Transitioning to Master's in Biomedical Engineering from a Physiotherapy Background: A Path to PhD

Introduction

Planning to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and currently working towards it after an undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy? This article provides guidance on the necessary steps to take a master's program in Biomedical Engineering that will prepare you well for your PhD journey. It covers common requirements, courses, and experiences shared by students who have successfully made this transition.

Real-World Experience

I had this unique experience of transitioning from a physiotherapy background to a master's in biomedical engineering, securing a PhD scholarship in the process. Here's a brief synopsis of my journey:

Obtained my Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree. After completing many courses, I enrolled in an MSc in Biomedical Engineering. Within 1.5 years, I secured a PhD scholarship in the field of biomedical engineering, specifically in biorobotics at the National University of Singapore (NUS). It's truly challenging to pursue a PhD without some engineering background, as understanding an engineer's thought process is crucial.

This journey has made it clear that having an engineering background, even if acquired after completing an undergraduate degree in physiotherapy, can significantly simplify the process of securing a PhD position.

Requirements for Pursuing an MSc in Biomedical Engineering

Different schools have varying requirements, but my personal experience emphasizes the necessity of obtaining a four-year undergraduate degree in engineering. This can be majoring in any one of the areas such as chemical, biological, electrical engineering, or any other field that offers a solid foundation in math, science, and physics with practical engineering applications.

Most health disciplines, including physiotherapy, do not provide the necessary engineering coursework to adequately prepare students for biomedical engineering at the master's level. Hence, it is often mandatory to retake an engineering degree from scratch to fulfill these prerequisites.

Time Commitment and Coursework

To even be accepted into a reputable master's program in engineering, you may need to spend at least one year or more taking engineering courses. This is essential as the curriculum would cover critical concepts in engineering that are essential for advanced studies in biomedical engineering.

Bearing in mind the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from non-engineering backgrounds, it is crucial to commit to continuous learning. Even seemingly simple concepts in engineering can be challenging to grasp without a foundation in the subject matter. However, the payoff in terms of a successful PhD can be very rewarding.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Transitioning from a physiotherapy background to a master's in biomedical engineering is not impossible, but it requires significant effort and dedication. Students who aspire to pursue a PhD in this field should seriously consider enrolling in an appropriate master's program and taking the necessary engineering courses. The journey may be challenging, but the benefits of a solid foundation in biomedical engineering cannot be overstated.

Remember, the key is to start with a strong foundation in engineering principles, which will equip you with the necessary skills to pursue your PhD in biomedical engineering successfully.