Become a Biomechanical Engineer

If you love math and science and you also want to make a lasting impact on the world, you should consider becoming a biomechanical engineer. This type of engineer improves people’s lives by creating mechanical and computer models that give people better health outcomes. Though it can be a difficult field to get into, having the right education and background can set you on the right path to this tough but rewarding career. If you want to become a biomechanical engineer, it’s important to take the right pre-engineering courses as a high school student, enroll in a biomechanical engineering program, and find a job in the field.

Steps

Taking Courses to Prepare For Biomechanical Engineering

1. Enroll in math and science courses at advanced levels in high school and community college. Advanced math and science courses are necessary for your college classes in engineering and biology. Make sure to do as well as possible in these courses so you’re ready for the subjects at the college level.
   • Take at least one year of biology, chemistry and physics. If possible, take AP or Honors versions of these classes. Advanced classes in biology, chemistry, or physics can be beneficial as well in preparing for college.
   • Choose as many algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus classes as you can at your high school. Calculus is especially useful in biomechanical engineering, so take these courses as well if available.
   • Find advanced math and science courses at a local community college. Your school may have a partnership with a local community college where you can take classes. Take these classes are part of your preparation for the biomechanical engineering program.
   • Audit classes in math or science at local colleges. Even if you can’t get credit, it is worthwhile to begin learning some of the more difficult concepts before going to college.
2. Choose computer programing or drafting courses if available. Computer programming is essential your job as a biomechanical engineer, since you’ll be doing much of your work on a computer using advanced computer programs. Additionally, drafting or computer-aided drafting courses can be useful to get a head start on using computing tools.
   • Join an introduction to computer programming course. Many high schools offer basic computer programming courses. Start taking these classes now so you’ll know what to do before you have to use more advanced computer programs and systems.
   • Take a drafting or computer-aided drafting course. While many schools may not offer these courses, find ways to start learning how to draft, since it’s an important part of an engineer’s job.
   • Look for college classes on drafting and computer programming. There may be prerequisites for these classes, so you may not be able to take them for credit. However, sitting in on the classes can also be valuable.
3. Take well-rounded courses in high school. Biomechanical engineers focus on a wide range of issues. They are first and foremost problem solvers, so it’s important to have a well-rounded high school curriculum to best prepare you for a degree program in biomechanical engineering.
   • Do well in your English and communication courses. Communication is very valuable for biomechanical engineers, since they are talking to all kinds of people. It’s good to be able to write well and talk effectively with others in the field.
   • Consider taking a foreign language. Biomechanical engineers can often communicate with people in other countries. Being able to speak another language can be a valuable asset.
   • Look for ways to work on your problem solving abilities. Problem solving is a key attribute of biomechanical engineers. You can hone your problem solving abilities in a variety of classes, clubs, and athletic teams while still in high school.

Enrolling in a Biomechanical Engineering Program

1. Enroll in pre-engineering courses. Many engineering programs require students to take pre-engineering courses before they are allowed to officially declare their major. You’ll take a variety of courses, but will focus mostly on math, physics, and chemistry.
   • Find pre-engineering courses at a community college. You can often go to a community college for two years to finish these prerequisites. Additionally, you’ll be able to graduate with an associate’s degree if you take your core classes here as well.
   • Look for the required physics, math, and chemistry classes for the engineering major. You’ll be able to find the required classes for the engineering major on their website. Talk to the department as well to see what paperwork you need to fill out to declare a pre-engineering focus.
   • Transfer to a school with a full engineering program if necessary. Once you finish these classes, you may want to transfer to a school with a full engineering program if yours does not have one.
2. Choose your major with your career in mind. There are many paths to becoming a biomechanical engineer. You can major in bioengineering, if available, or chemical or mechanical engineering. Talk to an advisor to see which are available at right for you at your college of choice.
   • Major in bioengineering at your college. This major combines biology and engineering the way a biomechanical engineer may in the field. If you know for certain you want to become a biomechanical engineer, this is the major for you.
   • Focus on chemical engineering. Chemical engineers work to solve problems dealing with the production of chemicals. This can be a useful major to prepare you to work in biomechanical engineering or to pursue higher education in the field.
   • Choose a major in mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineers work in a wide variety of fields, but focus mostly on tools, engines, and machines. This major can also prepare you to work in biomechanical engineering, especially if you prefer to focus on using your skills with machines or tools.
3. Take plenty of biology courses as an engineering student. If you want to be a biomechanical engineer, it’s more common to start off with an engineering focus for your undergraduate degree. However, you still need to take plenty of biology courses so you have plenty of biological knowledge that you can apply your engineering background to.
   • Enroll in biology and human biology in college. You want to have a good foundation in biology, so these courses are essential to building up your knowledge base.
   • Take a biology lab course. Biology lab classes are good preparation for a career in biomechanical engineering. If you want to work in a laboratory, biology labs can give you experience with some of the necessary methods and materials for biology labs.
   • Declare a biology minor. Some colleges allow you to declare a biology minor, which can be a good way to take enough biology classes to prepare you for the work force.
   • A biology major alongside an engineering major may be too difficult or too many courses to complete. However, think about being a double major if you think you can handle it.
4. Consider going onto graduate school in engineering. For many biomechanical engineers, graduate school is beneficial to getting a higher paid position in the field, though you may be able to find entry positions with a bachelor’s. Going onto a doctorate can also be useful depending on your career goals.
   • Entry-level positions in engineering require a minimum of a bachelor's degree. If you plan to advance beyond those positions, you’ll need to go to graduate school
   • Advance to a graduate degree program. Students may pursue a Master of Science degree in biomechanical engineering and advance to a doctorate degree program. An advanced degree provides more opportunities for professionals specializing in biomechanical engineering.
   • While a bachelor's degree is adequate for an engineering degree, the medical training required for a career as a biomechanical engineer requires an advanced degree. A master's degree is preferred for most positions and those seeking a career in research should pursue a doctorate.

Finding a Biomechanical Engineering Job

1. Find internships in biomechanical engineering. Work experience is important to gaining a good job in biomechanical engineering. Start looking for internships while you’re still in college.[Image:Become a Biomechanical Engineer Step 2.jpg|center]]
   • Talk to your advisors about potential summer internships. You may be able to work as either a paid or unpaid intern learning more about your future career.
   • Go to career fairs at your college. Some career fairs may focus on engineering, so you can start talking to some companies you’d be interested in working for. Make contacts early so you can talk to them later about potential jobs.
   • Take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination. This exam is offered by the National Society of Professional Engineers and can help you to get a job as an engineering intern before graduating. Passing this exam makes you look more qualified for internships.
2. Search for a position in the biomechanical engineering field. When you are preparing to graduate, it’s important to make use of your professional contacts to find a job in your field. Talk to places where you’ve interned. Even if they do not have a job for you, they may know someone who is hiring.
   • Visit career fairs in the fall before graduating. Many employers will be looking to hire new graduates that are finishing up by the spring.
   • Talk to places where you’ve interned. They may be able to offer you a job. If nothing else, they can give you a good recommendation for places to contact.
   • Ask your advisor. Engineering professors may have projects they know of or are working on themselves.
3. Gain experience in the biomechanical engineering field. Biomechanical engineers can go on to qualify as a Professional Engineer and gain state licensure. However, you need additional work experience in the field to do so.
   • Find an entry level job in engineering. You need to work at these jobs before qualifying to take the Professional Engineer. Most of the time, you need at least four year’s work experience in your field.
   • Take the Professional Engineer exam. The credential enhances job opportunities in the biomechanical engineering field.
   • The PE credential shows potential employers you have the skills and knowledge to work as a biomechanical engineer in a specific state. It can be particularly useful in advancing to different jobs.
   • With a PE credential, you can start a business offering engineering services to the public.
4. Continue your education in engineering while working. If you have a PE license, you may have to take education courses to maintain your state licensure. Regardless, it’s important to stay current on research in your field.
   • Know if you have to take additional courses for the PE license in your state. Most states require engineers to continue their education after achieving the credential.
   • Note the date by which the courses have to be completed. For many states, you’ll have a certain number of years before your PE expires and your courses must be completed.
   • Enjoy the continuing education classes. They help you to keep up-to-date with the advances in the latest technology. Even if you’re not working toward a state licensure, it’s valuable to keep up with advancements in your field.

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