<p>For a long time, I was going to be a premed student, but I've changed my mind since. I just don't think I want to go to do that many years of schooling. But I still want to work in the healthcare field, and I'm thinking of instead doing a graduate program in Biomedical engineering. My passions definitely more in the research and technology aspects of medical science than the actual clinical work. </p>
<p>The engineering school at my university is really difficult to get into, and BME there is even more harder to get in. I'm wondering if a physics major in the natural sciences school is a practical background before doing an MS in BME. The physics page at my university says that physics majors can have careers in the medical field, since a lot of technologies like MRI are based in physics. I don't know if this sincerely meant I would have training in this, or was just listing that as a fun fact. I also plan to take classes like chemistry and biology, in addition to a lot of math classes.</p>
<p>In gneral, top schools going to want you to be an engineering or life science major and have taken orgo.</p>
<p>So should I stick with biochemistry, the major I’m declared as now? I thought physics would be better for potential, future engineering studies. </p>
<p>Also, I think my physics track allows for completing a minor in engineering, so I think I can do a BME minor.</p>
<p>Actually, would it make sense if I did an MS in material science and engineering after a physics bs, and then do a phd in bme?</p>
<p>11thDoctor,
I just joined this site after running a google search on “what is it like to go from physics to bme?” It’s too bad that nobody’s replied since October!</p>
<p>I actually just finished going through the rigmarole of applying to PhD programs in BME, with some success. My undergraduate degree is in physics/math with 3 years of research experience in physical acoustics. I applied to 10 schools - mostly top ten in the field, with a few safe schools. The schools that accepted me were very excited to have me on as a physics major and saw uses for my background. Two of them were top ten (I hate to sound like I’m gloating, but I just want you to know it IS possible!).</p>
<p>The schools that did not want me really let me know. Some of my rejection letters were kind of hostile and wrought of “why would you even apply?!”</p>
<p>So, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re looking at imaging (which it sounds like you are). In that case, make sure you have some sort of good research experience and get intimate with Matlab. If you can get a publication that would be GREAT (I don’t have any).</p>
<p>Generally it’s better to go straight into PhD programs if you’re planning on it because they’re funded. The physics track with a minor in BME is probably ideal for somebody interested in imaging.</p>