Biomedical Engineering Is on the Cutting-Edge of Technological Advances

Engineering and scientific disciplines are combined in the field of biomedical equipment to ensure that the healthcare system and our society benefit from a wide range of quality products that improve the way people with injuries or illnesses are cared for. More specifically, biomedical engineering integrates various principles including electronics, micro-controller, computer, chemical, biology, medicine, health and engineering in the design of medical equipment, rehabilitation and health improvement devices. Results of biomedical engineering include: biocompatible prostheses, various diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices — ranging from clinical equipment to common imaging equipment such as MRIs and EEGs — as well as biotechnologies such as regenerative tissue growth. Firms in biomedical engineering must meet the challenge of providing increasingly advanced products. As a result, there is a greater need for qualified professionals.

The biomedical engineering field is divided into these subsections: biomaterials, biomechanics, bionics, clinical engineering, medical engineering, rehabilitation engineering and much more. However, all Biomedical Engineers conduct research, along with chemists and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals. Another important task for biomedical engineering professionals is the design and development of medical diagnostic and clinical instrumentation, equipment and procedures. Evaluating the safety of biomedical equipment, repairing as necessary and advising hospital administrators on the use of the equipment also fall into this professional’s hands.

If this technological field sounds like it may be one in which you will thrive, then Centennial College’s Biomedical Engineering Technology program, which provides an optimum balance between theory and hands-on labs, may be the right undertaking for you. To apply for the Biomedical Engineering Technology program, students should possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required are compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and math 11M or U, or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

The college’s Biomedical Engineering Technology program takes three years/ six semesters to complete and prepares students for a challenging career using the latest technology. A strong lab focus ensures that students encounter real-life experiences that they may face in the field. Specific courses within the program include: Biomedical Engineering (introduces patient equipment and hospital environment, safety standards, and common problems of medical instrumentation); Technical Writing (focuses on written and oral communication in technical environments); Medical Imaging Systems (highlights the different techniques used for the acquisition, processing and storage of medical images for the purpose of diagnostic and treatment of patients with different diseases); and others such as Project Design Applications, Microcontrollers, Computer Integrated Surgery & Telemedicine, Data Communications and Networks, and more.

In addition, students are guided towards future Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) and Certified Biomedical Engineering Technologist (CBET) certifications. The program is also part of an active student chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).