Thursday 17 May 2012

Online Biomedical Degrees by Program Level

The most widely available online biomedical degrees are bachelor's and master's degree programs. Bachelor's biomedical degree programs are largely hybrids in which students take instruction both online and on campus.

Online Bachelor's Biomedical Degree Program Overview

Distance learning biomedical bachelor's degree programs usually result in the student being awarded a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering Technology. This is a clinically-based program designed to train students to manufacture, repair and maintain biomedical equipment. Other online biomedical bachelor's degree programs result in the student being awarded a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science. This type of program prepares students to pursue graduate degrees in medicine. Students should look carefully at programs they are considering to determine which will best meet their needs.

Online Bachelor's Degree Biomedical Program Information

Online biomedical bachelor's degree programs use virtual classrooms, such as Blackboard or Oncourse. While many biomedical courses are available online, other courses are not conducive to distance learning. Therefore, most online bachelor's degree biomedical programs are hybrids which require students to attend some courses on campus or at an alternate location. These programs generally take from two to four years to complete depending on how much time the student has to devote to the program and whether or not general education requirements have been previously met.
In order to participate in online learning, students must have an e-mail account, high-speed Internet connectivity and current computer hardware and software. Specific software may be required to participate in video conferencing or to complete required assignments.

List of Common Biomedical Undergraduate Courses

Distance learning undergraduate biomedical courses are mathematics and technology intensive.

Bioengineering Course

This online biomedical course explores the functions of pacemakers, electrocardiogram machines, defibrillators and ultrasonic equipment.

Biomedical Sciences Course

Students enrolled in distance learning biomedical sciences courses examine bioethics and research methods.

Biomedical Instruments Course

This online course introduces students to medical diagnostic instruments and their potential hazards.

Career Information for Biomedical Bachelor's Degree Graduates

Upon successfully completing an online bachelor's degree biomedical program, students may wish to enter the workforce as biomedical engineers. Biomedical engineers make medical equipment, such as monitoring devices, prostheses, diagnostic equipment and artificial organs. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth for biomedical engineers is expected to increase by 72 percent by 2018 (www.bls.gov). The BLS reported a median annual salary of $78,860 for 2009 in a report dated May 14, 2010.

Online Master's Biomedical Degree Program Overview

Distance learning options for biomedical master's degree programs include a Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering, a Master of Science in Engineering with a biomedical concentration and a master's degree in biomedical informatics. Prior to enrolling in any of these online biomedical master's degree programs, students must have a bachelor's degree in a related field. Unlike the bachelor's degree programs, many master's degree biomedical programs may be completed online with no mandatory on-site instruction. In order to graduate from a distance learning master's degree biomedical program, students must typically complete at least 30 credit hours. Curricula emphasize mathematical, statistical and technical areas of study.

Online Master's Degree Biomedical Program Requirements

Students who have already earned general education and core biomedical course credits in a bachelor's degree program will find an online biomedical master's degree curriculum affords them more freedom. Class work is done online through Internet classrooms, and students and faculty interact through website discussion forums, e-mail and chat rooms. Additional instruction may be provided through audio or streaming video files. Exams may be administered through e-mail, or oral exams may be given during a videoconference call. Students enrolled in thesis programs may be expected to present the thesis by videoconference.
Schools offering online biomedical master's degree programs recommend students have a printer, high-speed Internet access (DSL or better is preferred) and at least 50 MB of free hard drive space. In addition, students are advised to have or to acquire prior to enrollment an e-mail account, a pdf reader and a current web browser. Specific software, such as Microsoft Office may also be needed to properly access and complete particular courses.

List of Common Biomedical Graduate Degree Courses

Students enrolled in a distance learning biomedical master's degree program focus on advanced biomedical engineering and biomaterials.

Kinematics Course

Distance learning kinematics courses examine human motion, joints, muscle force and exertion.

Orthopedic Biomechanics Course

Students enrolled in an online orthopedic biomechanics course apply engineering technology to the structure of the musculoskeletal system.

Mechanical Materials Course

This online biomedical course introduces students to materials used in biomedical equipment and teaches them about preventing material corrosion, fracture or fatigue.

Career Information for Biomedical Master's Degree Program Graduates

Students who have earned a biomedical master's degree in an online program may either enter the field of government or academic biomedical research, or they may choose to enter the biomedical engineering field. Some biomedical graduate degree holders work in specialized biomedical areas, such as biomechanics, rehabilitation engineering or medical imaging. As stated above, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts excellent job opportunities for biomedical engineers until at least 2018 (www.bls.gov). The BLS attributes this employment growth to an aging population and a demand for more sophisticated, cost-effective medical equipment.

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