Medical Device Degree

Find out all you need to know about a medical device degree – the various levels of education available in this sector and career options, here.  

Certificate in Medical Device Technology

This qualification is essentially training in preparing students for jobs in the maintenance of various complicated medical machinery. Students might be required to show good communication skills along with excellent math skills before getting admitted into this certificate program. The courses in this program would cover various aspects of technology maintenance, manufacturing and quality control. Here are some courses you might come across in a Certificate in Medical Devices:

• Medical Device – Industry Overview
• Regulations in Medical Device Technology
• Manufacturing Materials
• Quality Assurance
• Computer-Aided Design Elements in Medical Device Technology

Associate’s Degree in Biomedical Technology

This 2-year undergraduate qualification would expose students to various technological functions in the medical industry. They will be dealing with high-level biomedical devices and equipment and will learn how to sustain, adjust and restore medical equipment. The machinery they will be taught to deal with includes cardiac monitors, imaging equipment, MRI machines, etc. In addition to training regarding medical machinery, this degree would also give students a basic understanding of the following concepts:

• Circuitry
• Algebra
• Integrated Circuit Technology
• Statistics and Numerical Approaches
• Electric Theories

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

This undergraduate level degree is a four year program that involves a lot of lab work along with technical coursework and training workshops. Entry requirements include a high school diploma and a good score in high school courses such as math, physics and chemistry. A degree in biomedical engineering would require students to conduct in-detail research, especially during the junior and senior years. They would have the option of specializing in one of the available program tracks. These could include medical optics, bioelectrical systems and biomechanics along with medical device design, development, testing, manufacturing, evaluating and sales. Programs might also require basic level coursework in physics, chemistry, math and English. Students will be taught engineering theories, methods and concepts and ways to implement them in the medical device field. Internship and co-op opportunities might also be available at certain universities.

The coursework for this degree might include the following:

• Engineering Statistics
• Quality Standards and Assurance
• Material Properties and Selection
• Biomedical Measurements and Instruments
• Regulation of Medical Devices
• Analytical Interpretations
• Computer Programs and Software Design
• Natural Science
• Physical Science Labs
• Calculus
• Chemistry
• Electronics and Circuitry

Master of Science in Medical and Diagnostic Engineering

This graduate level degree exposes students to advance level subjects and opportunities to help familiarize them with various kinds of medical equipment and analytical practices. Students will be taught the foundational principles that guide this field and the protocols related to medical products and diagnostic techniques. Students would be dealing with various aspects of medical product regulation, practices, innovation and product development. To be eligible for this degree, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college along with a good GRE score. Some colleges might also require you to submit recommendation letters and have at least 3 years of professional experience in the field. A certain GPA score in your undergraduate degree would also be a requirement for most universities.

Typical coursework in this degree can include the following:

• Ethics in Biomedical Engineering
• Computer Applications and Systems
• Indicators and Structure Design
• Progressive Areas in Biomedical Technology
• Regulations with Medical Equipment
• Equipment Control and Measurements

Graduate Certificate Programs in Medical Device Technology

This program is designed to meet the requirements of a rapidly evolving medical equipment industry. It supports the unique needs of people currently working in this field. A graduate level certificate program can help professionals in the field update their knowledge regarding changes and developments in the medical device industry. The certificate program can last from 6 months to 12 months and allows students to explore the latest developments in the field. The following persons can benefit from this certificate:

• Professionals going for a new assignment or taking up a new position
• Professionals who want to update their knowledge
• Suppliers of materials to the medical device industry

For entrance into this program, you would need at least a bachelor’s degree and a certain GPA requirement (variable according to university). Professional experience would also be a requirement.

Typical courses in this program would include:

• Medical Device Creation
• Medical Device Industry and its Trends
• Emerging Markets
• Medical Devices in the Commercial Landscape

Careers in the Medical Device Industry

Professionals with a degree in this field can find employment at a variety of levels in a medical organization. Let’s take a look at some of the career options you could have with a medical device degree:

*Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

*Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Other potential career options for professionals with this degree could include an Equipment Maintenance Technician, Medical Device Electrical Technician, Electrical Engineer and Medical Device Engineer.