Program Overview
“Biomedical engineering applies science and engineering to healthcare and medical device industries. Our grads maintain specialized medical equipment that is used to support patient care or help develop new medical devices and products.”
“The program graduates biomedical engineering technologists with the ability to participate in the application and development of technology in healthcare, with emphasis on performance assurance, troubleshooting, and problem solving. The curriculum provides practical hands-on understanding in the fundamental principles, operations, and design of medical diagnostic and therapeutic devices and systems (examples: patient monitoring network, cardiac defibrillators, clinical laboratory analyzers, and medical imaging systems).” BCIT - Education for a Complex World
Key Program Features
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Unique program: This is the only program in BC (and one of very few in Canada) specifically targeting both hospital and medical device industries in a biomedical engineering technologist role.
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The curriculum is balanced between engineering / technical foundations and health / biomedical content (devices, medical systems, instrumentation) BCIT - Education for a Complex World
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Emphasis on hands-on training, lab work, workshops, and a practicum ensures graduates are job-ready from day one.
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Strong alignment with professional associations (CMBES, ASTTBC) giving credibility and networking opportunities.
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Opportunities to “ladder” into further education:
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BCIT’s Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management or electronics fields.
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BCIT BEng (Electrical) program: diploma graduates may gain advanced placement or credit toward it.
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Graduate programs (MEng, MASc) in biomedical engineering at institutions like UBC for those holding a relevant degree or bridging coursework
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Career Opportunities
Graduates from this program typically enter roles such as:
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Biomedical Engineering Technologist / Technologist in Hospitals (maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot medical equipment).
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Field Service / Medical Device Technician / Support (working with medical device companies).
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Research and Development / Design Support Roles (assist in prototyping, device design).
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Healthcare Technology Management / Operations (ensure medical devices and networks function within a hospital setting)
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Sales / Technical Support for Medical Devices & Equipment (bridging technical and customer service roles) BCIT - Education for a Complex World
Salaries for entry-level roles in public sector hospitals are cited at ~ CAD 74,000 in some sources, though this can vary by region, employer, seniority.
Program Curriculum
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The program is accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada (at the technologist level) BCIT - Education for a Complex World
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It combines lectures, labs, research, design projects, hands-on workshops to deliver core technical education in biomedical engineering technologies. BCIT - Education for a Complex World
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Includes a 5-week practicum / field placement to give students real-world experience in a healthcare or medical device environment BCIT - Education for a Complex World
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Students also participate in field trips, and capstone / applied projects to reinforce design and problem-solving skills. BCIT - Education for a Complex World+2BCIT - Education for a Complex World+2
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Hands-on labs and equipment exposure are core to the learning experience (students get access to biomedical technology labs) BCIT - Education for a Complex World+2BCIT - Education for a Complex World+2
Admission Requirements
To be eligible:
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High school diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent, with the following prerequisites:
• English Studies 12 (or equivalent) BCIT - Education for a Complex World
• Mathematics: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) or post-secondary mathematics (e.g. linear algebra / calculus) with a minimum grade (around 67 %) BCIT - Education for a Complex World
• Chemistry: Chemistry 11 or 12 or equivalent, with minimum grade (around 67 %) BCIT - Education for a Complex World
• Physics: Physics 12 or equivalent or post-secondary physics (67 %) BCIT - Education for a Complex World -
Completion and submission of:
• A Physical Requirements Form (to confirm ability to perform required lab / technical tasks) BCIT - Education for a Complex World
• A Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire (for readiness assessment) BCIT - Education for a Complex World -
Selected / conditionally admitted applicants must also complete:
• Criminal record check (for placement eligibility) BCIT - Education for a Complex World
• Immunization review (for clinical / healthcare settings) BCIT - Education for a Complex World
• Participate in a Mandatory BMET Program Admission Forum before term start (to meet faculty, see labs, etc.) BCIT - Education for a Complex World
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
CAD 25,128
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For international students, first-year tuition is listed around CAD 25,128 (per ApplyBoard) ApplyBoard
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Domestic tuition is lower, calculated via BCIT’s tuition schedules and estimators (depending on years, program load, etc.) BCIT - Education for a Complex World+2BCIT - Education for a Complex World+2
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Additional costs may include student fees, lab supplies, tools, equipment, health/insurance, etc. (not fully detailed in the BCIT page) ApplyBoard
Financial Aid & Scholarships
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BCIT offers a Student Financial Aid & Awards office for scholarships, bursaries, and awards (for eligible students)
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Some scholarships or awards may be specific to health sciences or engineering technology students
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International student awards / scholarships may also apply (depending on BCIT and external funding)
About British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Vancouver, Canada
The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is a public polytechnic institution located in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, renowned for its hands-on, applied education and close...
University Profile- Application Deadline July 2nd
- Start Date September
- Language English
- Duration 2 years