Yelsikneb

Hi everyone. Seeing as I'm on track to graduate with a BS in electrical engineering in three semesters, I've decided to do some serious thinking about what I want to do. I originally thought I'd like to do something with computers (I really enjoy programming a LOT and have a minor in computer science), but from my professors, it seems like the EE/computer path leads to working mainly with processors/chips for PCs, while I'd like to apply my programming and computer knowledge to a discipline I have a passion for, so maybe some kind of embedded systems.

I'm really interested in nutrition and keeping in shape. I enjoy reading about it and learning what I can about it. I think working with any kind of medical device that can help keep people healthy would be a great job that I would actually have a passion for. Wireless health care also seems like a really, really cool field. So I've been thinking that BioE for grad school would be a good option.

If this is the path I take, what should I do at this point? I haven't taken any bio classes (aside from the AP Bio credit I got) and don't have enough room to minor in BioE unless I stay another semester. For the summer, should I try to find research in a related field? Or do I need to get class experience before I try that? I tried doing the whole EE industry thing this past summer in an internship, and it wasn't something I can see myself doing. I really want to do research this summer.

NeoDymium

Find the standard BioE MS requirements and take the classes needed (2-3 classes most likely). Going to grad school is definitely the best option for working on medical devices.

Yelsikneb

So by "the classes needed," would this be the basic bio classes? I have AP credit for Bio 1 and Bio 1 lab, so I can go on to Bio 2. And I bet I should take Bio 2 lab if I'm thinking of doing research with Bio stuff.

Or should I take some of the classes in my university's BioE department that relate to medical device design? Those classes include some business classes and mechanical engineering classes for product design/implementation, imaging classes, a biosensors class, a computer applications for bioengineering class, and many more.

NeoDymium

Look up a few BioE MS programs and what classes they require as prereqs. It's usually pretty lenient on requirements, but you have to know what they are instead of guessing.
Academics - Master - Admission Requirements - Department of Biomedical Engineering - CCNY - CUNY
Here's one list I quickly Googled. Don't take it as a rule, but a guideline. A statics, materials, thermo, fluids, and a few bio courses are all helpful. If you can't get all of them, you can certainly learn some of it on your own and some of it before admission. Keep in mind you won't be working with everything but with just a certain part.
If your EE program focuses on mechanics, you should be fine. If not, you will have some work to do, but it's still doable.