Taking the next giant leap with a PMP degree

The Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering offers a Professional Master's Program for students seeking careers in the healthcare or biomedical industries. The program for the Master's Degree in Biomedical Engineering emphasizes biomedical device development but can be tailored to support various career interests. This Professional Master's Program (PMP) equips students with knowledge in biomedical design and development, enhances decision-making and ethical engineering practices and boosts communication and leadership abilities, alongside a practical understanding of the healthcare industry's regulatory processes.

Dawei Guan, a student in the program, explained that this program stood out amongst the other universities offering similar programs.

“One of the unique aspects of Purdue's Biomedical Engineering program is its strong interdisciplinary focus. The program actively bridges engineering and medicine and life sciences, integrating knowledge from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, biology, life and human science and medical sciences,” explained Guan. “This approach facilitates a rich learning environment where students can work on complex problems that require expertise across different elds, encouraging innovation at the intersection of these disciplines.”

Jagroop Singh, another student in the program, mentioned that he chose the Weldon School’s Professional Master’s Program to continue and enhance his education in biomedical engineering.

“My motivation for pursuing a master's degree in biomedical engineering was that I wanted to enhance and supplement my undergraduate learning,” Singh said. “I have a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering. I see the value of the advanced degree in addressing current challenges or opportunities in the field as providing the framework and awareness, giving tools and templates to use once in industry.”

The Weldon School along with Purdue’s College of Engineering provide its students with ample support and resources to succeed in its Professional Master’s Program. Some of the resources include the Center for Career Opportunities, career fairs, the Office of Professional Practice and a career advisor within the Weldon School.

According to Oishee Prodhan, another student pursuing the degree, she said she has access to a variety of support and resources needed to attain her degree, but the key resources are the graduate program office and the program’s faculty.

“They provide tailored guidance on course selections and career planning, ensuring that my educational journey aligns with my professional goals,” Prodhan explained. “Their expertise in the field is invaluable for navigating complex concepts and integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application.”

In addition to vast support and resources, Purdue offers a positive lifestyle and community atmosphere for students living on the campus.

“As someone who did both an undergraduate and graduate degree at Purdue, I really appreciated the strong communities I was able to find and build. I found that Purdue gave me a sense of belonging while also providing outlets for me to be pushed and grow personally and professionally,” said Lexi Gies, a student in the PMP program. “Having friends both inside and outside of my major gave me a great balance of having support in my academics but also being able to pursue my personal interests and invest in others.”

Although this program requires a financial investment, Prodhan mentioned the program’s attributes outweigh the cost.

“The program equips students with specialized skills and knowledge that are highly sought after in the booming biomedical engineering industry,” Prodhan explained. “Graduates often find opportunities in high-paying roles across various sectors, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals and healthcare systems, which can provide a strong return on investment.”

Sage Turner is a Navy veteran and another student pursuing the Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. He also has a mechanical engineering background, and he said he would recommend this program to others considering a similar path.

“The Weldon School’s Master’s program is excellent for getting students up to speed on the terminology, concepts and holistic design considerations that go into working within a team within a larger group of teams to develop a device,” said Turner. “It is also a great way to learn about the various career opportunities that exist under the biomedical engineering umbrella beyond some of the big hitters: R&D, Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Affairs.”

Source: Professional Master's Degree in Biomedical Device Development