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Biomedical engineering is one of the most exciting career fields today, with a forecasted 5% job growth in the next decade. This is an intricate interdisciplinary field that seamlessly integrates principles of engineering, biology, technology, and medicine. It’s truly one of the best degrees for the overachievers and students who love a challenge.
The Biomedical Sciences and Engineering discipline opens doors to many opportunities to invent, innovate, and improve health systems, devices, and machines, resulting in improved healthcare. A bachelor’s degree will help you establish a foundation required for educational and career advancements in the field.
The Lowdown
The medical sector is integrating advances in science and engineering at such a rapid pace—and biomedical engineers are in great demand to fulfill tasks and roles relating to these disciplines.
Online Biomedical Engineering programs are your step toward a career that involves addressing biological and medical challenges! By enrolling in the best online Biomedical Engineering degrees, you’ll be exposed to combining science, technology, medicine, and engineering when devising scientific materials and devices that improve human health.
Methodology
An initial yet crucial step to becoming a biomedical engineer is enrolling in the best online Biomedical Engineering bachelor’s degree! Each of the online colleges and undergraduate programs on our list is considered superior with these academic features:
- Offered in convenient learning arrangements, either through an online or hybrid format,
- Offers research, laboratory studies, and hands-on practice for online students to earn the same learning experience as traditional students in Biomedical Engineering,
- Emphasizes the development of essential soft attributes such as communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving, on top of STEM skills,
- Exposes students to different opportunities in the Biomedical Engineering field through internships and other learning activities,
- Prepares graduates to pursue higher education in Biomedical Engineering or a related field,
- Taught by professionals and experts in Biomedical Engineering who also helped design the program coursework,
- Features diverse student loan, scholarship, and veteran benefits programs,
- Approved by the US Department of Education and accredited by academic agencies,
- Recognized by a renowned Biomedical Engineering society or industry organization.
Visit our Methodology page for further information on our ranking process.
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Best Biomedical Engineering Online Bachelor Programs
West Virginia University
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
West Virginia University offers a BS in Biomedical Engineering that can be completed in a hybrid learning format. It ensures that students can experience flexible course scheduling while gaining hands-on laboratory experience vital for their future careers.
This hybrid degree program emphasizes hands-on learning in cellular-based systems and technologies. It encourages students to engage in senior design projects alongside clinical and industrial partners to address healthcare challenges.
What’s Unique About this Program:
WVU BS in Biomedical Engineering students has a separate fund for students involved in undergraduate research to participate in national conferences. This aims to enhance students’ visibility and credibility in the academic and industrial communities.
Did You Know?
High school students can beigin earning college credits for the biomedical engineering degree program at WVU through the school’s High School ACCESS program. High school students can take online, on-campus, or dual credit courses that count towards general education or Biomedical Engineering requirements.
Arizona State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Engineering: Biomedical Engineering
Arizona State University’s online BS in Biomedical Engineering equips students with the ability to address health challenges ethically and sustainably. This online degree is also one of the best programs for students who want to pursue graduate or professional studies in Engineering, Science, Medicine, or other branches of study.
To earn this degree, students must complete 120 credit hours. Each class is conducted in a 7.5-week format to accelerate graduation time. If you need a more flexible schedule, you can enroll part-time and study at your own pace.
What’s Unique About this Program:
The Engineering and Biology themes are covered in the program’s math-heavy courses. You can explore topics of the biomedical profession while earning 15 engineering elective credits throughout five classes in addition to the required core courses.
Additionally, this online degree will require a two-part senior design project that lets you work with a real company or organization. You’ll collaborate with others to design, create, build, and test a prototype as part of an engineering effort to address a pressing health issue.
Did You Know?
This Biomedical Engineering degree from ASU equips students for leadership positions within an enterprise, as they are expected to possess technical, analytical, and interpersonal abilities.
Southern California Institute of Technology
Online Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Southern California Institute of Technology’s online BS in Biomedical Engineering has repetitively proved its place in the field. This 3-year degree program offers students practical, hands-on knowledge and skills in biomedical engineering. Students can choose between two learning formats:
- Blended: a mix of on-campus laboratory and online courses.
- Fully online: all courses are online with trainers utilized for labs completed at home.
Focused on biomedical instruments, you can expect to have deep knowledge of the following topics:
- Design and applications of electronic systems
- Operation and applications of biomedical instruments
- Biomedical engineering design applications
What’s Unique About this Program:
The Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree is a challenging program focused on labs. Students learn hands-on about electronics, engineering software, biomedical imaging, and more to solve complex problems in healthcare.
The program is aligned with Biomedical Technology to prepare students for early job readiness, allowing them to gain field experience while earning their degree.
Did You Know?
Graduates of SCI Tech’s online bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering can start careers in engineering or related fields and advance to technician roles in biomedicine. The program covers various technical subjects, allowing students to specialize in related areas.
University of North Dakota
Online Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
The University of North Dakota’s online BS in Biomedical Engineering is the only online program available in the state! This online program requires students to complete 128 credit hours, with an expected graduation time of four years.
While courses are primarily online, students will be required to attend on-campus summer meetings and complete laboratory components.
Here’s how Biomedical Engineering degree students at UND benefit from this online undergraduate program:
- Experience real-life and hands-on Biomedical Engineering simulations in laboratories.
- Get a chance to have face-to-face discussions and debates with your professors and classmates.
- Work with teaching assistants and faculty to master specific skills required in Biomedical Engineering.
What’s Unique About this Program:
Even if you’re studying online, you can still take part in collaborative biomedical projects. In this program, you’ll contribute to developing and enhancing healthcare solutions.
Through the College of Engineering & Mines, you’ll learn how to design innovative medical devices that improve healthcare globally and get hands-on experience with real-world technology.
Some topics you’ll explore in this online biomedical engineering program include Neuroengineering, Medical Internet of Things (Medlot), Biomedical Signal and Image Processing, and other emerging areas in the field.
Did You Know?
- Compared to other four-year universities, UND’s online Biomedical Engineering degree is more affordable for both in-state and out-of-state students.
- With a range of online programs, excellent job placement, and high alumni salary rates, UND is considered one of the best-value universities for online education in the upper Midwest.
Cornell University
Online Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Cornell University offers a hybrid Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering degree. This prepares students for business and industrial careers or graduate study in science, engineering, or medicine. This online degree introduces biomedical engineers to the many professional and technical areas that interest them.
A minor in Biomedical Engineering is another alternative for Cornell students interested in enhancing their majors with various Biomedical Engineering courses. Cornell’s Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering degree is flexible and promising!
Through defined career paths and careers, you can customize the program to meet your career and research goals.
What’s Unique About this Program:
The faculty at Cornell Biomedical Engineering collaborates in small, ensemble teaching teams to create multi-course sequences that integrate course material with overarching projects and themes.
They also optimize educational strategies by utilizing resources to their fullest potential and boosting the capacity for pedagogical innovation.
This online degree program in undergraduate Biomedical Engineering strongly emphasizes application and in-depth experiential learning.
Students must enroll in a core curriculum comprising distributed engineering and shared math, physics, biology, and chemistry basics courses.
Did You Know?
The entire Biomedical Engineering class joins forces to work on a year-long design sequence that involves developing answers to open-ended problems from the biomedical industry and clinic.
They will form a design team that will enable each member to lead and assume responsibility for their particular region of the problem space by providing them with specialized expertise and training.
Reasons to Study Biomedical Engineering
Be at the forefront of innovations in Biomedical Engineering.
The reality of today’s society is that the aging baby boomer generation and the medical support they will require to live healthier lives are two of the primary factors driving the expansion of Biomedical Engineering.
Biomedical engineers must be innovative in developing 3-D printing, robots, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology, as these all provide significant potential for enhancing human lives. Biomedical engineers frequently take programming courses to utilize these cutting-edge technologies fully.
Connect and network with lifelong friends.
One of the best parts of Biomedical Engineering is its close-knit community because of its specialty field. You’ll often become lifelong friends with your classmates in an online Biomedical Engineering program.
They might also turn into contacts who might assist you in identifying future employment prospects or future research collaborators and colleagues with whom you’ll stay in touch for the rest of your professional career.
Depending on the university or college you’ll attend, you will also have access to their esteemed alum network, where you may network with individuals and groups that can help promote career advancement.
Create an impact or leave a legacy.
Many people wish to find a career that allows them to create an impact or leave a legacy. As a biomedical engineer, you might have the chance to develop medical devices and other technology that enhances and saves lives.
Your inventions could improve healthcare and provide patients with improved chances of recovery. A career as a biomedical engineer may be for you if you’re interested in applying your abilities to improve the lives of others.
Help solve problems.
Almost everyone would love to have a job that helps solve problems. A biomedical engineer frequently creates workable answers to pertinent, real-world issues. Critical thinking and evaluative abilities are needed for this.
A career as a biomedical engineer could be satisfying if you love employing these abilities to solve problems and get around hurdles.
Earn well.
Most STEM works usually offer promising salaries. You can excel in an online Biomedical Engineering program if you enjoy STEM subjects, are interested in biology and life sciences, and are ready to work hard. In this way, you can build a stable financial future for yourself.
Learn from the best researchers and experts in Biomedical Engineering.
When choosing an online program for your Biomedical Engineering degree, remember how important it is to work with top professors.
Your interactions with outstanding faculty members might influence the work you’re presently doing or the study you’ll conduct in the future, and nothing inspires you to work harder in your field than a great teacher.
Fortunately, many online colleges or universities have highly qualified professors who are researchers and experts in Biomedical Engineering.
Expected Challenges in the Field of Biomedical Engineering
Complex Tasks
A career in Biomedical Engineering is expected to be challenging and tough. Even the most significant initiatives in Biomedical Engineering need fundamental abilities, including data input.
Although some biomedical engineers might not find these duties as difficult or interesting as other parts of their projects, these easier jobs might be essential to the success of some projects. The good news is these complex tasks will be training grounds to move your career up and hone your skills better.
Injury or Accidental Risks
Unfortunately, biomedical engineers may come into contact with hazardous substances at work. This is a job that comes with injury or accidental risks. Biomedical engineers conduct ongoing safety and hazard training to prevent injuries and reduce exposure to dangerous situations.
Biomedical engineers must know proper safety measures and processes to decrease these risks.
Work Hours
Biomedical engineers are expected to put in more hours for their work. Many of their projects are time-sensitive and crucial. For this reason, they may work at night or on weekends to fulfill requirements.
Time management skills enable students to continue their work professionally and complete projects on time if they decide to pursue a career as a biomedical engineer.
Tuition Fees and Length of Study
Treated as a challenge by some learners, a Biomedical Engineering degree can be expensive or require longer study years depending on your academic goals. Even though some biomedical engineers earn only bachelor’s degrees in the field, many professionals in this field earn master’s degrees as well.
Investing time and resources into your education could lead to a meaningful career in Biomedical Engineering.
How to Succeed as a Biomedical Engineer
One important step in pursuing a Biomedical Engineering career is earning a bachelor’s degree.
Both on-campus and online students interested in pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering should look for ABET-accredited programs that align with their professional objectives.
Even while you don’t necessarily need a degree in this field to start your career, such as in biomedical imaging, having expertise in the Biomedical Engineering concentration will help when it comes time to hunt for employment.
After receiving your bachelor’s degree, the next big leap is acquiring at least experience. The good news is most bachelor’s or master’s degree programs integrate an internship program.
Although Biomedical Engineering associate degrees are available, prospective students should know that they cannot work as engineers with these degrees. However, obtaining an associate degree before enrolling in a biomedical engineering program can help you obtain an undergraduate degree faster and more easily.
An entry-level engineer with a bachelor’s degree can work in various industries. You can generally expect to earn a relatively high starting salary when working for medical device companies, hospitals, clinics, and supply manufacturers.
It’s best to proceed to a master’s degree or doctorate if you want to work in a higher position in Biomedical Engineering.
Specialties Included in Biomedical Engineering
Medical Imaging
One good specialty in Biomedical Engineering is medical imaging. The most complicated tools used in hospitals are often those required for diagnosing patients.
Imaging equipment with ultrasound, magnetic fields, and UV rays are tackled in the medical imaging specialization.
Tissue Engineering
Human stem cells have been used to produce tissues organically. The development of artificial bladders has been successful in transplanting them into humans. It is a prime example of what the Tissue Engineering specialization is for.
Biomaterials
Biomaterials engineers design human body materials. This concentration is made available in the Biomedical Engineering branch. As a biomaterial expert, you must create carcinogen-free and toxic-free products.
Clinical Engineering
Clinical engineers educate and manage biomedical equipment technicians and collaborate with workers and patients in clinical environments. On top of working with medical device manufacturers, they assist consumers in purchasing medical devices. They usually work on the regulatory issues of devices.
Most often, they have to deal with the Food and Drug Administration to guarantee product safety.
Biomechanics
A biomechanical engineer creates products that assist the body in moving. Prosthetics and replacement joints fall under the biomechanics category. This field of Biomedical Engineering should be your cup of tea if you want to combine mechanical studies with science.
Pharmaceutical Engineering
Pharmaceutical studies is another branch of Biomedical Engineering. In some cases, pharmaceuticals require biological agents up front and must have Biomedical Engineering backgrounds and know-how.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the jobs for Biomedical Engineering graduates?
Biomedical engineers can work in diverse fields of science. They may enter into the prosthetics field or create drugs and go into pharmaceuticals. In addition to collecting and analyzing biological data, they may design life-saving equipment. They can enter the research industry and work in laboratories or universities.
Their work aims to help patients and doctors find solutions to physiological problems. Engineers need to stay up-to-date as technology rapidly evolves in their fields, so it is important to incorporate any changes in related fields into their specialties.
How long does completing an online Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering take?
A typical online bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering can be earned in four years. You should be aware that while certain courses may be available online, you will still need to take several of them in person. Along with internships and practical experience, lab sections play a significant role.
A Biomedical Engineering degree could take longer for people working full-time or with other commitments. You may need to reorganize your calendar to make this work for you because programs involve in-person classes and lab work.
What is the demand for Biomedical Engineers?
The Labor Statistics Bureau says about 19,700 job openings await biomedical engineers in the next few years. Engineering has fewer students than most other career paths, and various engineering types are available.
This means competition for professional biomedical engineering applicants is not as high as in other fields, which results in a sure job placement after graduating with an online bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering.
Summary Points
- With a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, you can begin with entry-level positions in both Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering fields at hospitals, research firms, medical device firms, and supply companies.
- The fields of medicine, technology, and biology are integral to the Applied Biomedical Engineering discipline, so prospective students should be ready for a challenging academic and professional future.
- Because of the aging population, accompanied by advances in smart technology, there is a growing need for healthcare professionals other than doctors and nurses.
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