Pursue Biomedical Engineering in the USA

Biomedical engineering emerged as a distinct discipline in the mid-20th century, when engineers and scientists began collaborating on solving medical problems. Since then the field has seen tremendous development in terms of research possibilities and scope. Some of the early achievements of biomedical engineering include the development of artificial organs, such as the heart-lung machine, the pacemaker, and the artificial kidney; the invention of medical imaging techniques, such as X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc. Unsurprisingly, the USA, with its exceptional engineering universities, has been a global leader in biomedical engineering research and education since its inception. According to the U.S. News & World Report rankings, 10 out of the top 20 biomedical engineering programs in the world are located in the USA. Biomedical engineering in the USA is an ever-evolving and exciting field. 

The USA is also home to some of the most innovative biomedical engineering companies and organizations, such as Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, Boston Scientific, GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Philips Healthcare, etc. These companies and organizations are constantly developing new products and technologies that address various medical challenges and needs. The demand for biomedical engineers in the USA is expected to grow steadily in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of biomedical engineers will increase by 4% from 2020 to 2030. 

As such the USA offers countless opportunities for biomedical engineering students and professionals to pursue their academic and career goals. Find out some of the best biomedical engineering programs in the USA below.  

Overview of Biomedical Engineering in the USA 

Why Study Biomedical Engineering in the USA? 

World-Class Education: The United States is home to many prestigious universities and colleges known for their high-quality education and cutting-edge research in the field of biomedical engineering. American institutions consistently rank among the top in the world for engineering programs.  

Research Opportunities: Biomedical engineering is a rapidly evolving field, and the USA is at the forefront of research and innovation in areas like medical devices, tissue engineering, biomaterials, and more. Studying in the USA provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to work on groundbreaking projects.  

Diverse Specializations: The field of biomedical engineering encompasses a wide range of specializations, from medical imaging to biomechanics to bioinformatics. U.S. universities offer a broad array of courses and research options, allowing you to tailor your education to your specific interests.  

Strong Industry Connections: Many American universities have close ties with the biomedical industry, providing students with internship and job opportunities. The USA is home to numerous leading biotech and medical device companies, which can offer valuable industry experience.  

Networking and Collaboration: Studying in the USA allows you to connect with a diverse group of students and faculty from around the world. 

Career Opportunities: The demand for biomedical engineers is on the rise due to the increasing complexity of healthcare and the aging population. The USA offers a robust job market for biomedical engineering graduates, with competitive salaries and career prospects. Students can work while studying in the USA. Moreover, students can opt for a work visa after studying in the USA. 

Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The USA fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, making it an ideal place to develop and launch new biomedical technologies, devices, or startups.  

Scholarships and Funding: Many U.S. universities offer financial aid and scholarships to international students, making education in the USA more affordable.  

Top Biomedical Engineering Programs in the USA 

Johns Hopkins University 

Johns Hopkins University is a private research university in Baltimore, Maryland, that was founded in 1876 by the American entrepreneur and philanthropist Johns Hopkins. It is the oldest research university in the United States and one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Johns Hopkins has led all U.S. universities in annual research and development expenditures for over four consecutive decades ($3.1 billion as of fiscal year 2020). The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins is widely regarded as the top program of its kind in the world. It was established in 1970 as a joint venture between the Whiting School of Engineering and the School of Medicine. The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in biomedical engineering, as well as a master’s program in genetic counseling. The department also has seven research areas: engineering immunology, cardiovascular systems, imaging, systems neuroscience, molecular and cell systems, neuroengineering, and computational modeling. Some of the department’s achievements include developing the first implantable cardiac pacemaker, creating the first brain-computer interface for paralyzed patients, inventing optical coherence tomography for medical imaging, and discovering new ways to manipulate stem cells. 

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Columbia University 

Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university in New York City. Columbia has a distinguished history of academic excellence and innovation, and it is home to many Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows, and other eminent scholars and leaders.  The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University is one of the leading biomedical engineering departments in the world. It was founded in 2000 by merging the Center for Biomedical Engineering with the Department of Chemical Engineering. The department has a strong tradition of interdisciplinary research and education, bridging engineering and applied science with biology, medicine, and the understanding of living systems and their behavior. The department has more than 40 faculty members who are internationally recognized for their contributions to science and engineering in areas such as biomechanics, cell and tissue engineering, biosignals and biomedical imaging, and neuro-engineering. The department also has close collaborations with the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, the Data Science Institute, and other centers and institutes across the university. 

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Duke University 

Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina.  One of the schools at Duke is the Pratt School of Engineering, which includes the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME). The BME department was established in 1971 as one of the first of its kind in the nation. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in biomedical engineering, as well as certificate programs and concentrations in areas such as bioelectric engineering, biomaterials, biomechanics, biomedical imaging, drug and gene delivery, immune engineering, neural engineering, synthetic biology, and tissue engineering. The BME department is also home to many distinguished faculty members who conduct cutting-edge research in various biomedical applications, such as stem cell therapies, biomedical optics, biosensors, bio instrumentation, computational modeling, artificial intelligence, and regenerative medicine. Some of the recent achievements of the BME department include developing a universal coronavirus vaccine, creating a community of support in the classroom, growing hybrid crystals for lasers, and receiving NIH high-risk, high-reward grants. 

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University of Michigan 

The University of Michigan is a public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was founded in 1817, making it the oldest and largest university in Michigan. It has 19 schools and colleges, offering 250 degree programs to more than 46,000 students. The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan is a joint department between the College of Engineering and the Medical School. It was established in 1963 as one of the first biomedical engineering programs in the country. It has more than 60 faculty members and 400 students who work on cutting-edge research projects that span across six areas: biomaterials and regenerative medicine, biomedical imaging, and ultrasound, biosensors, and microsystems, computational and systems biology, neural engineering, and vascular engineering. It also collaborates with various partners within and outside the university, such as the Michigan Medicine, the Coulter Translational Research Partnership Program, and the Michigan Institute for Data Science.

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Georgia Institute of Technology 

The Georgia Institute of Technology is a leading research university that is committed to improving the human condition through advanced science and technology. It was founded in 1885 as the Georgia School of Technology, to provide industrial education to the state’s post-Civil War workforce. The Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech is a joint department with Emory University School of Medicine. It was established in 1997 with a 20 million USD grant from the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation. It is one of the largest and most diverse biomedical engineering departments in the country, with more than 100 faculty members and over 1,000 students. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in biomedical engineering, as well as joint degrees in medicine, law, and business. Its research focus areas include biomaterials and regenerative technologies, biomedical imaging and instrumentation, cellular and tissue engineering, computational medicine and bioinformatics, drug design and delivery, immunoengineering and cancer technologies, molecular evolution and synthetic biology, neural engineering and neurotechnology, systems biology and physiology. 

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Admission Requirements for Biomedical Engineering in the USA 

Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering:

• A high school diploma or equivalent. 
• English Language Proficiency certification through tests like IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL (90).
• Most universities require SAT or ACT scores.
• You may need to have taken specific high school courses in math and science, such as calculus, physics, and biology. 
• A competitive GPA is essential. Many programs look for a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or other relevant individuals.
• A personal statement or essay explaining your interest in biomedical engineering.

Master’s in Biomedical Engineering:

• You need a bachelor’s degree in a related field, which typically includes biomedical engineering, engineering, biology, or a related science.
• English Language Proficiency certification through tests like IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL (90).
• A competitive undergraduate GPA, usually around 3.0 or higher, is necessary.
• Many Master’s programs require GRE scores, but this varies by institution.
• Letters of recommendation from professors or professionals in your field.
• A well-written statement of purpose outlining your research interests and career goals is often Some programs might require specific undergraduate coursework in subjects like biology, chemistry, or engineering.
• Research experience, internships, or relevant work experience can be beneficial for your application.

Career Opportunities for Biomedical Engineering Graduates in the USA 

Biomedical engineering is a field that applies engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and biology for healthcare purposes. Biomedical engineers can work in various sectors, such as research and development, manufacturing, testing, quality control, clinical engineering, and sales. Some of the career opportunities for biomedical engineering graduates in the USA are:  

• Biomedical Engineer 
• Biomedical equipment technician
• Clinical engineer
• Medical device engineer 
• Biomechanical engineer

The salary profile for biomedical engineers in the USA depends on various factors, such as education, experience, skills, location, and employer. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a senior biomedical engineer is 112,952 USD per year in the United States. The salary range for senior biomedical engineers in the United States is from 64,000 USD to 200,000 USD per year, depending on seniority. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, biomedical engineering in the USA is an exciting and compelling field. The best universities in the USA offer excellent programs that combine rigorous coursework, cutting-edge research, and hands-on experience. These schools provide students with opportunities to work on interdisciplinary projects, collaborate with industry partners, and participate in global networks. Biomedical engineering graduates from these schools have high employability and can pursue careers in various sectors, such as healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and academia. Therefore, studying biomedical engineering in the USA is a rewarding choice for prospective students. However, avoid jumping rashly into a decision regarding your preferred program. It’s important to consider all options factoring in budget, scholarships, living expenses, cities, etc., to make a balanced decision. Let our admission experts at OneApply, take the pain for you and find the best-suited option for you. Your free video call appointment is waiting!