Biomedical Engineering

By Emmanuel Akwasi Mensah

What is biomedical engineering?

Biomedical engineering is the application of knowledge in physics and engineering principles to solve problems in biology and medicine, with the overall goal of improving healthcare delivery.

As a biomedical engineering student with an interest in medical imaging, what specific areas of the field are you involved in?

I am interested in visualizing body parts for diagnostic purposes. In biomedical engineering, there are various thematic areas, including biomechanics, rehabilitation engineering, and medical imaging. Medical imaging uses radiation to visualize body parts for diagnosis.

Why did you decide to go into biomedical engineering?

I am interested in improving healthcare delivery, and I enjoy physics, mathematics, and things related to engineering, which is why I decided to pursue biomedical engineering. In SHS, I was interested in radiography and imaging sciences, and biomedical engineering offered an opportunity to enter that field since medical imaging is an aspect of biomedical engineering. Additionally, I have been introduced to many engineering principles and mathematical concepts that will enable me to pursue medical imaging.

What are some of the interests you had back in Senior High School (SHS) and Junior High School (JHS) that you feel has helped you in your career path?

In my case, I had a strong interest in reading. During my high school years, my academic interests lay in physics and mathematics. Beyond academics, I enjoyed engaging in informal debates with friends, discussing topics like politics, football, and general knowledge. These interests shaped my thinking and helped me learn from others during that time.

How do I become a biomedical engineer?

To become a biomedical engineer, you need a strong interest in science. If you're in high school (SHS) or junior high school (JHS), it's essential to develop a love for science. In SHS, focus on your science courses, particularly physics, chemistry, elective math, and biology. You need to perform well in these subjects because biomedical engineering is a highly competitive field in Ghana, requiring at least a grade of 10 or better. A strong foundation in math, physics, and biology is essential to pursue biomedical engineering.

Did you face any challenges in the university and how were you able to overcome them?

Yes, when I started the biomedical engineering course, I was introduced to various fields within the discipline and developed a strong interest in multiple areas. To specialize in a specific field, I consulted with my lecturers and attended seminars, which helped me settle on medical engineering. In the beginning, it can be challenging to decide which field to pursue, but by consulting with lecturers and doing research, you can make an informed decision and specialize in an area that aligns with your career goals.

If you could go back to JHS or SHS, is there anything you would do differently?

Not really. During my SHS days, we had alumni come and talk to us about career options. I gained valuable insights from them, which helped me choose my university course. I had the opportunity to gather information from alumni, and if I could go back, I wouldn't change my career path. However, I would focus more on learning and building my knowledge in the sciences, particularly in physics and chemistry.

How easy is it to get employment as a biomedical engineering?

Currently, biomedical engineering is not well-established in Ghana, making employment after graduation a bit challenging. However, there are companies that hire students, particularly in clinical engineering (also known as hospital engineering). Additionally, there are opportunities in academia, where you can pursue higher education and become an expert in a specific field. While job openings may be limited and competition is high, with hard work, determination, and a clear personal interest, you can create your own opportunities and carve out a space for yourself. Standing out in the job market requires building a strong skill set that meets current demands. I would advise students to acquire in-demand skills through personal projects, online courses, or other means to increase their chances of securing a job and becoming more attractive to potential employers.

Is biomedical engineering financially lucrative?

If you secure full-time employment as a biomedical engineer in Ghana, the pay is decent. You can expect to earn around four thousand to five thousand Ghana cedis, which is the average salary for a degree holder in the Ghanaian market.

What makes biomedical engineering different from other programs?

Biomedical engineering is a demanding field because it is interdisciplinary, combining knowledge from electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering. This means you will be busy throughout your program, and it is essential to dedicate time to your studies. Like any other engineering program, success requires commitment and a willingness to learn. The demanding nature of the program is what sets it apart, as it requires significant time and effort to master the diverse range of subjects.

What are some of the career paths available for biomedical engineering graduates?

After graduation, most biomedical engineering degree holders enter the industry, where they work in clinical engineering. They go to hospitals, troubleshoot equipment issues, and design new systems to enhance functionality. Many graduates also pursue further education and specialize in specific fields of biomedical engineering. Some join security forces because they have degrees and knowledge in report writing, while others go to medical school. Because of their background in the human body and engineering principles, they transition well into medical studies. These are the career options that come to mind for biomedical engineering graduates.

A personal message

I believe biomedical engineering is very promising, and it is key to making healthcare delivery in Ghana vibrant. I would encourage SHS students and other individuals to consider this course. By doing so, they will gain valuable knowledge in the field and have the opportunity to design systems that will help improve healthcare delivery.