Education & Preparation

Education

Graph of education levels of people working in the field.
Image source: careeronestop.org

Most biomedical engineers will go in with a bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering, Biomolecular Engineering, or a similar degree, though others will get a bachelor's in another engineering field or in something like Biochemistry or Biomedical Science, and then get a master's in Biomedical Engineering.

Certifications

  1. Pre-Engineering Certification- offered by Robotics Education and Competition Foundation
  2. A skill certification designed for students in engineering courses and robotics clubs. Requires passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and two of eight offered engineering modules. Not required for many professions in the presence of other education, but shows foundational engineering knowledge and helps one stand out in initial searches for STEM careers. No renewal is involved.

  3. Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician- offered by Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation
  4. A very common entry-level certification, with a prerequisite of as associate's in a technology-based program, or equivalent experience. Tests on fundamentals of anatomy, electronics, and specifically on healthcare technology. Entails a 165-question exam. More information can be found here.

  5. Associate Certified Electronics Technician(CETa)- offered by ETA International
  6. The foundational test for ETA's electronics certification pathways, encompassing basic electronics theory and application. Designed for technicians with less than 2 years experience. Entails an 100-question exam, which can be taken simultaneously with one of ETA's journeyman-level certs. More info can be found here.

  7. Biomedical Electronics Technician certification (BMD)- offered by ETA International
  8. A certification on the "journeyman" level of ETA's categorization, for knowledge of modern biomedical techniques, procedures, and proper handling and maintenance of biomedical equipment. Entails a 75-question certification exam, and renewal every 4 years via Continuing Educational Units. More information can be found here.

  9. Biomedical Imaging Equipment Technician (BIET) certification- offered by ETA International
  10. A journeyman-level or standalone certificate for knowledge of anatomy, medical terminology, and computer and electromechanical knowledge as it relates to medical imaging equipment, testing equipment, radiographic equipment, and the like. Entails a 100-question certification exam, with renewal every 4 years. More info can be found here.


    When in the field, there are quite a few mid-career certifications one may want, such as the CCE and CMDA, which require renewal every few years- these designed to ensure continuous improvement of healthcare. The majority of bioengineering certifications seem to be in this category.

Workplace Skills and Entry Experiences

  1. General education in physics, engineering, computer work, and biology
  2. Skill in report and scientific writing- achievable through high school, college, and side-projects in writing
  3. Oral and written comprehension skill
  4. Attentiveness to issues, and ability to respond and react
  5. Preferably- courses in biomedical science and in engineering through high school
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