Cornell University located in Ithaca, New York is a private and statutory Ivy League research that was established in 1865. The university offers various programs in different areas of study. It offers a program for undergraduate and 7 graduate divisions. Another, the College of Engineering offers a highly competitive Biomedical Engineering program where it is designed to provide interest in solving engineering problems that are related to human problems. The field is integrated with interdisciplinary, engineering, and medical studies that are needed in biomedical study. Therefore, students are taught in the university to become expert engineers that focus on medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Northwestern University located at Evanston, Illinois is a private research university that was established in 1851. The university was founded to serve the former Northwest Territory since the university is a founding member of the Big Ten Conference. Moreover, the university has been offering various programs in interdisciplinary education, undergraduate degree program, graduate degree program and research output. Moreover, the university offers a biomedical engineering program. It is designed to provide excellence in innovation for the future of biomedicine. The unique collaborative environment from the Department of Biomedical Engineering will secure the future of the students in the medical industry. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Notre Dame located in Notre Dame, Indiana is a private research university that was established in 1942. The university offers a variety of programs in different areas of study for undergraduate, graduates, and professional study. The university is known as a leading American research university enriched by catholic intellectual and cultural traditions. Throughout the years UND has sought to bring knowledge and service of justice. Moreover, the university also teaches students how to live and stand for values in a world of facts.

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Washington University in St Louis located in Greater St. Louis, Missouri is a private research university that was established in 1853. The university offers various programs in different areas for undergraduates and has 7 graduate programs. The Biomedical Engineering degree program at WU is designed to provide broaden knowledge about innovation to help diagnose and treat complex diseases in the world's most long-term significant challenges in healthcare. With the help and guidance of renowned physicians and scientists, students can improve their skills and knowledge to become the future of biomedical engineers. Furthermore, this program is nationally ranked for both graduate and undergraduate education.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Rice University located in Houston, Texas is a private research university that was established in 1912. The university focused on undergraduate programs but also it has graduate programs. And, it specialized in applied science programs. Moreover, in related to biomedical engineering the university offers bioengineering program and chemical and biomolecular engineering. It is designed to provide scientific and technical grounding about development that focuses on biotechnology, bioengineering, environmental engineering, and energy engineering. With the following courses in mathematics, chemistry, fluid mechanics and more. Therefore, as a leading research university it is devoted to providing significant positive potential skilled graduates for the betterment of society.

Acceptance Rate

8.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Vanderbilt University located at Nashville, Tennessee is a private research university that was established in 1873. The university has been offering various programs in undergraduate degree, graduate degree, and interdisciplinary programs. It was designed to shape the students to become excellent in their chosen field. Moreover, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs for Biomedical Engineering. The program is designed to provide an educational environment for the future of the next generation of biomedical engineers. The program is accredited by the ABET and well-respected by the national. Another, the students will engage into widest range scales of foundation of biomedical engineering and develop their skills in innovating technologies to help medical healthcare and specialize in application of biologics, biomaterials, and implants and processes.

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Johns Hopkins University located in Baltimore, Maryland is a private research university that was established in 1876. The university has been offering various programs in different areas of study for undergraduate, graduate, and professional study. Another, the university was named after John Hopkins the American Entrepreneur and philanthropist.  Moreover, the university offers Bioengineering Innovation and Design for undergraduate study and Master of Science in Engineering in graduate study. The program is designed to improve human health through developing medical devices that will solve most and other important clinical problems. The bioengineering degree program gives ample opportunities for the students to design, develop, and build their ideas with the guidance and help of their expert faculty members and research staff.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Tufts University located in Medford and Somerville Massachusetts is a private research university that was established in 1852. The university offers a variety of programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional study. And several of its programs are affiliated with the nearby institution of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University. The degree in Biomedical Engineering at Tufts is designed to provide synergistic combination of techniques and practices in principles of science, mathematics, biology, chemistry and other related important courses needed. The degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology and Engineering Accreditation Commission. Also, Biomedical Engineering in Tufts University is available for masters degree and professional degree.  

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Southern California located in Los Angeles, California is a private research university that was established in 1880. The university offers various programs in different areas of study for undergraduate, graduate, and professional study. Also, the university is one of the world’s leading private research universities. With the extensive and diverse curricular offerings and opportunities for the students. They can be the next hope of the next-generation. The university offers Biomedical Engineering MS degree. Where, it provides a 2 years full-time degree and requires 4 units of BME 594abz with or without thesis.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia is a public research university that was established in 1819. The university offers various programs in different areas of study for undergraduate, graduate, and professional study. For their biomedical engineering, the university designed the program to provide it with a new set of methods to explore life science and to treat diseases. Also, it provides broaden courses about data science, knowledge about human physiology, tools from spectrum of bioengineering for innovative invention and more. This program creates expert biomedical engineers for the next generation. 

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

University of California – Los Angeles located in Westwood, Los Angeles, California is a public land-grant research university that was established in 1919. The university offers 337 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in different areas of study. Also it is organized into 6 undergraduate, 4 professional schools for health science and 7 professional schools. The university offers Biomedical Engineering where it is designed to provide a quality education and it trains engineers and scientists to work in the biomedical engineering, biotechnology, and medicine industry. This program in the university offers MS degree and PhD degree.

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of California – Berkeley located in Berkeley California is a public land-grant research university that was established in 1868. The university is one of the leading universities in California including the Space Science Laboratory and Mathematical Science Research. UC Berkeley offers various programs in different areas of study. And, in related to Biomedical engineering the institution offers Bioengineering and in MS degree Masters Science and Engineering Joint Major. Where, it offers studies in two areas of engineering to compete in two major fields in biomaterial. This major aims to provide also the students an understanding in the interface of the both courses so graduates can compete for the jobs in the field of biomaterials, medicine industry, academics, and government.

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor located in 500 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan is a public research university that was established in 1817. The university is considered to be the oldest school in Michigan. Moreover, the university offers various programs in different areas of study. One such program is the  study in Biomedical Engineering.  It is within this academic program UM offers a suite of undergraduate and graduate programs. The program is designed to provide an incredible impact in the field of engineering, biology, and medicine. Therefore, graduates are expected to innovate for decades ahead. It is designed to be advanced and ideal for the students while pursuing biomedical engineering through engineering innovation.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Carnegie Mellon University located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a private research university that was established in 1990. The university offers various programs in different areas of study. Where, the institution has 7 independent colleges and colleges. All of which are created to be interdisciplinary degree-based academic programs. The biomedical engineering degree is offered as both an undergraduate programs and MS degree programs where it is designed to be advanced and ideal for the students while pursuing biomedical engineering through engineering innovation. Another, the program aims to provide the student a high basic impact and applied research in biomedical research and foster the growth of the students development.

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Emory University located in Atlanta, Georgia is a private research university that was established in 1836. The university has 9 academic division colleges. Also, it offers a variety of programs in different areas of study. The extraordinary university propels them to work hard to find and share the purpose they commit to bring the life of the students. Moreover, it offers programs for undergraduate, graduate and professional study. For their Biomedical Engineering, it is offered in a PhD program where it is designed to provide five critical areas of research combining the strength and strong foundation of the research program. The BME PhD program was featured and ranked as one of the best programs in country.

Acceptance Rate

15.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

What Do Medical Bioengineers Do?

A bioengineer can be employed by hospitals, research organizations, state government agencies, medical centers, federal government agencies, manufacturers, pharmaceutical firms, and electronic component fabricators. Work settings for a biomedical engineer is most often in an office, clinic, or laboratory setting while a small number work in the field collecting information or testing prototypes.

More specifically, bioengineers have been directly responsible for a variety of medical advancements over the years. We have collected a few examples of technology and devices bioengineers have been directly responsible for helping to create and bring to the market. Examples of advancements made possible by bioengineers include:

  • Pacemakers
  • Wearable technology
  • Artificial limbs & artificial organs
  • Physical therapy machinery
  • Exercise equipment
  • Mechanical ventilator
  • X-rays machines
  • Dentures
  • Kidney dialysis machinery
  • Cochlear implant devices
  • Particle beams used in radiation therapy
  • MRI machinery
  • Insulin pumps

How to Become a Bioengineer?

To become a biomedical engineer, you will need to follow a series of steps to advance your education in preparation of the challenges involved with solving complex, far-reaching problems and advancing the field through engineering prowess. The steps to become a bioengineer include:

1 – Research Programs

First, you must take the time to research top accredited colleges and universities that fit your personal priority list and professional objectives. To establish a priority list to guide your decision making for college, read The Complete Guide to the College Admissions Process and How to Reduce the Cost of College. Next, take advantage of the colleges and degree information found on this bioengineering resource page and leverage our proprietary matching portal to get matched to a variety of schools. By matching your priorities to school offerings, you can simply request information from schools that make sense for you and narrow down the list of schools to a working list of top colleges to study biomedical engineering.

2 – Apply as Biomedical Engineering Undergraduates

The second step in the process is to formally apply to the best colleges for you. During this phase, details of biomedical engineering programs are essential to understand and compare. Most universities will require biomedical engineering students to start at the beginning of the school year and accept an offered fall grade and only the term offered fall. Biomedical engineering undergraduates will apply and often sit for a formal interview as part of the application process. Variables you need to understand include program requirements, tuition undergraduate enrollment, curricular approach, student expectations, curriculum requirements, financial aid packages, online learning options, and student services.

3 – Attend College

After being granted admission to the university or college of your choice, you will need to complete the schools orientation and register for necessary biomedical engineering course work. Bachelor degrees in biomedical engineering will take full-time students four years to complete while masters degrees are an additional 2-3 years of work and PhD programs an additional five to six years including a board-approved dissertation. You may be allowed to grade mode traditional or mode traditional special depending on the school. While in school, focus on building relevant, transferable skills and invest as much time as possible being involved in valuable research projects in the field via internships, externships, or volunteer work.

4 – Graduation, Work, Grow

Completing all degree requirements set forth by your college or university will lead to a degree being conferred in biomedical engineering and you will be eligible to apply for jobs in your field. Utilize your work experience, student placement services, and alumni network to connect with professionals in the field. Through informational interviews and similar research, you will find work that aligns with your passion and skills. Last, adopt a growth mindset and be a lifelong learner. Attend classes, workshops, conventions, and relevant continuing education courses to grow and expand your expertise in biomedical engineering perpetually.

Engineering Degrees in Biomedical Engineering

There are a number of biomedical engineering courses available to students in the biomedical engineering degrees across many accredited colleges and universities. We have detailed out an overview of the degree programs you will encounter to help you understand the breadth and depth of each program. The course and degree options in bioengineering include:

Bachelor’s Degree in Bioengineering

The undergraduate biomedical engineering program is a bachelor degree. A bachelors degree in biomedical engineering is a 4-year program designed to integrate life sciences with engineering to benefit from the biological revolution and help to advance the field of bioengineering. Students will take general education courses in programs such as English, psychology, communications, and sociology plus core bioengineering courses. Core classes will be a combination of the following courses: math, engineering, biomechanics, chemistry, physics, systems physiology, biology, and social sciences through a problem-based learning lens.

Master’s Degree in Bioengineering

The masters degree track in biomedical engineering is an additional two to three year commitment over the bachelors degree program. Students will often have the opportunity to pick an area of specialty in bioengineering such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer modeling, medical engineering, system analysis, manufacturing, data analysis, biomechanics, or similar tracks. Specialization offers students the depth of knowledge in a defined area of interest and opportunity to master theoretical principles to be applied across a variety of medical problems.

Doctorate Degree in Bioengineering

The doctorate degree track in biomedical engineering is conferred at a PhD. The bioengineering program is an interdisciplinary field of study blending upper-level courses in life sciences, bioengineering, and engineering specialties with leading-edge research. Modified or new mathematical concepts or physical concepts are brought to the biological and medical fields to fundamentally improve each field. Students graduating with a PhD in biomedical engineering will find themselves equipped to launch a career in research and development within a number of public corporations, private entities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Educational Courses for Medical Engineers

Individuals wishing to enter this field must at minimum pursue a bachelor's degree through an accredited program. Such programs will prepare students with a cross section of science education mixed with engineering design and application, as well as an education in computing hardware and software. The increasing complexity of biomedical and medical engineering products means that more education in wider variety of fields is necessary in order to be able to work.

A curriculum may include:

  • Anatomy
  • CAD
  • Physiology
  • Calculus
  • Computer Programming
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment in the Medical Field

Biomedical engineers work in hospitals, manufacturers, research agencies, or through private research. The type of employment is based on the abilities and credentials of the individual, as some people in this field will choose to act as liaison to medical professionals, educating them in the use of current, new or developing technologies. Others will work in labs or research facilities to develop the technologies or refine existing ones. Others still may work in research rather than development, working alongside other researchers to see what may or may not be possible in the advancement of the field.

Biomedical Engineering Career & Salary

Job growth is expected to greatly exceed the national average over the next decade as breakthroughs in the field combined with an aging population is going to increase the demand for individuals in this field. It is important to note that given the relatively small size of the field, the increased job growth, though substantial, is still limited in terms of overall job creation. The average salary for a biomedical or medical engineer is approximately $82,000 per year, increasing based on experience and success.

Individuals interested in biomedical and medical engineering may also be interested in engineering, pharmacology, healthcare administration, or biology. National associations in Bioengineering such as BMES and AAMI provide students and working professionals in biomedical engineering insights, resources, and career tools not found elsewhere.

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