Masters in Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering is a field that comes with a number of specializations higher than that in most engineering fields. That is due to the very nature of this discipline. Its dependence over latest developments in life sciences allows it to mushroom into a number of sub-fields. The major ones are:

1. Biomedical Innovation and Development

A specialization in Biomedical Innovation and Development means that students will begin by learning to ascertain the problems in the medicine and healthcare world that require technological solutions. Thereafter, their job will be to act as a bridge between the science and the business world. Students of this specialization can expect to learn ideation of biomedical problems and solutions, feasibility evaluation of biomedical products and analysis of biomedical markets besides core biomedical engineering skills. They are most likely to find job as R&D engineers in biomedical companies.

2. Biomedical Science

This specialization track is suited for those who wish to enter into medical or dental schools or those who wish to pursue research, either professionally or in a PhD program. The major courses that this specialization would cover would be around clinically oriented human anatomy, molecular biology laboratory methods, tissue engineering, genetic engineering, immunology, human physiology and stem cells. Courses in systems analysis for biomedicine and biocomputational languages are also in trend. Students with this specialization get employed as healthcare scientists, biomedical scientists, epidemiologists, etc.

3. Biomedical Informatics

Biomedical Informatics is the marriage between Data and Information Science and Biomedical Science. It involves the methods and techniques used to collect, store, manage and analyze biomedical information and knowledge to improve health. It is a bridge between biomedical clinical practice and research and biomedical business. Some of the key course themes in this specialization include clinical informatics, modeling of biomedical systems, computational molecular biology, data driven medicine, pharmacogenomics, statistical and machine learning methods for biomedical sciences, etc. The major areas where Biomedical Informatics specialists are required are Bioinformatics, Clinical Informatics, Consumer Health Informatics, Public Health Informatics and Health Information Management.

4. Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

Biomaterial and Tissue engineering specialization aims at the selection, design and development of biomaterials for clinical applications. Tissue Engineering is concerned with the repair or replacement of damaged tissues and organs like cartilage, bone, liver, pancreas, blood vessels etc. It combines materials science, clinical science, Stem Cell technology and genome science. Students of this specialization can expect to do courses like cellular mechanics and signalling, computational biology, biomedical imaging and optics, bioelectrical and neural engineering, immune engineering, cell-matrix interactions, gene chips, bio-systems, etc. They usually find jobs as Biomaterials Engineer, Tissue Engineer, Biofabrication Engineer, Immune Engineer, Biomaterials Developer, etc.

5. Biomechanics

Biomechanics involves the study of structure and motion of biological units and systems. They may range from the cellular level to whole organisms. This specialization is a confluence of mechanical and biomedical engineering. Some of the main areas that define the course structure of this specialization include Biofluid Mechanics, Tribology and Continuum Biomechanics. Students can expect to learn Cardiovascular Biomechanics, Imaging Anatomy, Tissue Mechanics, Molecular Motors, Modeling and Simulation of Human Movement and Cell Mechanics. Knowledge of musculoskeletal structures is considered a key skill for experts in this area. Biomechanics master’s graduates can expect to be employed as Sport Scientist, Human Motion Simulation Expert, Biomechanist and Biomechanical Engineer. Their skills might also be useful for animation and game development industry.

6. Biomedical Devices and Systems

Biomedical Devices and Systems specialization in a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering is concerned with the clinical evaluation, regulatory and business aspects of biomedical devices. Quality assessment, design and manufacturing are the central concerns of this field. It aims at bridging the purely technical aspects of developing new medical devices and its socio-economic and business-oriented aspects. Students will learn courses around the topics like biomedical electronics design principles, miniaturization technologies, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), medical device manufacturing, biomedical imaging systems and medical device development. Biomedical Device experts are employed as R&D engineers, Quality Engineers, Production Engineers, Biomedical Equipment Technician, etc.

7. Medical Devices

The difference between a specialization in Medical Devices and Biomedical Devices and Systems in Biomedical Engineering master’s is rooted in the difference between their thrusts. Biomedical devices are used for studying the interaction between human body and disease, while medical devices are used for diagnosis and treatment. At the level of training, industry and employment, there are no major differences between the two. Often the coursework of one overlaps considerably with the other.

8. Rehabilitation Engineering

Rehabilitation Engineering is aimed at providing technological solutions to the health and medical concerns of the disabled. It involves the study of medical, social and psychological issues associated with disabled people and aims at finding remedies for them. Rehabilitation Engineers aim to improve the quality of life of patients by creating solutions to restore functions and perform life activities and promoting independence. Students of this specialization track study assistive technology, rehabilitation technology design and solutions, human performance analysis, soft-tissue biomechanics, telemedicine and e-health, wheelchair biomechanics, rehabilitation counseling, computer programming for health informatics, augmentative communication, etc. They can find placement as Assistive Technology Practitioner, Rehabilitation Engineer and Rehabilitation Counselor, etc. with large healthcare organizations, biomedical manufacturers, rehabilitation centers, etc.

Global Rank

The next question that comes to mind after how to do masters in biomedical engineering abroad is whether the degree has the potential to lead to a promising career. The answer is yes! The demand for biomedical engineering skills is fast-expanding, and here is a list of the top job profiles one can expect:

1. Biomedical Engineer

The main responsibility of a biomedical engineer is to design, analyze and test systems, solutions and equipment that are required for diagnosis. They may provide technical support with the use of biomedical equipment and usually work in close coordination with other medical and biomedical specialists. They may also be involved in developing drug therapies, preparing computer simulations for various biomedical procedures and conducting R&D to find solutions to clinical problems.

2. Quality Engineer

Going by the definition, quality engineers are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the quality of materials and processes. This job profile in the biomedical profession will include evaluating and improving the quality of biomedical equipment, biomedical devices, biomaterials and entire biomedical systems and processes. They are the important members of R&D teams and device manufacturing teams. Designing tests to check the quality of medical devices is also one of their core tasks. They have to be alert about the safety norms and keep the industry standards in mind if they are working with development team.

3. Research and Development Engineer

Biomedical R&D Engineers have to develop new methods for testing biomedical materials and systems through research. They often have to engage in data collection for the same. They also have to work in the labs to enhance the understanding of diagnosis of medical problems and diseases. Biomedical R&D Engineers may also conduct research around new drugs, biomedical equipment and biomedical devices. The key sectors that are in hunt for biomedical R&D talent are pharmaceuticals, forensic agencies and biomedical research labs.

4. Process Engineer

Biomedical Process Engineers are involved in designing, controlling and optimizing biomedical engineering processes. They are required to have an understanding of all the processes involved in biomedical engineering as they have to channelize responsibilities and regulate work flows. They can be employed on a variety of projects like biomedical device design and development, biomedical data collection and analysis, bioengineering of tissues and cells or manufacturing of biomedical equipment. Their job is part technical and part managerial.

5. Validation Engineer

Biomedical Validation Engineers perform a very crucial role. They ensure that all the components of biomedical system are working properly. They are involved in managing, calibrating, testing and modifying the biomedical instruments, methods and systems. Checking whether some component needs replacement or the equipment requires repair is one of their core responsibilities. They also have to generate validation reports, lead teams of validation technicians, resolve testing problems and ensure safety standards and industry standards. They are mostly employed by labs and research centers besides biomedical device manufacturers.

Unlike more traditional engineering disciplines like Mechanical, Chemical, Civil or Electrical Engineering, the application of biomedical engineering is more particular. Besides that, it is one of the most challenging engineering disciplines if one wishes to devote one’s life to it, since it demands one to be regularly in touch with a wide variety of developments in technology and pure life sciences. Such a nature of biomedical engineering makes it an above average paying discipline for master’s graduates despite having only an average employment growth rate projected till 2026. Jobs for biomedical experts are slated to grow at only 7% till 2026, while the latest average annual salary stands at about $90k, which is higher than that of most disciplines According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, one can draw solace from the trends of the healthcare technology industry where biomedical engineers are most likely to make their careers. Digital Health Technology industry is projected to grow at 30% in the near future, and Artificial Intelligence is expected to increase productivity by 10-15%. In such a scenario, the relatively rarer skills of biomedical engineering master’s students are sure to lead to not only a high-paying job but a less-competitive career path as well.