Starting a lucrative career that makes the world a better place is easy when you pursue a biomedical engineering degree in Arizona. This degree combines a strong knowledge of the human body with a thorough education in engineering techniques. There are two schools in Arizona with this degree; both schools have Bachelor’s-level programs and Master’s-level programs. The average cost of tuition is $11,750 per semester. However, both colleges are public schools so they are prone to different resident and non-resident rates. The average class size in Arizona is 23 students, allowing for multiple viewpoints in every class.
Earning a biomedical engineering requires a lot of study and hard work, since you need to be competent in two fields: human biology and engineering. This is why you need at least a Bachelor’s degree to be considered for licensure. This should take approximately four years, as you must earn a minimum of 120 credits.
The curriculum for each biomedical engineering program is rigorous, containing both biology courses and engineering courses. You’ll also be expected to take a number of general education courses. Some of the classes you may take as an undergraduate student include Biomedical Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Thermodynamics, and Physiological Systems.
Research and hands-on practice are two important components of your degree that must not be ignored. Participating in research can give you a step up over your peers when you begin your job search. Hands-on practice is what will make you competent at working with different biomedical engineering materials.
Networking with professionals in this field can help you get the most out of your education and prepare you for the post-graduation job search. At the University of Arizona, you can join student groups like the Engineering Student Council and Arizona Biomedical Engineering Society.
As you plan for your four years in school, look into tuition rates and financial aid. You want to be completely prepared for what options you have and how much you’ll have to pay. Tuition rates at Arizona State University are among the lowest in the state. Residents can expect to pay $4,740 per semester, while non-residents may have to pay $11,568 per semester. The University of Arizona is slightly more expensive. Tuition for residents is about $5,500 per semester, while tuition for non-residents is $13,842 for non-residents.
Luckily, nationwide and statewide scholarships can offset the cost of your education. Consider applying for the Whitaker International Undergraduate Scholarship, which is awarded to engineering students all over the country. Your school is also likely to have school-specific scholarships that you can apply for once you are accepted.
Before you can actually work as an engineer in Arizona, you have to get your license from the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration. You can send in a completed application with a $125 testing fee. You can, at that point, sit for your Professional Engineer Exam. Passing this exam allows you to represent yourself as an engineer.
Joining the Arizona Society of Professional Engineers has numerous benefits. You can attend exclusive educational events like seminars and classes, as well as network with other engineers. They offer other tools to further your professional development throughout your career, like annual meetings and awards.