How to become a biomedical engineer: A comprehensive guide
Next time you’re in a healthcare setting, take a look around you and the chances are you’ll see a number of technologies and devices that biomedical engineers have developed. From prosthetics and patient monitoring systems, to hearing aids and artificial hearts, biomedical engineers combine their scientific knowledge with engineering techniques to provide practical solutions to ongoing medical challenges. So, how can you become a biomedical engineer and what steps should you take to enter this rewarding profession? Our comprehensive guide will tell you all you need to know about how to become a biomedical engineer, what career paths are available, and why the University of Sheffield is the best place to start your studies.
What is biomedical engineering?
This discipline combines engineering and medical knowledge to improve healthcare systems and technologies. Biomedical engineering graduates typically go on to work in areas including prosthetics, artificial intelligence and medical devices. Famous scientists in this field include Willem Johan Kolff, a pioneer in the field of artificial organs, and Earl Bakken, who invented the first externally worn pacemaker. If you want to use your scientific knowledge to come up with innovative solutions to healthcare problems, then this is the degree for you.
What do biomedical engineers do?
Biomedical engineers typically work in settings including hospitals, research institutions, manufacturing companies, and regulatory agencies. As a biomedical engineering graduate, you could choose to move into areas including designing and developing medical devices (e.g. pacemakers and prosthetics), research and development of new technologies, clinical engineering (managing the maintenance and operation of medical equipment in hospitals), or work for a regulatory body, ensuring that medical devices reach the required safety standards before they reach the market.
How to become a biomedical engineer
A relevant degree from a reputable university is an excellent place to start, and that’s where the University of Sheffield comes in. Ranked 4th in the UK for Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, places on the University of Sheffield's Biomedical Engineering course are highly sought after. Practical experience is also important, and Sheffield offers a Biomedical Engineering course with an Industrial Placement Year, allowing you to gain valuable experience in a graduate-level role. Although this course adds an extra year to your studies, it does mean that you’ll build your professional network, develop transferable skills, apply elements of academic learning in the workplace and gain practical work experience you will be able to add to your CV.
5 benefits of biomedical engineering
1. It teaches multidisciplinary skills
The University of Sheffield’s biomedical engineering undergraduate degree offers a broad introduction to biology, physiology, anatomy and engineering principles. You then have the chance to branch out into one of these four specialisms at the end of year one: Biomedical Engineering, Medical Devices and Systems, Biomaterials Science and Tissue Engineering, and Biomanufacturing. You’ll come out of the University with a valuable degree that will allow you to take on any number of roles within the industry, from research to clinical applications.
2. It offers many opportunities for innovation
As a biomedical engineer, you’ll be able to design and develop cutting-edge technologies such as prosthetics, imaging systems and artificial organs. Talk about a rewarding career!
3. It offers a wide range of career paths
Graduates can work in hospitals, research labs, regulatory agencies, or manufacturing companies. You can choose to specialise in a diverse set of areas including medical device design, clinical engineering, or regulatory affairs.
4. It is truly rewarding
It’s not an overstatement to say that biomedical engineers are involved in life-changing work. Their job is to tackle some of the biggest challenges in healthcare and find new ways to help people with challenges such as limited mobility and chronic conditions.
5. It teaches problem-solving skills
You’ll learn to conduct research, analyse data, identify and solve problems. You’ll also learn excellent communication skills. Studying a degree in biomedical engineering allows you to develop many transferrable skills that can be applied to all areas of life, including your future career.
Biomedical engineering careers
So, what can you do with a biomedical engineering degree? Here are some of the top biomedical engineering careers that this degree can lead to:
- Clinical Engineer: manages and maintains medical equipment, making sure it works safely and effectively.
- Biomedical Researcher: conducts experiments to develop new medical tech such as artificial organs and advanced prosthetics.
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist: checks that medical devices meet all regulations.
- Medical Device Designer: designs and develops new medical technologies, focusing on technical specifications, user experience and safety.
- Sales Engineer: uses their technical knowledge to help medical device companies market their products.
Graduates from the University of Sheffield are highly attractive to potential employers due to the skills and knowledge they developed during their biomedical engineering degree. Sheffield’s Biomedical Engineering MEng and MSc graduates have found success in many fields and roles, including:
- Clinical Image Analyst with Perspectum Diagnostics
- Commercial Associate with Phillips Pharmaceuticals
- Graduate Engineer at Johnson & Johnson
- Graduate Test Engineer with CMR Surgical
- Project Engineer with RWDI
- Project Manager with ARM Artificial Intelligence Enhanced Computing
- Safety Scientist at Roche
- System Engineer with United Imaging Healthcare
- Trainee Clinical Scientist with the NHS
Many of Sheffield’s graduates have also gone into further study, completing PhDs in subjects such as tissue engineering, neuroscience and computational medicine or have taken on roles at companies including Unilever, Smith & Nephew and AstraZeneca.
Biomedical engineering is a broad field with many career paths, but in the UK, starting salaries are in the region of £27,055 - £32,934 per year (Prospects 2024).
“In College, the labs were strict in the sense that you had to write everything down… Coming to work, because of all the legal regulations like good manufacturing practice, all the laws that you need to follow, you also need to write everything down, be really neat. Like you need to make sure that whoever reads your process during the test, they need to be able to repeat it. And having the experience from College really helped. I still get the comments of “Your notes are really easy to read.”
Jose from Colombia
Studied International Foundation Year.
Graduated with MEng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering (formerly known as Bioengineering).
Now working as a Development Engineer at Smith+Nephew, UK.
Study biomedical engineering at the University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield ranks highly for biomedical engineering in the UK, and for good reason. The undergraduate degree programme, which is accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from fundamental engineering principles to advanced biomedical technologies, all taught from unique, state-of-the-art facilities such as Bioengineering Bacteria Labs and an Electronics Clean Room.
There are many more reasons to study at Sheffield. Academic excellence aside, the city is also known for its fantastic student life. With over 350 student societies and clubs to choose from, you’ll soon meet like-minded people outside of your studies.
For international students, the University of Sheffield International College provides tailored pathway programmes for international students such as the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering and Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering.
Visit the University of Sheffield International College website for more information on fees and entry and visa requirements.
FAQs
Is biomedical engineering hard?
Biomedical engineering is a challenging field that blends engineering, biology, and medical practices. But if you are passionate about making a difference in healthcare, you will find this degree hugely rewarding.
Is biomedical engineering a good major?
Absolutely. It opens doors to diverse careers in healthcare, research, and medical technology, offering you the chance to make meaningful contributions to society.
How long does it take to become a biomedical engineer?
Typically, it takes four years to earn your undergraduate degree (BEng 3 years, MEng 4 years), plus an extra year if you choose to do Biomedical Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year. You can then further your knowledge and expertise with a postgraduate degree (1-2 years).