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If I want to engineer Medical Devices, what should I minor in with my mechanical engineering degree?

I really want to engineer medical devices. I am currently studying Mechanical Engineering but I want to impress employers. What could I minor in to impress them.
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Cheyenne’s Answer

Madeline,


One of the best options would be to finish out your current engineering degree, then go onto a masters program for a core science such as Biology, Chemistry or something of the sort. If you have no intention of continuing your education, then a minor will be incredibly helpful in giving you that edge for the Med Device field.


My recommendation would be to start by deciding what type of medical devices you want to engineer. If you have an an idea already then you are one step ahead. But once you have figured this out, then you can choose the best minor suited to that niche of the Medical Device industry.


For example, if you are interested in genomic Sequencing devices, then a minor in genetics, genetic biology would be best. If you wanted to build MRI machines, then a physics minor would be a better option. Of course, you can never go wrong with one of the following:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Biochem
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Bioengineering (if permitted by your school)

Cheyenne recommends the following next steps:

Decide what type of medical devices you want to engineer.
Figure out what are all the aspects in building such a medical device
From there, extrapolate the best minor. And don't forget there's not wrong with contacting companies and asking them directly what they would like to see.
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Glenn’s Answer

Great question with great answers. I have worked for a few medical device companies with education only in mechanical engineering and experience in design. When I review resumes, having a back ground or education in anything related does improve the candidates chances of getting to the next step. Bio Medical, biology, physiology classes all can help.

I always looked for passion and demonstration of that passion. That goes beyond the classes, but can include projects that work in that field. Most colleges have projects that work to solve medical issues. There are also internships or coop programs, or part time and volunteer work in hospitals.

In the end, what I always look for is understanding the mechanical engineering fundamental, being able to apply them, being able to talk intelligently about your projects and experience, and show your ability to relate your education to the world around you.
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Calvin’s Answer

A classmate of mine who went on to designing medical devices, took a lot of pre-med courses. You will need to know a lot about compatibility of materials with the human body, biological responses to foreign objects in the body, as well as stress levels of the human structure (bones, tendons, ligaments, etc.)
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Gisele’s Answer

Hello there! All of the above are great answers. You can't go wrong with strengthening your knowledge in the basic sciences. One thing I'll add is that there is a large focus on data analytics/bioinformatics. Automating calculations, such as SPC (statistical process controls) and machine learning are big areas of opportunity. If you have a background in these areas, you will be a very strong candidate.
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VARSHA’s Answer

Hi,
If your major is in mechanical engineering, it's well and good, if you specially want to do minor do either with bio designing or bio mechanics or any other minor bio specialization.. but this minor won't be of much help. Your main focus should be excelling in CAD or 3D modeling (Solidwork, NX or autoCAD etc) if possible complete some short term projects for designing and simulation. And focus on finding internship in medical device companies will help. Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn and share your interest.
Also my advice will be to minor in any electronic or bioelectronics subject that will definitely give your resume an edge. Hope this helps.
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Thomas’s Answer

If you can decipher what type of medical devices you want to work with, you should be able to answer this question yourself.
Biomedical Engineering can be split into 3 types; Cell based devices, mechanical based devices and electronic based devices. It mighy be best to give yourself as much variety as possible to help make an informed decision before you specialise in Grad school. The variety will also make you a better engineer and improve your adaptability.
Another way of looking at it is to specialise in one of the three fields and then go on to be a specialist in that area and apply it to Medical Devices. A lot of electrical and mechanical engineers have done this without knowing that they want to work with medical devices.
I hope that gives you a better idea. I wouldn't worry too much about it. If your grades and projects are good enough and your passion is strong enough, anyone will want to invite the best individuals on board their team. Best of luck! medical-devices
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