Biomedical engineer : Entry requirements

Relevant degree subject areas include physical/mathematical/applied science, life and medical sciences, and engineering. A degree in the following subjects will increase your chances:

• biomedical science/engineering;
• mechanical engineering;
• physics;
• electronic engineering.

A good honours degree is essential for achieving professional recognition either as a chartered engineer (CEng) or as a state registered clinical scientist (for clinical engineer posts in The National Health Service (NHS) ). If pursuing a career in the NHS, the most common route is by applying to be a trainee clinical scientist or engineer. The training involves two years of in-service training, which incorporates an accredited postgraduate degree and leads to the DipIPEM(S) (Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine Diploma).

Engineering degrees must also be accredited by the appropriate engineering body for CEng status, normally either Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) , the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)  or the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) . If your degree is not accredited it will mean taking further exams at a later stage in order to become chartered.

Entry is not possible with an HND only. However, if you have A-levels in life sciences, there is the option of training as a trainee biomedical technologist in the NHS.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification in biomedical engineering is desirable, aiding entry into research and development. This would also improve the prospects of non-engineering graduates, or further show the commitment of those with a relevant first degree. Many MSc courses have opportunities for work experience in the field, which could be valuable. An MSc will not, however, reduce the number of years required to qualify as a clinical scientist.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• a strong interest in the integration of engineering and medicine;
• excellent communication skills in order to liaise with a wide variety of people and good attention to detail;
• spatial awareness, three-dimensional conceptual ability and computer literacy (particularly for design engineers);
• the ability to combine a high degree of technical knowledge with creativity;
• the ability to design products that are effective and practical as well as cost effective and aesthetic;
• commercial awareness, in order to appreciate a product's marketability;
• excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.

Relevant work experience in the form of vacation work or a placement year is very helpful in getting a first job and making contacts. Voluntary or paid work with children or adults with disabilities can make you aware of the need for products, such as specially adapted wheelchairs. Engineering students are encouraged to volunteer locally for Remap , a charity seeking to design or modify equipment for individuals with specific needs. Previous experience in project management, quality or design would also be useful.

As of 2011, in England and Wales, a new graduate entry Scientist Training Programme (STP) replaced the previous Clinical Scientist Training Scheme. The recruitment for the healthcare scientist training positions takes place early in the year for the September intake. Recruitment usually begins in February, with a closing date in mid-March.

NHS Trusts will offer 200 training posts in life sciences, physics and engineering and physiological sciences. Successful candidates will join a three-year training programme of workplace-based learning and a Masters degree in their specialist subject.

There is a single timetable for recruitment as well as national guidelines and assessment centres to ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and equally. Candidates can apply for the training posts at the NHS Jobs website while the selection process is organised by local trusts.

Details of all training posts are available on NHS Jobs  and will be advertised in the New Scientist . Further details of the scheme and a list of all the job roles are available on the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP)  page on the NHS Careers  website.

Scotland is also adopting the new training programme but will still be recruiting by specialist subject, rather than on a national basis for the time being. Training will be provided by individual NHS boards. Details of each training scheme can be found at Clinical Scientist Pre-Registration Training Schemes Scotland  and can also be found in the New Scientist .

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.