To work as a bioengineer, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
- complete at least a bachelor's degree in bioengineering or a related field.
Education after high school
Most students earn a bachelor's degree in engineering with a specialization in bioengineering. As an undergraduate student in engineering you take courses in math, physics, chemistry, and biology. You also take courses in computer science and communications.
Some colleges offer undergraduate degrees in bioengineering. College degrees in bioengineering often emphasize particular aspects of the biomedical industries, such as prosthetic devices or medical instrumentation. Other programs emphasize bioengineering as a pre-med major. As an undergraduate student in bioengineering, you take courses in chemical, electrical, or mechanical engineering.
Many students earn their undergraduate degrees in a different engineering specialty and then move into bioengineering for a master's degree or doctorate. Many entry-level jobs in bioengineering require a graduate degree. Most graduate-level programs look for students who have a background in engineering or science. Typically, a graduate program will seek students with some mix of coursework in calculus, physics, chemistry, and biology. Students who want to advance into research, especially at a university, need a doctoral degree.
Work experience
You should consider participating in an internship with a bioengineering firm while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. An internship also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.
On-the-job training
New graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. You receive greater independence and work on more difficult tasks as you gain knowledge and experience. This phase of training typically lasts one year.