What does it really take to be a biomedical engineer?

On the technical side, being a biomedical engineering takes a passion for biology and mathematics. Depending on the branch of biomedical engineering you're most interested in, the balance between biology and mathematics can change. 

More importantly, I think a passion and dedication for helping improve the world's health is what makes a biomedical engineer. The technical skills can always be taught but that passion is what I find common between biomedical engineers. 

What you should know, is that becoming a biomedical engineer means that you will be wearing many different hats throughout your career. Because a biomedical engineer can become an expert in both biology and mathematics, you will be relied on for your skills in both fields. 

Biomedical engineering applies the knowledge of engineering and biology to solve medical problems. Within biomedical engineering, you can specialize in electrical, mechanical, cell and tissue, or chemical engineering (just a few options). It is a broad major with applications in many areas. 

The important thing to remember is that it's an interdisciplinary major - it combines many different fields of science and engineering and how they interface with each other. If you like thinking about how a whole system or big picture works and like to understand a little bit of everything, then it's a good major for you. Of course, it's also a good idea to specialize in a couple skills and gain expertise once you start studying. 

Every biomedical engineer has one thing in common - a passion to help people around the world live long, healthy lives.

BME is great if you like biology but you also want to apply your knowledge to build or make a product in a hands-on way. That hands-on problem-solving is where engineering will come in. For example, I wanted to help people's health and invent something cool, but I didn't want to be a doctor. As a BME, I help by providing the tools, equipment, and devices that help doctors treat patients.