Contributor: Jordan Ellis, PE
Written: Sep 26, 2024 | Updated: May 13, 2026
Bioengineering, or biomedical engineering, is one of the fastest-growing and most innovative fields in modern science and healthcare.
A biomedical engineer combines principles of biology, medicine, and engineering to help design life-saving technologies. From artificial organs and prosthetics to advanced imaging and diagnostic systems, bioengineers play a critical role in improving health and extending lives, and are in increasingly high demand around the globe.
Becoming a biomedical engineer requires a strong foundation in math and science, along with specialized education and practical experience in the field. Whether you’re a student exploring this career or an experienced engineer looking to broaden your skills, read on to learn how to become a biomedical engineer, including the basics of biomedical engineer education requirements, skills, and licensures, and career and salary opportunities.
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What is a Biomedical Engineer?
Biomedical engineers design and develop technologies that improve healthcare and save lives. This includes creating artificial organs, prosthetics, medical devices, and advanced imaging systems, as well as ensuring these technologies operate safely and efficiently.
Bioengineers work in research labs, hospitals, and manufacturing environments, collaborating with healthcare professionals to innovate new solutions.
Engineering as a whole is foundational to human advancement. Explore our website to learn more about the benefits of being an engineer and the vital role of engineers in modern society.
Biomedical Engineer Education Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree
The path of education for a biomedical engineer is generally a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering or a related field, followed by work experience and licensure. An advanced degree may be required if you are interested in academia, research, or development.
Undergraduate Degree Paths
A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in bioengineering or biomedical engineering, or in a related field such as mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering, is typically the first step toward becoming a biomedical engineer.
Undergraduate programs tend to include ample coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering design. Students also gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, internships, and research projects that prepare them for real-world healthcare and medical technology environments.
Biomedical Engineer Schooling and Accreditation (ABET)
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) sets the academic and industry standards for the bioengineering field.
Choosing an ABET-accredited school for your bachelor’s degree ensures you get the most up-to-date education and training available. It can also improve your job prospects, better prepare you for professional licensure, and provide you with the technical skills needed for careers in medical device development, healthcare technology, and biomedical research.
Graduate Programs
For those looking to specialize or work in research and development, or who want to prepare for leadership roles in industry, academia, or research institutions, a graduate degree in bioengineering may be necessary.
A graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) deepens your knowledge of specific topics, such as biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, biomedical robots, or tissue engineering. Many aspiring bioengineers pursue advanced degrees to work in innovation, product development, university teaching, or cutting-edge medical research, receiving the advanced education and specialized training needed for this type of career advancement.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Biomedical Engineer
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Pursue a BS in biomedical engineering or a related field such as mechanical or electrical engineering. Choose an ABET-accredited program to ensure your education meets industry standards and improves your job prospects after graduation.
Step 2: Gain Practical Experience
Seek internships, co-op programs, or research opportunities while getting your degree. Hands-on experience is essential, and helps you apply classroom knowledge to real-life medical and engineering challenges. It also makes you more competitive in the job market.
Step 3: Build Technical and Specialized Skills
Develop additional skills in areas such as programming, data analysis, medical device design, or biomechanics. Many companies that hire bioengineers look for specialized knowledge in adjacent fields, so studying these topics could give you an important leg up.
Step 4: Consider Advanced Education or Certification
A master’s or doctoral degree may open doors to research, teaching, and leadership positions. Some professionals also pursue licensure or certifications to strengthen their credentials, including the Fundamentals of Engineer (FE) exam and Professional Engineer (PE) exam.
Step 5: Start Your Career
Biomedical engineers work in hospitals, research labs, universities, and medical device companies. But the learning doesn’t stop there: continuing education for engineers is part of the job, since technology and healthcare innovations evolve rapidly.
Check out this video about careers in bioengineering.
Core Biomedical Engineer Requirements (Skills and Certifications)
Biomedical engineers need a strong mix of technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. A solid foundation in math, biology, physics, computer programming, and chemistry is crucial too. Many bioengineering professionals also develop skills in data analysis, CAD (computer-aided design), and medical device software to design and test healthcare technologies.
Certifications are not always required, but they can improve career opportunities. A common pathway is PE licensure:
- Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam: Tests knowledge in math, science, and core engineering principles. Passing the FE grants Engineer-in-Training status and is required before gaining work experience for PE licensure.
- Professional Engineer (PE) Exam: Tests advanced knowledge in a specific engineering discipline, along with practical problem-solving and application skills. Candidates must first pass the FE exam and gain work experience. Passing the PE exam grants official professional licensure.
Earning a PE license or pursuing advanced degrees can further accelerate your career, leading to leadership roles such as bioengineering manager or director of research. Additionally, specialization in areas like biomechanics or tissue engineering can position you for consulting or executive roles in cutting-edge fields with global reach.
Licensure requirements vary by state. Check out our guide to state licensure requirements for a quick breakdown.
Licensure and the PE Path for Biomedical Engineers
Licensure for biomedical engineers typically follows the PE pathway. While not all biomedical engineers pursue licensure, it can significantly enhance career opportunities in a wide range of industries.
Once licensed, Professional Engineers can approve engineering designs, take legal responsibility for projects, and pursue higher-level positions. In biomedical engineering, PE licensure (which should be verified regularly) is especially valuable for roles involving medical devices, healthcare systems, and public safety-critical technologies.
Biomedical Engineering Career Outlook and Salary
Bioengineers enjoy competitive salaries due to their specialized skills and the growing demand for healthcare innovations. The median annual salary for bioengineers is approximately $100,700, though this can vary based on industry, experience, and location.
Engineers working in sectors such as medical equipment manufacturing and scientific research tend to earn the highest wages, with some roles offering salaries exceeding $120,000. As bioengineering continues to advance, professionals with additional certifications, PE licensure, or continuing education courses can further boost their earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do you need to become a biomedical engineer?
To become a biomedical engineer you typically need a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or a related field such as mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering. A master’s or doctoral degree may be required for those seeking leadership or academic roles.
How long does it take to become a biomedical engineer?
It usually takes about four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or a related engineering field, which is the standard entry requirement. If you pursue a master’s degree, add about 1–2 more years. Doctoral programs for bioengineering research roles can take an additional 3–5 years beyond that.
Why is an ABET-accredited program important for bioengineering?
An ABET-accredited program is guaranteed to meet strict industry standards and has been reviewed for strong technical content, proper lab experience, and preparation for real engineering fieldwork. Many employers prefer or require bioengineering graduates from ABET-accredited programs, and it is often needed if you want to become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
Is certification or licensure required for biomedical engineers?
In most cases, certification or licensure is not required to work as a biomedical engineer, especially in entry-level industry jobs. However, Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is useful if you want to take legal responsibility for engineering designs, work in consulting, or sign off on medical device systems, or if you want to pursue leadership or regulated engineering roles.
What is the average salary for a biomedical engineer?
The average salary for a biomedical engineer is between $95k-$110k per year. Higher salaries may exceed $120k. Earning more as a biomedical engineer usually comes down to combining advanced education, specialized skills, and career strategy rather than just years of experience.
Conclusion
Becoming a bioengineer is a rewarding journey that combines science, technology, and innovation to improve lives. With the right education, licensure, and a commitment to continuous learning, bioengineers have numerous opportunities to grow and advance in this dynamic field.
Whether you’re just starting out or seeking to deepen your skills and expertise, the possibilities in bioengineering are vast and impactful. Browse our PE licensure resource hub for an even deeper look at the landscape of a successful career as a biomedical engineer.