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How to become a biomedical engineer

Work at the junction of biology, engineering and medicine to improve patients’ lives with equipment and devices.

Pathways to this career

  1. Study a related course. An undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Physics will all set you on the right track.

  2. Seek out work experience opportunities during or after your studies.

  3. Advance your career by studying a postgraduate degree in biomedical engineering.

What does a biomedical engineer do?

Biomedical engineers are STEM professionals who apply their knowledge of biology and technology to design healthcare devices. They innovate, design, and create medical technology breakthroughs that help people around the world live better lives.

Duties and tasks

  • Design prosthetics to replace missing body parts.

  • Improve on surgical devices and systems for safer medical procedures.

  • Create internal implementation devices to support and manage illness.

  • Design diagnostic equipment to help healthcare professionals monitor patients.

  • Produce documentation and training for people to use biomedical equipment and devices.

  • Conduct research, write reports, and publish findings.

Industry bodies

Related jobs and job titles

Discover related science degrees

La Trobe University

Bachelor of Health Sciences

UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DEG

Explore health from many perspectives

The field of health is diverse. This online health course offers broad majors, minors, and work based learning to focus your skills and get real-world experience. From psychological science to public health, the choice is yours.

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Digital Health
  • Environmental Health
  • Health Promotion
  • Health, Wellbeing and Performance
  • Psychological Science
  • Public Health
  • Rehabilitation Counselling
Macquarie University

Diploma of Health Sciences

UndergraduateMAQ-HEA-DIP

Begin your health studies journey

Skill up with professional practices and knowledge for a future in health sciences. Learn about human structure and function. Explore lifestyle and social factors that shape wellbeing. Graduate ready to progress into a degree or start your health career.

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of Notre Dame Australia

Graduate with the opportunity for a pathway to medicine

This postgraduate medical course provides an overview of the human body and how it works. Study core scientific topics including human anatomy and molecular biology. Learn online, work in small groups, and observe and conduct simple experiments.

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
La Trobe University

Diploma in Health Sciences

UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DIP

3, 2, 1… start your career in health sciences

Whether you want to do further study or start work straight away, this diploma is a great entry point. Learn the basics of health sciences, from human structure and function to health data. Earn up to 1 year's course credit for the bachelor's degree.

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Digital health stream
  • Environmental health stream
  • Health promotion stream
  • Health, wellbeing and performance stream
  • Psychological science stream
  • Public health stream
  • Rehabillitation counselling stream
Explore health & medical science courses

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Curtin University

Human Structure and Function

UndergraduateCUR-HUMB1000

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026
Adelaide University

Health and Illness in Populations

UndergraduateADU-PUBH2025

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 5 Jan 2026, 4 May 2026, 24 Aug 2026
Macquarie University

Health Systems

UndergraduateMAQ-MHHX1004

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 14 Dec 2026
Torrens University Australia

Complementary Medicine Foundations

UndergraduateTUA-CMF105A

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 16 Feb 2026, 1 Jun 2026, 14 Sep 2026

Next enrolment closes 8 Feb

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