Interested in a career that blends medical and engineering? Here is your guide on how to become a biomedical engineer from a professional with 20+ years of experience.
1. Role of a Biomedical Engineer
If you have ever looked at medical equipment and wondered who designs these, then you should definitely read on. Biomedical engineers design equipment used in hospitals and medical institutions. These include artificial organs, body parts, diagnosing machines and others. Their work also includes repairing, installing and maintaining the machines. Moreover, the role of a biomedical engineer also consists of developing machines for computer tomographic images and CT scans, making wearable 24/7 monitors for asymptomatic patients and more.
Contents: Jump to Section
2.2 Entrance Exams
2.3 Academic Qualifications/ Options
2.4 License Required
2.5 Internship/ Work Experience Required
2.6 Cost of Tuition and Training
2.7 Competition & Scope in India for Biomedical Engineers
2.8 General Age to Start Professional Career for Biomedical Engineers
2.9 Governing Bodies
3.2 Companies & Institutions That Employ Biomedical Engineers
3.3 Growth Prospects
3.4 Entrepreneurship Opportunities
3.5 What is the Salary of Biomedical Engineer in India?
4.2 Top Universities in World
4.3 Famous Personalities
4.4 Useful Links
2. How to Become a Biomedical Engineer in India?
For students who want to know how to become a biomedical engineer in India, this article is a must-read. In order to become a biomedical engineer, you need to take up science stream (PCMB) and give the required competitive exam (JEE) to enter a college of biomedical engineering. It is a field of engineering which also involves medical studies. The field requires a lot of brainstorming and designing, which makes it a very interesting career and respected career.
2.1.1 Courses Taken at School
Mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer application.
If you are considering how to become a biomedical engineer, then you must have all the science subjects until your 12th grade. These include mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology (PCMB). Having computer application as your subjects add a bonus because this field of engineering involves a lot of digital work and designing.
Furthermore, to become an engineer, students have to appear for JEE exams. However, without having science subjects in your curriculum, you will not be able to appear for this exam.
2.1.2 Courses Taken at College: Biomedical Engineer Course Requirements
Mathematics, Basic Electronics, Control Engineering, Digital Systems, Signal Processing and more.
In case you are wondering how to become a biomedical engineer, it’s a good idea to know about what courses you’ll be taking in college. Here are the subjects that I took and would recommend students to take up:
- Mathematics
- Basic Electronics
- Control Engineering
- Digital Systems
- Signal Processing
- Circuits and Systems
- Embedded System
- Physiology
- Anatomy.
Undoubtedly, these subjects are of great help and are very much related to the field. Besides, a few other courses may be taken, depending on the institute you are studying in.
2.2 Entrance Exams
JEE (Joint Entrance Exam for Engineering)
Yes, to become a professional in this field, I had to give the Joint Entrance exam (JEE) after my 12th boards. I had to prepare for the exams during my 11th and 12th standard. However, students can choose to take a gap year after 12th to dedicate their time to prepare for the exam. Altogether, without writing the competitive exam, it is not possible to get a degree in this field.
2.3.1 Biomedical Engineer Qualifications/ Degree Required
Bachelor in Technology, Masters in Technology (B.Tech, M.Tech).
Academic qualifications like B.Tech, M.Tech, or other higher degrees are required to enter the profession. Although I hold a PhD in this field, I would advise students to at least complete MTech, as it gives in-depth knowledge in the field and makes the chance of working with well-recognized institutions possible.
2.3.2 Post-Graduate Degree Requirements/ Options
As a rule, students must have their graduation degree before applying for a postgraduate degree. Post-graduation gives a wider knowledge in the field. Moreover, it will increase the chance of working with a reputed company.
Post-graduation includes Masters and later if desired PhD in the subject. PhD includes a lot of research work. Therefore, for students who want to become professors, scientists or do research work in the field, PhD is a must.
2.4 License Required
No.
When you think about how to become a biomedical engineer, you may wonder whether you require a license to practise your work. However, no professional license is required to practice this profession. Hence, when the student has completed his/her degree, they can start working as freshers.
2.5 Internship/ Work Experience Required
Yes, very helpful
Yes, I would recommend getting an internship. Internships give the students practical knowledge in the field. It also increases their chance of getting hired in big institutions. I did my internship in the US. The pay may be less in internships as compared to full-time jobs, but they are worth doing, as they’ll give you a chance to experience this profession beforehand.
2.6 Cost of Tuition and Training: How Much Does it Cost to Become a Biomedical Engineer?
The tuition and training cost in the field is high. In the US, the average tuition fee for a reputed college can vary from $13000 to $50,000 approximately.
Moreover, in India, the average tuition fee varies from 4 lakhs to 9 lakhs total. It can be more or less depending on the college.
Students can also apply for scholarships that will give them an advantage while getting into their desired college as well as reduce the fee for them.
2.7 Competition: How Hard is It to Become a Biomedical Engineer?
Very competitive.
The competition is high for entrance exams as well as for jobs. So, getting good grades and experience through internships can add a bonus. Getting a scholarship will also help a lot to secure your seat in the field.
2.8 General Age: How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Biomedical Engineer in India?
22-25, depending on your education.
Generally, students can start a professional career in the field of biomedical engineering after graduation. Having a minimum graduation qualification is necessary. Students can also carry on with their masters or higher degree while working as a professional.
2.9 Governing Bodies
There is no governing body for Biomed in India.
Generally, if we look globally scenario, there are many global professional association or society. One of the most recognized is EMBS (Engineering in medicine and biology society) under IEEE (Institute of electrical and electronic engineering). IEEE and EMBS both are founded by engineers in the USA.
However, there is no governing body for biomedical engineers in India as such.
3. Professional Opportunities/ Career Growth for Biomedical Engineers
3.1 Specializations/ Sub-Professions
Although biomedical engineering has may subparts, listed below are some specializations under it-
- Bioinstrumentation professionals
- Biomaterials
- Biomechanics
- Cellular Tissue and Genetic Engineering
- Clinical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- Orthopedic Bioengineering
3.2 Companies & Institutions that Employ Biomedical Engineer
Government and private firms both employ biomedical engineers. Although most professionals work in hospitals and firms, they can also work in manufacturing companies.
Working in government and private firms have their own advantages and one must choose accordingly.
Besides, here are a few companies that employ biomed engineers:
Siemens, Philips, Mediso Medical Imaging, Fresenius Medical Care, GE, Leica Biosystems and others.
3.3 Growth Prospects
Immense growth prospects.
There is a tremendous growth prospect in this field. You can find a high-paying job in a government or private company. Engineers can also open their firm and become entrepreneurs. They can have their brand and design as well as manufacture instruments under their brand name. Engineers can also become firm partners with experience, business acumen, and networking.
Nowadays, engineers are coming up with new and innovative ways of exploring the field. There is no limit to what a person can do with the knowledge in this field. Besides, in some cases, biomedical engineering majors take up required courses to become a medical doctor. It involves appearing for competitive medical exams before getting into a medical school.
3.4 Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Yes.
Yes, engineers can open their firm and become entrepreneurs. They can also employ other engineers to work under them. Moreover, becoming a successful company, this will give them a chance to earn more and provide more employment to fellow engineers in their field. It gives them freedom from working under a boss. They also get a chance to choose the projects they like to work on, rather than being forced to work on something they are not comfortable with.
3.5 What is the Salary of Biomedical Engineer in India?
Fresh graduates in India can get a starting salary in the range of 3-5 lakhs p.a. However, it will increase with promotion and experience. The salary also depends on the institute in which the engineer is working.
4. Further Resources
4.1 Top Universities in India
- In India, IITs (Indian Institute of Technology)
- IIITs (Indian Institute of Information and Technology)
- AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Science)
Generally, getting a degree from any IIT will give students a chance to get a very good job in a reputed industry.
4.2 Top Universities in World
- John Hopkins
- MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
- Harvard University
- University of Cambridge
- University of Oxford
For the most part, getting a degree from any of these universities will give great opportunities to the students.
4.3 Famous Personalities
Otto Herbert Schmitt
Otto Herbert Schmitt was an American inventor, engineer, and biophysics. He is known for his contribution to biophysics and establishing the field of biomedical engineering. Furthermore, he is a famous personality that students can read about to gain knowledge in the field.
4.4 Useful Links or Resources
Hope our guide on how to become a biomedical engineer was helpful. Here are some links that will be helpful for aspirants to read more about biomedical engineering.
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Curated & Edited by Sadaf Naz (CareerNuts Staff)
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The author (name undisclosed) is a biomedical engineer with over 20 years of experience. He graduated with his bachelors and master’s in biomedical engineering from Jadavpur College, Kolkata in 1980 and 1982 respectively. He completed his PhD from the University of Minnesota in 1996. Originally from Kolkata, he worked in the US. He has designed many biomedical machines that are used in many medical centres. Currently, he is retired and is back in his hometown. He enjoys reading books, cooking new recipes and taking long walks.
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