Biomedical engineering is a unique, exciting field of engineering that combines a thorough knowledge of the human body with a strong understanding of engineering principles. If you want to start a career in this exciting field, there are three schools in Louisiana that can help you get there. You can earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at any of these three schools. The average cost of tuition is $13,100 per year. Louisiana has an average class size of 19 students, although class sizes tend to be smaller when you get to upper-level courses.
Biomedical engineers are responsible for very important technologies that affect people’s lives, so a thorough education is absolutely essential. Louisiana requires at least a Bachelor’s degree for licensure as an engineer. This degree is made up of 120+ credits, which should take you about four years of full-time study.
You can plan on taking courses in many different aspects of biomedical engineering. Some of the courses you will likely have to take include Biology & Biotechnology, Thermodynamics, Biomedical Microtechnology, and Physiological Systems.
Many engineering schools require you to either collaborate on a research project or present your own project before you can graduate. At Tulane University, you can collaborate with many different groups for your research, including the Center for Aging, the Bioinnovation Program, and the Neuroscience Program.
Throughout your degree, you’ll learn the practical side of engineering with lab courses and lab study time. These courses allow you to learn the practicality of the theories you learn. Most schools require you to spend about 10 hours per week in the engineering lab.
Before you choose a school to attend, it’s important to look at that school’s tuition rates and financial aid offerings. Tuition rates vary based on your residency status and which school you decide to attend. Louisiana Tech University is one of the most affordable schools in the state. Tuition is $2,312 per semester for residents and $4,540 per semester for non-residents. On the other end of the scale, you have Tulane University. Tulane costs $46,930 per year for residents and non-residents.
You may want to start applying for school-specific, state-based, and nationwide engineering scholarships as soon as possible. They are a great way to pay for your education. At Louisiana Tech University, you can apply for scholarships like the Ben T. Bogard Scholarship and the C.C. Whittelsey Scholarship. The Louisiana Engineering Society awards scholarships to students from many different Louisiana engineering schools.
Before you can begin working as a biomedical engineer in Louisiana, you have to get your Professional Engineer license from the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board. You must submit a completed application to the Board with a $50 check to cover your application fee. You can then take the Professional Engineer exam, which is offered every April and October. Once you pass this exam, you can get your license.
Throughout the duration of your career, you’ll find that education and professional development are both very important. The Louisiana Engineering Society allows you to continually enhance your education and professional standing. As a member, you can attend continuing education courses, networking events, and legislative update meetings.