The field of biomedical engineering is one of the most diverse and rapidly-growing industries in the entire country! From MRI technology to defibrillators, new medical technology is developed by skilled, educated biomedical engineers. There are two schools in Missouri that offer this degree, both of which are located in St. Louis. No matter which school you attend, you can earn a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in biomedical engineering. The average cost of tuition is $40,050 per year since both schools are private schools. The average class in Missouri has just 10 students, allowing for plenty of professor interaction.
Biomedical engineering is a versatile field, so you need to get a thorough education in several different fields. Before you can begin a career, you need to learn about human biology and advanced engineering principles. You can get the knowledge you need in a Bachelor’s degree, which takes about four years. By the time you graduate, you’ll learn 120 credits in engineering and general education courses.
Some of the courses you may take as a biomedical student include Biomaterials, Medical Imaging, Physiological Systems, and Biosystems Simulation & Control. These courses give you the theoretical knowledge you need to understand how biomedical engineering works.
You need a practical set of skills in addition to your theoretical understanding. You may take advanced lab courses as well as blended courses, which require lecture hours and lab hours. In the engineering lab, you can work with biomedical engineering materials.
You may also need to focus on research during your time as an undergraduate student. At Saint Louis University, for example, you can join the Medical Scholars Program or University Honors Program to conduct higher-level engineering research.
For many students, tuition and financial aid are two of the most important factors when it comes to making a school decision. Saint Louis University is the less expensive of the two biomedical engineering schools in Missouri. It costs $37,350 per year for residents and non-residents. Washington University is slightly more expensive, at $22,050 per semester for residents and non-residents.
Whichever Missouri school you attend, you can apply for scholarships that can significantly lower the cost of your education. The William R. Kimel, P.E. Engineering Scholarship is awarded by the National Society of Professional Engineers. This scholarship is worth $2,500. You can also apply for scholarships awarded by the Engineers’ Club of St. Louis.
After you get your biomedical engineering degree, you are almost ready to begin your engineering career. You need to get your license from the Missouri Division of Professional Registration. This process involves paying a $100 application/examination fee. You can then take your Principles & Practice of Engineering Exam, which is offered every April and October. Upon passing this exam, you get your engineering license.
Joining local organizations is a great way to network with prospective employers and keep up with your continuing education requirements. In Missouri, consider joining the Missouri Society for Healthcare Engineering. They offer regular education classes, networking events, and legislative updates that may affect how you work.