Biomedical Engineering Master’s
Online

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Choosing an Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s implies creating a checklist of admission requirements before enrollment. Noting the program requisites in advance prevents last-minute surprises. The following is the list of standard requirements to enroll in a biomedical engineering master’s program:

GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, assesses verbal and quantitative reasoning skills in graduate school applicants. Some colleges waive the GRE requirement based on high academic performance, substantial professional experience, or by considering alternative factors, providing flexibility in the admissions process for certain applicants. Here are examples of universities that require no GRE:

• Drexel University ³
• John Hopkins Biomedical Engineering College⁴

Accreditation is a process through which biomedical engineering graduate programs are evaluated to ensure they meet certain quality standards. Accreditation benefits students by ensuring that the program meets rigorous academic standards provides a relevant curriculum, and prepares students for their careers. Students should search for accredited institutions to ensure they receive a quality education and have better job prospects in the field.

Biomedical engineering-accredited schools get their accreditation from accrediting agencies based on many metrics. In the case of the BME schools, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology’s (ABET) Engineering Accreditation Commission⁵ ensures that the Biomedical engineering programs meet professional standards.

Here are the six regional accreditation bodies that accredit universities institutionally:

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)⁶
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)⁷
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)⁸
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)⁹
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)¹⁰
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)¹¹

Find out more about accreditation and its process in the Accreditation Guide.

Free online courses in biomedical engineering provide accessible learning opportunities for enthusiasts. Participants gain insights into key concepts, tools, and advancements in the field. While not accredited, these courses offer valuable knowledge, making them beneficial for self-paced learning, skill enhancement, and exploration of biomedical engineering without formal academic commitments. Here are a few examples of free biomedical engineering courses available:

Deciding how to fund graduate education can be daunting when considering returning to school. However, several options are available to ease the financial burden of pursuing a graduate degree. Here are some strategies to consider for financing an online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering:

Scholarships

Scholarships are financial awards given to students based on various criteria such as academic merit, financial need, or specific talents. They provide financial assistance to help cover the costs of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, making higher education more accessible and affordable for deserving students.

Grants

Students who require financial assistance for graduate school are awarded grants. While grants are typically given to them based on their family’s income, scholarships are typically given out based on merit. Universities offering these need-based awards also consider applicants’ test scores and grades.

Fellowships

Fellowships are prestigious awards for individuals pursuing advanced study or research in a specific field. They provide financial support, professional development opportunities, and mentorship to help recipients further their academic or professional goals. Fellowships often come with additional benefits, such as networking opportunities and access to resources and facilities.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate Assistantships allow graduate students to work in academic or research positions while pursuing their studies. These positions provide financial support by offering a stipend or salary and may also include tuition waivers or other benefits. Assistantships allow students to gain valuable experience and contribute to their field while earning their degree.

To know more about college funding, read the best financial aid guide.

Scholarships for Biomedical Engineering Students

Online programs offer an excellent opportunity to enhance skills or earn a degree while working. They are flexible and affordable. Scholarships provide financial aid for those pursuing biomedical engineering online programs. The following is a list of scholarships available for biomedical engineering students to take advantage of:

Labroots Scholarships ¹⁵

 Labroots is a leading scientific, social networking site that offers the latest scientific trends to contribute to advancing science by creating a platform for sharing capabilities. Labroots also administers two scholarships for students who are pursuing STEM degrees.

Amount/Award :
$1,000

Deadline:
July, annually

BMES Diversity Lecture Award ¹⁶

The BMES Diversity Award acknowledges outstanding contributions made by individuals, projects, organizations, or institutions to enhance gender and racial diversity in biomedical engineering. This award recognizes lifetime achievements and impactful activities, such as research, academia, and service, that demonstrate innovation and contribute to fostering equity in biomedical engineering academia and industry.

Amount/Award:
$5,000

Deadline:
Varies

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics¹⁷, a rewarding career awaits Biomedical Engineering Graduates, with an anticipated 5 percent growth from 2022 to 2032. The high demand for Biomedical Engineers is due to increased medical technologies, applications, and device needs. Biomedical engineers’ skill sets are sought after in medical institutions, universities, clinical research, and various sectors. PayScale lists different careers and salaries for biomedical engineers with a master’s degree:

Although individuals might have a master’s degree or professional experience in the area, some careers may require certifications. Pursuing a biomedical engineering certificate program adds a feather to one’s cap. Here are a few certifications that graduates of online master’s in biomechanical engineering can pursue: 

Certified Medical Device Auditor ²²

The Certified Medical Device Auditor is a professional certification that validates an individual’s expertise in understanding the principles of standards, regulations, directives, and guidance for auditing medical device systems. Holders of this certification possess the skills to employ various tools and techniques to examine, question, evaluate thoroughly, and report on the adequacies and deficiencies of a medical device system, particularly in terms of management and control of process safety.

ETA Biomedical Certifications ²³

ETA Biomedical Certifications, established in 1978, are respected by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC) for their vendor-neutral approach and accreditation. Offering over 90 certification programs, ETA has issued 200,000+ certifications, contributing skilled professionals to renowned companies across diverse technology fields.

Biomedical Imaging Equipment Technician (BIET) ²⁴

The Biomedical Imaging Equipment Technician (BIET) Certification by ETA covers essential areas such as anatomy, medical terminology, computer systems, safety measures, diagnostic equipment, and more. It ensures proficiency in diverse aspects of biomedical imaging, including radiography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, and radiation safety.

As for licensing, according to the Biomedical Engineering Society²⁵, Biomedical engineers do not have any state licensing. Although some entities provide licensing as professional engineers, individuals have to attend the biomedical specialty exam. Then, they must pass a test in the related engineering discipline.

Most professional organizations help their area of study students transition from their graduate programs into the workforce. Some organizations also offer networking opportunities and platforms through conferences, events, exhibitions, etc. The following organizations provide these, along with scholarship opportunities, career centers, publications, and more:

• American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) ²⁶
  AIMBE is a non-profit professional organization representing medical and biological engineering professionals. The institute offers conferences, events, and lecture series to connect professionals and keep members current in the field. AIMBE also offers workshops, a public policy institute, and student policy resources to help students learn more about science policy and advocacy
• American Society of Biomechanics ²⁷
  Made up of academic researchers, clinicians, and scientists, ASB promotes the field of biomechanics. The organization was founded in 1977, hosts annual conferences and grants awards, and offers a teaching repository with educational resources. Students and professionals can access the society’s grants and career resources database.
• Biomedical Engineering Society ²⁸
  Founded in 1968, BMES represents biomedical engineering professionals. The organization publishes research in the field, hosts scientific meetings, and maintains a job board with career opportunities and internships. BMES provides members-only content on its website, including a directory, online education resources, and access to special interest groups.