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Engineering vs Medical – Which One to Choose?

• Updated on  
• Dec 21, 2022

Speaking of career plans after 12 , the majority of students plan for either Engineering degrees or a medical professional . While it is essential that students follow their interests, talent, and passion; a few of them are stuck in a quandary between the two choices. The Engineering vs Medical debate occurs very often among students as both are the most sought-after degrees in India which are often followed by a good pay scale. Both programs have an equal amount of study time, strenuous schedules, etc. In this blog, let’s compare the two widely preferred degrees by elaborating on the core points of Engineering vs Medical.

This Blog Includes:

Engineering vs medical: important highlights, skills require, engineering vs medical: scope, engineering vs medical: student life, important points to remember before choosing engineering or medical.

Must Read: Master of Engineering vs Master of Science

To choose a particular course among the two, it is important to have a skill set for either of the courses. Many skills overlap between the two courses. The following are the necessary skills required for Engineering:

• Technical skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to Work Under Pressure
• Innovative Skills
• Communication skills
• Teamworking skills

Listed below are the requisite skills for a student who wishes to pursue medical:

• Emotional Intelligence
• Decision Making
• Communication 
• Professionalism

Must Read: Courses in Biology after 12th Except MBBS

Both professions are equally lucrative and have a global demand. With many industries expanding owing to globalization, engineers are required in almost every work field. The job positions have also increased with students exploring various streams in engineering. Students can also use their skills for managerial and executive roles.

Without a doubt, the medical field is vast and will never go out of job. It has a slightly higher scope than engineers because of its professional certainty and demand across the world. There are increasing medical risk factors and diseases that also have led to a higher need for medical professionals. 

Among the perks incurred in both professions after studies, students also face a few challenges. Here are the major hurdles faced by engineering students:

• Lack of Job opportunities
• Maximum industries in the countryside.
• Recession periods cause loss of Projects leading to unemployment
• High Competition

These are some of the major challenges faced by Medical students:

• Work Overload
• Excess energy 
• Lack of Time

The student life of both the courses includes longer working hours at college, and spending a lot of time trying to understand each concept; since it is difficult to score well for each subject. While medical students are surrounded by bodies trying to understand anatomy, engineering students are working with mechanics and experimenting with things. 

Did you know? If you are inclined to both domains, there is a perfect option for you called Medical Engineering that incorporates the crux of medicine along with engineering and research.

Even though the Engineering vs Medical debate is ongoing between people, it is important that students understand the complexity of each course and choose wisely. Entering either of the fields is an investment of a lifetime that requires a determined decision. There are certain questions one needs to ask themselves before opting for an Engineering or Medical course.

Knowing where your aptitude lies is essential because it helps you gain expertise in a domain you’re good at. Students with higher aptitudes in numerals, physics, or experiments, can opt for engineering. On the other hand, students with a higher aptitude in anatomy, life sciences, human studies, etc. can opt for a medical professional. 

Another important aspect to keep in mind is, what kind of working environment would you prefer. As it goes without saying, medical students deal with many corpses and diseases. On the other hand, engineering students work with mechanical equipment and work towards creating something new.

Must Read: Study Abroad After 12th Commerce

Hope this blog helped you understand the major points to fix your dilemma between Engineering vs Medical. If you are confused about your career or study plans, approach our experts at Leverage Edu to gain an insight into the complexities of each field and pick the best option tailored according to your interests. 

Team Leverage Edu

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The info and the table bifrcation was very good

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If we medical as our future and the neet exam if we didn’t get a nice seat what will the alternative at that time

Thanks .was a bit helpful

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Medical School Expert

Should You Study Medicine Or Engineering? (The Real Facts)

Every article is fact-checked by a medical professional. However, inaccuracies may still persist.

As a doctor whose brother is studying engineering, I feel well placed to be able to help you out!

By the end of this article, you’ll hopefully have got to the bottom of whether you should study medicine or engineering…

You should study medicine if you want to improve the lives of others through the use of your specialist medical knowledge. You should study engineering if you enjoy practical applications of mathematics and physics and are intrigued by solving complex puzzles.

Unfortunately with these things, there’s never going to be one easy answer that applies to everyone.

However, in this guide I’ve explored a number of different domains that should hopefully help you land on the career for you.

I’ve summed them up in the table below:

INCLUDED IN THIS GUIDE:

Medicine Vs Engineering

If I hadn’t studied medicine at university, I honestly think I’d have studied engineering. ( Or dentistry. )

So I’ve certainly compared the two subjects in the past!

Let’s start with medicine as I am a doctor after all. Here’s why I’d recommend medicine to anyone who’s trying to decide on a job:

• You can essentially mould a career in medicine to suit you. There are hundreds of different subspecialties and job roles, each with their own nuances, interests and perks
• No two days working in medicine are the same. You never know what your next patient is going to bring you as they walk through the door
• You’re gifted with a uniquely privileged insight into people’s lives and are able to give help to those who need it most

And here’s what my engineering friends love about their jobs and what attracted me to the profession when I was still at school:

• It’s incredibly satisfying when you’re able to use your technical knowledge to crack a complex problem you’ve been challenged with
• In many cases, you’ll be helping create a tangible piece of equipment that you can then see working as intended once you’ve finished
• You can use innovation to make things better in ways that have never been done before- such as inventing new technology for space exploration

They really are two fantastic subjects so I don’t think you’ll be disappointed by whichever you choose.

The difficulty is they’re so wildly different. It’s almost like comparing apples and pears- it’s not like my passion for helping people through medicine takes away from the satisfaction I get when I’ve solved a problem.

Through the rest of this article, I’ve broken down some more specific areas that you might want to consider before putting in your UCAS application.

Is Medicine Or Engineering Harder?

Considering you may be doing something for your entire professional career, a key question you might want the answer to is whether medicine or engineering is harder?

Medicine is often seen as a harder career compared to engineering. In medicine, doctors work long hours and frequently have to work overtime if patients become unwell. Although in engineering the actual work can be more difficult, engineers have shorter training pathways and the work is less emotionally taxing.

I don’t think anyone would say either profession is ‘easy.’

However, it is true that medicine is traditionally seen as a more demanding path. Which, aside from stroking your ego for taking the more challenging route, absolutely isn’t a good thing.

There are a few reasons why people can find medicine quite difficult to work in:

• There can be an expectation on junior doctors to work longer hours than they’re contracted for without additional pay
• If you make a mistake in medicine you’re often directly impacting patient’s lives for the worse
• It takes a very long time to complete your training as a doctor after graduating from medical school

But that’s not to say engineering doesn’t have its own challenges:

• Your work may be focused around a tiny part of a bigger picture that you never get to appreciate e.g. just working on the mechanics of one valve in a jet engine but never getting to delve into the workings of the engine as a whole
• Engineering can be quite isolating if you’re only working in a small team and potentially remotely
• Some work can become quite repetitive if you’re only working in one discrete field again and again

As a doctor, I can be the first to admit that the actual elements of a day’s work aren’t always that difficult on their own. For example, there’s nothing amazingly challenging about taking blood from a patient, examining an abdomen or prescribing some pain relief.

An engineer on the other hand may have to solve an intricate mathematical equation in order to improve the function of their computer algorithm in a day’s work.

However, the challenge in medicine is often having to do hundreds of these small tasks, with not enough time, without any mistakes. Coupled with a background fear of litigation if you do get something wrong…

Do Doctors Or Engineers Earn More Money?

Everyone’s dream job is one that they really enjoy but also pays well.

Now neither doctors nor engineers are paid poorly, but which one earns more money?

An average doctor will earn more than an average engineer. The average salary for a doctor in the UK is £76,300 compared to £48,000 for engineering. However, it can be argued that often a top engineer will earn more than a top doctor working in the NHS.

You won’t find many doctors that will tell you they’re just in it for the money. It has to be said there are easier ways of getting paid than working in the NHS!

However, the consultant pay for a doctor is certainly an incentive to get through those long years of medical training when you’re really not feeling it.

In the NHS, the pay banding for consultants tops out at about £114,000- which is definitely nothing to sniff at!

An engineer on the other hand, if career-minded and willing to put in the work, could become the vice-president or even president of engineering for a company.

These top positions typically pay anywhere from £130,000 to £180,000 per year! ( Source. )

When it comes to comparing salaries, it does always get a bit murky though as there really isn’t such a thing as the ‘typical’ engineer job or a ‘typical’ doctor job. (I do my best to put figures on how much doctors earn in this article here. )

Consultant doctors can supplement their NHS pay with private work, engineers can start their own engineering firms and both doctors and engineers can leave their traditional fields and work in something completely different!

What you really want to avoid though is just doing a job for the money. Although you may think now that you’d be able to put up with anything if you were earning over a hundred thousand pounds a year, you’ll likely very quickly find that isn’t the case.

Choose either medicine or engineering because that’s where your interests lie, not because you think you’ll be able to get a bigger paycheck in ten years’ time.

Are Doctors Or Engineers Happier?

Rather than money, what I’d argue is a far more relevant question is whether doctors or engineers are happier. Who enjoys their job more and who has a better quality of life?

Engineers are generally happier than doctors. Approximately 56% of doctors report high levels of enjoyment in their jobs after 5 years of work compared to nearly 90% of engineers. This may be explained by the fact that doctors can struggle to maintain a good work-life balance while working in medicine.

I think this is the point that you potentially want to put the most weight on. After all, everyone wants to be happy in life right?

Although it’s got to be said, it’s not as simple as saying if you study engineering you’ll be happy.

I have a friend who went to study engineering at Nottingham, but ended up dropping out halfway through second year because they discovered they just really didn’t enjoy the subject matter at all!

It is a tough choice to make when you’re still at school as you don’t have any ‘medicine’ or ‘engineering’ lessons that you can use to see which you like better.

This is where work experience can really come in handy in helping you figure out which you should go for. By actually shadowing a doctor or shadowing an engineer you can get a pretty good feel for whether you think you’d enjoy their job.

One of my other friends at school was considering studying medicine but after some work experience in the local accident and emergency department, he decided he really didn’t like people that much! (He actually went on to study maths at Cambridge and now only has to deal with his colleagues at work rather than the general public… )

On the whole, from the statistics, we can say engineers are on average happier than doctors. Just don’t get that confused with the idea that you’ll definitely be better off with one rather than the other.

I personally find my job incredibly rewarding when I’m able to make a positive impact on someone who’s suffering. Something that I really don’t think I’d be able to do in quite the same way in any other job.

Is It Harder To Become A Doctor Or An Engineer?

So, before deciding that you’re going to become a doctor or engineer, it’s important to think about what sort of training you’d have to do.

Is it harder to become a doctor or an engineer?

It’s generally considered harder to become a doctor than an engineer. That’s because it’s more competitive to get a place to study medicine compared to engineering as well as it being a more challenging subject to study- medical school covers huge amounts of information at an incredibly fast pace.

Having actually done medical school, I can confirm that it’s tough.

(You can actually find exactly how hard I found medical school here.)

Now admittedly, I haven’t actually studied engineering at university, but I do have a few friends that have.

From speaking to them and a general knowledge of the subject, I’d say you’ll actually have to learn harder concepts when studying engineering.

There are very few things in medical school that you just won’t be able to get your head around. If you’ve done A-level biology and chemistry, the majority of it will actually ‘make sense.’

One of the things that make medical school such a challenge to complete then is just the rate at which you’re taught these things.

‘ Drinking from the firehose’ is an apt expression I think.

In an engineering degree, I’d argue a lot of the concepts you’ll be taught can be a lot more inherently confusing. Unfortunately, nowadays I wouldn’t be able to integrate a function or work out the vector on a moving body to save my life.

But the work rate can be considerably slower than in a medical degree. You probably won’t find yourself up late trying the memorise all the bones in the hand on an engineering course…

As I mentioned earlier, another thing that makes becoming a doctor more difficult than becoming an engineer is simply the act of being accepted to study the subject!

Medical schools in the UK have an application ratio of about 3:1, with only about 50% of applicants being invited to interview.

Engineering courses often don’t even interview candidates!

A great website for delving into the numbers for acceptance rates is admissionreport.com . Although I can’t find a figure for ‘engineering’ as a whole, we can see civil engineering at Nottingham University has an 86% acceptance rate as an example.

It’s 65% for civil engineering at Edinburgh and 78% for their chemical engineering program. So sadly no ‘overall’ number as we have for medicine, but the ballpark figures do seem to suggest it’s far easier to get an offer for engineering than it is for medicine.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, if you study either medicine or engineering I think you’ll have a fantastic time at university and a fantastic career.

And there definitely can be some overlap between the two.

You could take your engineering degree and develop prosthetics that give real-time sensation feedback to users or use your medical degree as a starting point for working with drug companies to develop new medications for diseases previously thought incurable.

The world really is your oyster- it’s an incredibly exciting place to be to have this decision in front of you.

As a final point to note, if you want my entirely unbiased opinion that has nothing to do with me being a doctor, then I’d say you should study medicine.

Do Doctors Have Time: For Family? For Hobbies? For A Social Life?

Should You Study Medicine Or Dentistry? (The Real Answer)

Convert your interviews into offers

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Engineering vs Medical: Which is better?

Medical vs Engineering - Which one to choose? - Choosing a career path after completing school in Science stream is the most mind boggling decision one has to take. With Engineering and Medical being the two most sought after careers in India, it becomes difficult settling for one without proper information. With an array of new careers emerging out from engineering and medical stream, the confusion further rises. Students often wonder, 'which is better Engineering or medical field?'. This article will help the students in making an informed choice between a career in engineering or medical by understanding the aptitude required, academic career trajectory of both and job prospects. Read the complete article to gain clarity on medical vs engineering which is better?

Engineering vs Medical

Given below are the traits/skills students must possess in order to be able to select whether to go for Engineering or Medical.

Why Engineering?

If you’re a problem solver and love to come out with a unique solution, love to apply scientific theory while providing solutions to people and have a curious/creative mind, then career as an engineer is just right for you. But beware, completing B.Tech or any other engineering programme does not bring an end to learning. Engineers must learn continuously and come up with new and innovative solutions to existing problems.

Why Medical?

If spending all day deep in the world of science and getting to help people along the way sounds like the perfect career for you, majoring in medicine may be the right fit. One must have patience and problem-solving skills. Those who choose the medical field must also possess the ability to work well under pressure. Since, one is responsible for the good health and life here, those with a laid-back attitude and procrastination approach must not choose this field.

Academic Path in Engineering

To make a career as an engineer, one must opt for science stream (PCM) at +2 level in school and then appear for various engineering entrance exams like JEE Main , JEE Advanced , GATE , BITSAT , VITEEE etc. After clearing the written exam, candidates will be required to appear for counselling. Upon clearing the 4-year duration programmes- B.Tech/B.E programme, candidates can go for higher studies if they are interested to pursue Masters degree in this field. One has the option to purse M.Tech after B.Tech. Master of Technology (M.Tech) is the advancement in this field through which one is specialized in a particular area. Some candidates also choose MBA after B.Tech. One can also opt teaching field and become a professor after M.Tech.

Academic Path in Medical Field

To make a career in the medical field, one must choose Science stream in class 11 th and 12 th (PCB). After school, one can appear for NEET , AIIMS , JIPMER etc to pursue MBBS thereafter. In India, MBBS is of 5.5-year duration. Apart from MBBS, students can opt various other programmes in Geriatric medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radio-diagnosis and many more.

Job Prospects in Engineering vs Medical

Job prospects and salary is another factor which students need to consider before finally deciding on engineering or medical. Read below to know more.

Job Prospects in Engineering

Engineers can work in profiles such as Software Engineer, Testing Engineer, System Analyst, Technical Support Engineer. After the completion of the programme, an individual can earn an average package of Rs.2 to 4.5 Lacs. Some of the major recruiters for B.Tech. Computer Science course are software giants like Infosys, TCS, and Accenture etc.

Job Prospects in Medical Field

Making a career in medicine is not limited to becoming a doctor. The other sought-after courses in medical field after class 12 are:

Medical Laboratory Technology

Dialysis Therapy Technology

Health Information Management

Audiology & Speech Language Pathology

Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology

Operation Theatre Technology

Physiotherapy

Radiotherapy Technology

Nutrition & Dietetics

Biomedical Engineer

Biotechnologist

The initial salary of a person in medical field ranges between 3 lakh to 8 lakh. The salary increases manifold with experience.

Thus, students must keep in mind their aptitude before selecting a field of career. Job prospects and salary also affect the selection of the study field. Those who do not wish to study for many years after school may go ahead and choose engineering.

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Data Administrator

Database professionals use software to store and organise data such as financial information, and customer shipping records. Individuals who opt for a career as data administrators ensure that data is available for users and secured from unauthorised sales. DB administrators may work in various types of industries. It may involve computer systems design, service firms, insurance companies, banks and hospitals.

Bio Medical Engineer

The field of biomedical engineering opens up a universe of expert chances. An Individual in the biomedical engineering career path work in the field of engineering as well as medicine, in order to find out solutions to common problems of the two fields. The biomedical engineering job opportunities are to collaborate with doctors and researchers to develop medical systems, equipment, or devices that can solve clinical problems. Here we will be discussing jobs after biomedical engineering, how to get a job in biomedical engineering, biomedical engineering scope, and salary. 

Ethical Hacker

A career as ethical hacker involves various challenges and provides lucrative opportunities in the digital era where every giant business and startup owns its cyberspace on the world wide web. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path try to find the vulnerabilities in the cyber system to get its authority. If he or she succeeds in it then he or she gets its illegal authority. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path then steal information or delete the file that could affect the business, functioning, or services of the organization.

GIS officer work on various GIS software to conduct a study and gather spatial and non-spatial information. GIS experts update the GIS data and maintain it. The databases include aerial or satellite imagery, latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates, and manually digitized images of maps. In a career as GIS expert, one is responsible for creating online and mobile maps.

Data Analyst

The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.

Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

Geothermal Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

Database Architect

If you are intrigued by the programming world and are interested in developing communications networks then a career as database architect may be a good option for you. Data architect roles and responsibilities include building design models for data communication networks. Wide Area Networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and intranets are included in the database networks. It is expected that database architects will have in-depth knowledge of a company's business to develop a network to fulfil the requirements of the organisation. Stay tuned as we look at the larger picture and give you more information on what is db architecture, why you should pursue database architecture, what to expect from such a degree and what your job opportunities will be after graduation. Here, we will be discussing how to become a data architect. Students can visit NIT Trichy , IIT Kharagpur , JMI New Delhi . 

Remote Sensing Technician

Individuals who opt for a career as a remote sensing technician possess unique personalities. Remote sensing analysts seem to be rational human beings, they are strong, independent, persistent, sincere, realistic and resourceful. Some of them are analytical as well, which means they are intelligent, introspective and inquisitive. 

Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

Underwriter

An underwriter is a person who assesses and evaluates the risk of insurance in his or her field like mortgage, loan, health policy, investment, and so on and so forth. The underwriter career path does involve risks as analysing the risks means finding out if there is a way for the insurance underwriter jobs to recover the money from its clients. If the risk turns out to be too much for the company then in the future it is an underwriter who will be held accountable for it. Therefore, one must carry out his or her job with a lot of attention and diligence.

Finance Executive

Product manager.

A Product Manager is a professional responsible for product planning and marketing. He or she manages the product throughout the Product Life Cycle, gathering and prioritising the product. A product manager job description includes defining the product vision and working closely with team members of other departments to deliver winning products.  

Operations Manager

Individuals in the operations manager jobs are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of each department to acquire its optimal goal. They plan the use of resources and distribution of materials. The operations manager's job description includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and performing administrative tasks.

Stock Analyst

Individuals who opt for a career as a stock analyst examine the company's investments makes decisions and keep track of financial securities. The nature of such investments will differ from one business to the next. Individuals in the stock analyst career use data mining to forecast a company's profits and revenues, advise clients on whether to buy or sell, participate in seminars, and discussing financial matters with executives and evaluate annual reports.

A Researcher is a professional who is responsible for collecting data and information by reviewing the literature and conducting experiments and surveys. He or she uses various methodological processes to provide accurate data and information that is utilised by academicians and other industry professionals. Here, we will discuss what is a researcher, the researcher's salary, types of researchers.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Safety Manager

A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

Conservation Architect

A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software. 

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Field Surveyor

Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Pathologist

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Veterinary Doctor

Speech therapist, gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Are you searching for an ‘Anatomist job description’? An Anatomist is a research professional who applies the laws of biological science to determine the ability of bodies of various living organisms including animals and humans to regenerate the damaged or destroyed organs. If you want to know what does an anatomist do, then read the entire article, where we will answer all your questions.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Photographer

Photography is considered both a science and an art, an artistic means of expression in which the camera replaces the pen. In a career as a photographer, an individual is hired to capture the moments of public and private events, such as press conferences or weddings, or may also work inside a studio, where people go to get their picture clicked. Photography is divided into many streams each generating numerous career opportunities in photography. With the boom in advertising, media, and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option for many Indian youths.

An individual who is pursuing a career as a producer is responsible for managing the business aspects of production. They are involved in each aspect of production from its inception to deception. Famous movie producers review the script, recommend changes and visualise the story. 

They are responsible for overseeing the finance involved in the project and distributing the film for broadcasting on various platforms. A career as a producer is quite fulfilling as well as exhaustive in terms of playing different roles in order for a production to be successful. Famous movie producers are responsible for hiring creative and technical personnel on contract basis.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or  MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.  

Corporate Executive

Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

Multimedia Specialist

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

ITSM Manager

Automation test engineer.

An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process. 

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Technical groups, follow aiche, engineering to medicine: the road less traveled.

Making the Commitment

Getting an MD isn’t like obtaining other advanced degrees such as a PhD, MS or MBA.  You cannot study part time or get it paid for by a company.  It is a full-time affair for which you must be completely committed for at least four more years after your undergrad (and probably more for residency/fellowship training).  Medical school isn’t cheap either, so you must be prepared to take on (or add to your undergrad) debt.

How to Do it

Your undergraduate engineering classes (usually) will not cover all of the general course requirements for medical school.  This means you’ll have to carefully plan your coursework in order to satisfy the engineering and pre-med curricula as well as any general education classes your school requires.  It is not easy but definitely do-able and working with an advisor to develop a multi-year plan will help.  Pre-med requirements can vary between schools but will at least include physics I/II, chemistry I/II, organic chemistry I/II, biology I/II and an English or literature class.  For those beginning to think about medicine after already completing two or more years of their undergraduate degree, taking an extra year to finish all the coursework and prep is not uncommon.  This extra time can also be used to study for the dreaded MCAT.

The MCAT is the medical school equivalent of the SAT or ACT you took in high school.  It must be taken before you can apply, so this usually means the summer before your senior year.  There’s a myriad of references, guides and avenues of support for this ranging from free practice tests to intensive classroom courses.  Contrary to popular belief, this test is not about rote memorization.  Almost all groups of questions are accompanied by a passage.  So if you have a very basic understanding of the scientific principles and equations but excellent problem solving , you will do great.  The key words here are understanding and problem solving.  Memorizing the equations is pointless, they will give them to you on the test, spend your time understanding each equation’s components.  This is a great opportunity for engineering students to show off their problem solving skills!

So you’ve finished the courses and taken the test, what now?  The application process is started about a year before your planned enrollment date.  So, if your graduating in 2014, you would apply in the summer or early fall of 2013.  Thankfully, there is a standard application for all schools called the AMCAS, but plan on getting secondary applications specific to each school and working on them into the fall.  Then save up some money and pray for interviews.

Where Engineering Falls Short

These days medical schools are looking more and more at extracurricular activities in addition to metrics like MCAT score and GPA.  This included things like research, volunteering, shadowing and other jobs.  Engineering coursework doesn’t always provide enough time for all of this stuff, but if you pick carefully, the right extracurricular can give you an excellent experience with a smaller time commitment.  Academic research can be a volunteer or paid experience, and when done during the academic year, can mesh well with your class schedule since research labs are typically close to classroom buildings so you can go there before, after or in-between classes. 

The extra pre-med courses have also been known to give engineers some trouble.  For many, it is tough adjusting to biology type classes, as they are much more memorization based and less analytical in nature.  There is no easy solution for this. Figure out what works for you (flashcards, re-writing notes, etc.).  This is also the stuff more likely to be seen on the MCAT, so pay extra special attention to the material. 

When it comes to the interview, some claim engineers don’t fare as well.  Anyone in engineering has heard the stereotype that engineers aren’t the most social of people.  While that’s an outdated view of the field, it can be used to your advantage during an interview or application essay.  By having an outgoing personality and being animated, lively, witty and generally sociable, you defy the stereotype and make yourself look that much better the to the admissions board or interviewer.

All that being said, medical schools look very highly upon engineering applicants.  They understand that to be a legitimate applicant, the engineering student has given it their 110%, as evidenced by their ability to succeed in such a demanding major in addition to coursework and extracurricular activities.  A career in medicine will be time consuming, stressful and at times you will doubt your ability, but in the end extremely rewarding and well worth it.  So, it’s just like a degree in engineering!

The problem solving skills and engineering mindset so thoroughly developed during your undergraduate degree can prove to be an incredibly useful tool for solving medical cases.  The human being is an isolated system, and once that system is defined, you can apply your knowledge of that system to create a solution, just like any engineering question.  The rational and systematic route of thinking honed during any study of engineering is ideal for a career in medicine.

About the author

Chris Bobba received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering for the University of Rhode Island in 2013.  He is currently an MD/PhD student at the Ohio State University pursuing his PhD in Biomedical Engineering.  Current research interests include the intersection of organ conditioning/regeneration techniques and surgical/transplant medicine.

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Engineering vs. Medicine: Which One is Best for You

• April 19, 2022

Table of Contents

Passion and Interest

Ease of getting admission.

Cost and Length of Study

Training and employment.

Earning Potential: Engineering vs. Medicine

Sum up: engineering vs. medicine.

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Engineering vs Medical: Which One to Choose?

Princi Rai ,

Mar 4, 2024

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Engineering vs Medical is a common dilemma after 12th. Engineering offers job satisfaction and financial stability, meanwhile, the medical field brings respect, esteem, and diverse job opportunities.

Engineering vs Medical : Pursuing an engineering degree has several benefits, such as job satisfaction, career growth opportunities, creative thinking, financial stability, etc. In contrast, the medical field provides great respect and esteem in society and additional job options.

Table of Content

• Engineering Vs Medical Highlights
• Why Choose an Engineering Course?
• Why Choose a Medical Course?

Scope and Job Opportunities of an Engineering Course

Scope and job opportunities of a medical course.

• Top Colleges for Engineering Course
• Top Colleges for Medical Courses

Skills Required In Choosing An Engineering Field

Skills required in choosing a medical field, benefits and challenges of choosing an engineering field.

• Benefits and Challenges Of Choosing A Medical Field

Engineering vs Medical Highlights

Refer to the table below for the comparison between engineering vs. medical field in India

Why Choose An Engineering Course?

Students can refer to some of the important points below regarding why they should choose an Engineering course if they have a dilemma in choosing engineering vs medical :

• Job Satisfaction: Engineering provides a satisfying career path, considering the significant time spent at work.
• Variety of Career Opportunities: An engineering degree offers various career possibilities across disciplines.
• Potential for Social Benefit: Engineers can work on socially beneficial projects like environmental efforts, medical breakthroughs, and raising living standards worldwide.
• Intellectual Development: Problem-solving and logical reasoning are lifelong abilities that are fostered in engineering education.
• Technological and Scientific Discovery: The study of engineering inspires awe in pupils and equips them with the tools they need to pose questions and come up with innovative answers.

Read More : Best Engineering Courses In India

Why Choose A Medical Course?

Candidates who are confused between Engineering vs Medical degrees can refer to some of the important factors mentioned below regarding why they should choose a medical degree.

• Diverse Career Opportunities: MBBS graduates have many career choices, like private hospitals, clinics, and research groups.
• Global Humanitarian Involvement: Doctors collaborate with renowned humanitarian agencies like the Red Cross and Amnesty International to increase clinical and healthcare offerings globally.
• Ideal for Medical Enthusiasts: The MBBS direction fits people with an eager interest in the clinical area, intending to grow into committed doctors.
• Passion for Patient Care: Candidates who support others and commit to improving an affected person's fitness and well-being can pursue an MBBS course.

Read More : Medical Courses

The scope of Engineering course starts from being a coder to any managerial roles based on the years of experience and expertise in their field. The students as freshers can take up roles such as web developer, system analyst, software specialist, hardware specialist, coder, aerospace engineer and more. The cader increases as the years of experience increases. 

The students after graduating as Engineers can also get overseas opportunities if they have utilized their time and resources properly during their campus life. 

The scope of a medical student is quite high compared to an Engineering student as doctors will be earning a lot more than Engineers. A medical students after their house surgoen position can either apply for jobs in private hospitals, government hospitals or pursue any specialized higher education in India or foreign countries. 

There are multiple fields of studies that never run out of demand such as OBGYN, Cardiology, Neurology, Orthodonist, Dentist and more. 

Top Colleges For Engineering Course

Few of the top colleges for engineering course are listed below for student's reference.

Read More : Top Engineering Colleges in India 2023

Top Colleges For Medical Course

Few of the top colleges for Medical course are listed below for student's reference:

Read More : Top Medical Colleges in India 2023

The skills and abilities required for the engineering field include the following:

• Technical expertise in the field of engineering
• Aptitude for solving technical issues
• Ability to handle pressure and resistant
• Innovative Techniques in the Engineering
• Teamwork and communication skills with colleagues

The skills and abilities required for the medical field include the following:

• Intelligence in Emotions
• Making Decisions
• Efficacy in Communication
• Teamwork Ability 

Candidates planning to pursue engineering after the 12th can refer to the advantages and challenges mentioned below.

Benefits of Choosing an Engineering Field

• There are many possibilities within financial management, record-keeping technologies, and many other sectors.
• Many business-related skills, including problem-solving, decision-making, innovation, task management, teamwork, and communication, can be developed through engineering.
• Education in engineering improves the potential for logical thought and makes it simpler to clear up daily difficulties.
• Given that Engineering is an innovative profession and that we stay in a time of rapid social and technical development, there may be a rise in the need for engineers soon.
• After finishing four years of engineering coursework, which includes a B.Tech, applicants can find a profession that will pay nicely.

Challenges of Choosing an Engineering Field

• There are many students who opt into Engineering courses which releases surplus of Engineering graduates into the job market. 
• There are many XYZ Engineering colleges which compromises the quality of education which inturn creates subpar engineers. 
• The course is difficult to finish which makes mediocre students struggle with the subjects. 

Benefits and Challenges of Choosing a Medical Field

Students planning to advance with a medical degree after the 12th can refer to the advantages and challenges below.

Benefits of Choosing a Medical Field

• Since doctors save lives, they are regarded as the most noble and well-respected profession worldwide. The years of dedication, studies, practice, and hard work will be rewarded with society's greatest respect and esteem.
• Throughout their medical education, doctors receive exceptional instruction. Candidates learn how to address their concerns calmly and gently at medical schools.
• Students will have the skills to help others needing medical care and save lives.
• There are additional job options in medical science outside of being a doctor, including those as a physiotherapist, dentist, nutritionist, etc.
• Compared to engineering, the unemployment rate is lower in the medical field.

Challenges of Choosing a Medical Field

• The students will have to crack the NEET exam to get into the course.
• There are category-wise cutoffs which might restrict general category students to get into top medical institutions. 
• The medical education tenure is 5 to 8 years to start earning a handsome some of money. 
• The ROI for the course is quite long compared to other courses. 

The choice between engineering and medicine is a deeply personal choice, with tailored interests, career goals, and willingness to engage in education and training. Both sectors have their own benefits and challenges, significantly impacting society in their own ways. Ultimately, the decision depends on students' passion for innovation and problem-solving in engineering or their dedication to improving the health and well-being of people in medicine.

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Engineering as a new frontier for translational medicine

1 Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA 92037, USA

Rashid Bashir

2 Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA

Robert M. Nerem

3 Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA

Roderic Pettigrew

4 National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA

The inclusion of engineering ideas and approaches makes medicine a quantitative and systems-based discipline that facilitates precision diagnostics and therapeutics to improve health care delivery for all.

Engineering and technological advances have played a major role in medical discoveries and their clinical translation since the invention of x-rays by Roentgen in 1895. Since then, many of the Nobel Prizes have been awarded for novel technology development that led to improvements in health care, including polymerase chain reaction, magnetic resonance imaging, several forms of spectroscopy and microscopy, and human genome sequencing. This year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry, for the development of super-resolution microscopy and its biomedical application, further exemplifies how engineering is broadly advancing our basic knowledge and its medical translation. The recent list of the top 100 cited papers includes many technological innovations and tools that have accelerated biology and medicine ( 1 ).

Groundbreaking inventions in mechanics, optics, materials, electronics, and computing in the past decades have ideally positioned the integration of the life sciences and engineering to address major challenges in medicine and health care. With uneven access to modern medicine across the globe, there is a pressing need for democratization of health care to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care; engineering can play a major role in meeting this critical need by enabling technologies that allow early detection, precise diagnostics, mobile health, and data-sharing for the realization of precision medicine.

THE NEXT FRONTIER

Major engineering advances in health care over the past few decades have been summarized by the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering ( http://aimbe.org/milestones-of-innovation ). Recent progresses at the interface of biology, medicine, and engineering have provided us with state-of-the-art technologies that allow diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, and prevention of human diseases and have facilitated the maintenance and enhancement of health. For instance, valve prostheses, vascular stents, and heart rhythm control systems have improved interventional cardiology for the treatment of valvular disease, obstructive atherosclerosis, and arrhythmias. Modern biomedical imaging techniques and novel biosensors have enabled the noninvasive detection and dynamic tracking of clinically relevant indicators, such as circulating tumor cells, microRNA, and viral DNA. Such sensors allow for early diagnosis and monitoring of disease status and therapeutic efficacy in every field from cancer to metabolic disease to transplant medicine. Noninvasive biosensors and portable devices have begun to play an important role in both healthy lifestyles and continuous disease monitoring in the emerging concept of “mobile health,” or mHealth ( 2 , 3 ). For example, some pharmacies now transmit medical data and video images to a health care provider for disease management. As a next step, engineering will play an important role in the multiscale integration of such physiological measurements with molecular, –omic, and cellular data to provide a comprehensive view of personal health, susceptibility to disease, and tailored therapeutics.

Another field that promises to bring modern medicine to a personalized level is stem cell engineering. We can now transform an individual’s somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and into almost any lineage, thus making possible the study of disease mechanisms. iPSC technology allows for personalized disease modeling, which can then lead to optimized therapeutics. Engineering advances also provide the fundamental basis to explore the physical forces that shape the cell and tissue microenvironments that modulate physiological and pathological functions.

These new frontiers of translational advances in engineering and technology have resulted in substantial clinical impact to date, but the potential has not been fully realized. State-of-the-art technologies should be more widely available to patients—especially those among the resource-limited, disadvantaged, and underrepresented populations—and at affordable costs. Achieving this vision of higher-quality health care globally while containing or reducing its rising costs presents conflicting demands, and it is a challenge for engineering and medicine to tackle these important socioeconomic problems. The consumer electronics industry was able to address similar challenges through technological innovations, as stipulated by “Moore’s Law”—in which increasing functionality is accompanied by an adjusted lower cost and increased usage.

In view of the continuous rise in health care costs, we need to effectively create the equivalent of a Moore’s Law for health care delivery, in which technological innovations should reduce cost, increase quality, and democratize health care delivery. Although the differences in the health care and electronics industries do not allow the quantitative transfer of Moore’s Law to health care, the principle is still applicable. New engineering approaches and technologies should be integrated into medicine and health care delivery to reduce the cost of development, manufacturing, and dissemination, thus maximizing the benefit to the patient. For example, the reduction in cost of genome sequencing that resulted from technological improvements has now made sequencing available to patients for cancer diagnostics and management. Similarly, mobile health technologies promise to reduce costs by bringing diagnostics to patients for management of health and wellness.

EDUCATING AT THE FRONTIER

The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) has steadily increased funding for biomedical engineering (as well as other areas of engineering) since 2000, in comparison with NIH funding as a whole, suggesting an emphasis on engineering in health research ( Fig. 1 ). In parallel with the incorporation of engineering in biomedical research, medical education should also integrate engineering principles. Traditionally, medical research and practice have not included the principles and techniques used in engineering, and the differences in the educational programs and cultures between medicine and engineering led to their dichotomy, with relatively few interactions. In recent years, however, it has been increasingly recognized that the full understanding of biological processes and the effective management of clinical conditions require quantitative and time-variant considerations, which are the hallmarks of engineering, in addition to feedback control, systems approaches, and multiscale modeling. The cultural differences between biomedicine and engineering are being narrowed, but there is still a need to accelerate the cross-fertilization of the cultures of engineering and medicine so that the engineers are cognizant of the critical problems and challenges in clinical medicine ( 4 , 5 ), while the clinicians are appreciative of the quantitative and systems aspects of biomedical research and education.

The graph also includes NIH appropriation, from 2000 to 2014, plotted as percentages of year 2000. [Data provided by T. Merchak (NIBIB)]

Several approaches can achieve this goal of intertwining medical and engineering education and training. One option, already in practice but with limitation in numbers, is to have individuals trained in both disciplines, such as an M.D.-Ph.D. majoring in bioengineering. New models of financial support for the physician-engineers need to be developed to further incentivize and encourage students to choose this career path. The current financial support for M.D.-Ph.D. training comes primarily from the NIH. Although it is desirable to increase the government support, there is a critical need for additional sources of support for this important group of the future generation of health care personnel from foundations and other private sources. The recent emergence of the professional Master’s programs in translational medicine, clinical sciences, and medical devices also provides important sources of training of health care personnel at the interface of engineering and medicine ( 6 ). There has been an increase in development of these programs, as well as postgraduate biomedical technology innovation training programs, not only in the United States but also in Europe and other parts of the world.

Another option is to train teams of engineers and clinicians who understand each other’s culture and language so that they can communicate and collaborate effectively to practice engineering-based translational medicine. Several federal and private foundation programs have been created with this goal in mind. An example is the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)–National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bio-engineering (NIBIB) Interfaces program, which created 10 new university curricula to educate and train graduate students to be the next generation of team scientists ( www.hhmi.org/programs/hhmi-nibib-interfaces-initiative ). The Institutes of Engineering in Medicine at several universities contribute substantially to such team efforts.

A third option is a new engineering-based medical education paradigm that includes engineering principles and the quantitative sciences in addition to clinical and basic medical sciences. Hence, a new medical curriculum—at the nexus of engineering, medicine, and biology and based on a solid grounding of math, physics, and chemistry—is the next educational frontier for translational medicine aiming at improving human health and quality of life. Medical education should incorporate more math and physics, whereas engineering education should include physiology and other medical sciences. In this way, physicians will be comfortable using new technologies and engineering approaches to benefit their patients, and engineers will understand the unmet clinical needs and design effective solutions. The first example of this approach is the most recent establishment of a college of medicine at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in partnership with Carle Foundation Hospital, focused from the beginning on the intersection of engineering and medicine ( www.medicine.illinois.edu )

We believe that this major change toward a curriculum incorporating engineering into medicine is possible. Just as the bioengineering curriculum has evolved over the past three decades, new pedagogical approaches for the medical curriculum can be developed by fusing engineering and medicine to establish the foundations of systems and precision medicine. This could be achieved by revamping the first two years of medical school—for instance, by integrating systems engineering perspectives into medicine; using modeling, simulation, and visualization to teach and demonstrate biological and medical examples; and integrating the latest advances in data sharing and curating, imaging, genomics, and cellular and molecular engineering into the curriculum. The third and fourth years provide an ideal opportunity for innovation; problem-solving by using engineering, technology, and computing approaches; and team projects with medical and engineering students working together to solve translational problems. Physician-innovators can be taught not only to learn the complexities of the clinical and medical ecosystems but also to improve and reengineer them.

PLAYING THE PART

Institutions of higher education, funding agencies, industry, and professional societies need to work together to integrate the frontiers of engineering into medicine in promoting translational research and education. Funding of academic translational centers that join engineering and medicine and of training programs (M.D.-Ph.D. and Master’s), including public-private partnerships, could be pivotal in enhancing the goal-oriented translational research. Professional societies can facilitate the promotion of the quantitative and engineering concepts in the medical curriculum and help to transform medicine as a quantitative discipline. Project-based, self-motivated learning in the medical curriculum could be performed in collaboration with industry so that the solutions developed would lead to translatable innovations that have a licensing and commercialization pathway. Academia-industry consortia could develop programs to better educate the translational workforce.

Because the ultimate goal of medicine is to improve human health and well-being, any new paradigm for educating and training physicians and engineers must also encompass topics related to the humanities and social sciences, such as ethics, teamwork, industrial experience, and regulatory science. Physician-scientists/engineers need to be grounded in compassion and should be knowledgeable of social, cultural, and translational factors that influence (and sometimes limit) health care delivery. Medical education is beginning to take cues from the innovative science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs, which use instruction inversion, group learning, real-world problem solving, and peers as educational resources ( 7 ). This approach would make it possible for medical students to learn essential subjects without lengthening the education process.

On 20 January 2015, President Obama launched a “Precision Medicine Initiative” to realize cures for diseases and to personalize health ( www.whitehouse.gov/precisionmedicine ). In an accompanying perspective on this initiative, and the challenges and promise of precision medicine, NIH director Francis Collins and NCI director Harold Varmus challenged the next generation of scientists to develop creative new approaches for detecting, measuring, and analyzing a wide range of biomedical information ( 8 ). We posit that the integration of engineering into medicine, and medicine into engineering—until boundaries vanish—will play a critical role in achieving the broad and specific goals of this exciting new initiative.

Engineers can help realize the vision of high-quality, precision, and quantitative medicine while also reducing health care costs. Just as the revolution in medicine created by the advent of molecular biology in the past century, engineering will be the new driving force for the progress of medical research and education in this century and beyond. Robert Goddard, an aerospace pioneer, once said, “It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow.” is certainly true, and it is the collaboration between engineering and medicine that will turn our dreams in health care into the reality of tomorrow.

Acknowledgments

We thank T. Merchak (NIBIB) for providing the data for Fig. 1 and S. Subramaniam (University of California, San Diego) for valuable comments and suggestions. We acknowledge the Grainger Engineering Breakthroughs Initiative at UIUC for sponsoring the Frontiers in Bioengineering Workshop, where the topics in this article were discussed ( http://graingerinitiative.engineering.illinois.edu/frontiersinbioengineering ).

REFERENCES AND NOTES

Medical vs Engineering: Which One to Choose?

The most reputable and well-known fields in India have been Medical and Engineering. However, the thing with both these fields is that you cannot just make your choice as you become an adult. You will have to come up with an exact understanding way early on in your life. It is the 10 th standard in your school when you will have to choose between two (medica vs engineering) and set your goals for the longer term. We often tell people to select their subjects by not being short-sighted. Additionally, you will be choosing between the two subjects – Mathematics and Biology to enter into the field of Engineering and Medical, respectively.

This is why one must hear the name of their sections as Engineering and Medical sections and not Mathematics or Biology. Furthermore, you will have to study additional Science subjects no matter what you choose. These subjects will include Physics and Chemistry. Altogether, your life and career will be devoted to Science, and you will have to head that way. Today we discuss many different things to help you understand whether Engineering will be useful for you or it is Medical that you must be choosing once you reach and finish the 10 th standard. Let us know all the things below –

In This Article

What is Difficult? Medical or Engineering:

We are often asked the question about how tough the two fields are known to be. Our answer has always depended on the type of student. We say this because if the student chooses the wrong field, he/she will indeed find it way tricky. Therefore, it all depends on where your interest lies in these subjects. For someone who has always loved mathematics, it will be good if he/she choose mathematics. Besides, some people are good at understanding the theoretical knowledge in Medical (Biology), so they will find it more exciting and more comfortable than mathematics. Additionally, some schools let you take both Medical and Engineering. So if you like both the fields equally, you can opt for that as well.

Why Must One Choose Engineering?

It is often said that people who have a stronghold of concepts and applications of Mathematics are meant to be engineers. Mathematics is undoubtedly a beautiful subject that has led us to build everything in this world from scratch. The mathematical calculations are what we use for the basic accounting in our day to day lives. The same subject has also helped us create rockets and land on the Moon. Therefore, it is safe saying that Mathematics is something that only the brightest minds are going to understand and enjoy. However, you will not find everyone enjoys the subject. It could be just because they cannot happen to make a hold on it.

Yet, some minds would be immersed in studying the theorems, derivations, and sums. Once you get to understand mathematics, you genuinely start seeing the world in a wholly different way. People who choose Mathematics continue to become scientists and even renowned educators other than being Engineers. However, engineering is something that will help you create things. If you wish to make things in multiple distinct sectors, choosing Engineering or Mathematics after your 10 th standard is what you will be needing. Many Engineers work in the IT Industry as well. It is the industry that results in colossal GDP every year!

Advantages of choosing Engineering (Mathematics) after 10 th standard:

• There are several paths that Mathematics after your 10 th standard is going to open. While you would see a vast number of your classmates going directly with engineering, you can try choosing the field of IT (Information Technology). Many people wish to become Mechanical Engineers , but with massive demand in the software industry, you will see things going your way if you dream of becoming a software engineer or a software developer.
• From Marine Engineering to Chemical Engineering, you could choose between a lot of things. As we mentioned, there were people earlier who used to only focus on Mechanical Engineering exclusively. However, the scope of Engineering has increased so much that it has become far more interesting than it used to be in the early times. You can choose to be Electrical Engineers , Software Engineers, and even Textile Engineers. With that, Engineering is going to spark a massive interest in you.
• People who choose Engineering after 10 th as their main subject is mathematics are indeed the people who are great problem solvers. Therefore, they are bright enough to work in consultancies and start with their plans for a start-up. Other than that, there is also a huge demand for engineers in foreign countries so you can also lookup for a career in engineering outside of the country to have that great life that you have always wanted. Mathematics is going to help you in all your endeavors, after all.
• You can also continue after your 12 th by choosing Finance or Management. This is because your strong hold and a background in mathematics will help you go through many concepts in financing and accounting. This is why many IIM graduates are engineers. Therefore if you want to get into the most top-class universities and colleges that offer Management Education, you should aim higher and go with mathematics as your subject. Not only will it help you go through the challenging phase first, but it will also help you in getting your concepts clear no matter what.

Why Must One Choose Medical?

Many people have a dream of becoming a good doctor since childhood. They grow up thinking of themselves wearing a lab coat and a stethoscope around their neck. These are also the people who want to serve society and help people with their treatment and illnesses. We have seen how these people are so passionate from the beginning that they could not think of anything other than the medical field and being a doctor. Other than that, people who choose Medical are also the students who develop a keen interest in Biology from early on.

Other than that, the scope of Medical is not just limited to being a doctor. If you select Biology as your subject after doing the 10 th standard, you can even pursue a Bachelor of Science. This way, you will be capable of researching this subject’s field and come up with your published work. Many people even continue choosing Biology as they are way interested in the field of Pharmacy. There are huge things that you can choose as you choose Medical after 10 th standard . Therefore, don’t worry, it is not going to even disappoint you, and you will indeed never find closed doors in your career.

Advantages of Choosing Medical after 10 th standard:

• First off, Medical is a subject in the Science field that will land you at a respectable job no matter what. Out of all the reputable jobs globally, it is a doctor’s job that people truly look up to a lot. Many societies even consider their doctors as living Gods. With Medical as your background, your path towards becoming a doctor will be way clearer than ever.
• People who choose Medical are known to be all-rounders. This is because they get to choose Physics and Chemistry as well, along with Biology. This helps them study a lot of mathematics in Physics along with the fundamental principles of the subject. Furthermore, in Chemistry, they develop a good interest to perform well when it is about choosing Pharmacy after being done with the 12 th
• There is always a shortage of doctors, so Medical will also offer you the chance of never being unemployed. With that comes the job security that all of us work hard for. Also, let us not forget the tremendous scope that Medical gets to you. These options include a career in physiotherapy, nutrition, and even dental. By choosing a future in Medical, you will make sure that you are not left behind.
• Even when you cannot become a doctor, Medical will offer you so many options to switch to. This way, you will have backup plans even when you are, god forbid, not able to make it. Only the sharp minds can go through Medical as their choice in 11 th and 12 th standards, so no matter what continues to happen, you will be able to work and have your future secured.

These were the few advantages that one can enjoy as he sets to choose medical after their 10 th standard. As you choose the field, you will realize its amazing nature even more.

Decision Making Between Engineering and Medical

After gauging your skills judiciously, you will begin to realize the field you are more inclined to. When it is about Engineering, we shall say that they should be candidates who have their fundamentals clear. With a high intelligent quotient and absolute reasoning skills, students can perform well as they continue choosing Engineering. It is not just about understanding the theories in Engineering. When you want to develop innovations, you should be someone who can bring his ideas towards reality. Other than that, if you get into the right engineering college , you can also start your start-up and build the things that you have a keen interest in.

In contrast, people who choose Medical are the people who should be willing to develop in-depth knowledge, be it Medicine or Life Sciences. As these people might also choose physiotherapy, nutrition, or Pharmacy, they should be students who grasp knowledge effectively and not just study things for the sake of exams. The course of Medical tends to be vast, but if you have a clear understanding, you will be able to ace everything quite well. If you are willing to be a doctor who has graduated from a top-notch medical college, you should not be short-sighted. You should start preparing as soon as possible for the entrance exams. These entrance exams will also be required if you choose careers other than that of a doctor. So be prepared and look at the future directly without wasting any of your time.

Thus, before you set to choose from Medical or Engineering, try knowing yourself. Also, you can try to know where your interest lies and where you want to see yourself. It will be tragic to fall into family and peer pressure. Therefore, refrain from choosing a field just because others are choosing it or because you see your parents forcing you to choose it. Instead, try having healthy communication with them as well as yourself so that you could understand which filed out of these two will be more beneficial and interesting for you. Once you do that, you will be determined to work in a focused direction without feeling disappointed or thinking that you chose the wrong way for yourself.

When things are hectic, you will have to sacrifice your social life. The work pressure can be high, no matter which field you opt for. Therefore, you should stick to preparing yourself and deciding what you want to do. Your entire life is going to tremendously depend on the choice you make regarding the subject you set to pick after being done with the 10 th standard. Hence, we advise you should think it through and spend some time analyzing everything. This way, you will be all set to go towards the journey that you are meant to take and travel as far as your career and professional life is concerned.

Quick Comparison Between Medical and Engineering

May be you are still confused so here we are sharing a quick comparison between these 2 in table format hope it will clear your thought.

Please remember that individual experiences can vary, and personal preferences play a significant role in choosing a career path. Both fields offer unique opportunities and challenges, and the right choice depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals. Additionally, it’s important to note that both professions contribute significantly to the development and well-being of society in their own ways.

Conclusion:

Many people who have an interest in both Mathematics and Biology surely have a dilemma as a person is only around 15 to 16 years old when they have to make a choice between the two. For them, we say that they can choose both subjects to buy two years of time. However, once they reach 12 th , they should be clearer about everything as after that, they will have to choose a single path between the two. We believe that we have offered everything in what we have discussed with you today. To know even more details on both the courses, you can try learning about them from many different websites. If you know it in your heart about where your interest lies, your choice will not be difficult. We wish you big luck for your future!

Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.

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6 Questions You Can Ask That Are Better Than ‘Engineering or Medical’

The million-dollar question that unsettles students and parents alike, the epoch-old query posed by family and distant relatives to 14 or 15-year-olds: ‘ What do you plan to do now, Engineering or Medical? ’

The moment you dwell upon this question, you presumably confine your choices to only two options, shutting out the plethora of options out there.

Let’s look at a case.

Yashika loved science. That’s about it all.   She didn’t care much about becoming an engineer but not knowing much about career options, she prepared herself for JEE and cleared it too with a great rank. But after a year in the engineering college, she could not relate to what she was learning there. It just did not interest her at all. The knowledge of the rising number of underemployed and underpaid engineers in India added to her worries and scared her.   She realized that she should specialize in a field that interested her.  After multiple counselling sessions, she arrived at the decision of dropping out of her Engineering College. She enrolled herself into a Bachelor’s program in Atmospheric Sciences, and went on to become a Meteorologist (a happy one too)!

The point I‘m trying to drive home is that restricting yourself to 2-3 career options, or not asking uninhibited questions about your career choices and prospects is often the biggest obstacle to making the right career choice.

Most often ignorance about career options is the perpetrator here. The world of science is indeed a vast one to be restricted to just these two professions. I’ll talk about a few of them in this article.

So if you are a science enthusiast, before you ask yourself ‘ Engineering or Medical ’, think again.

Here are some interesting and life-changing questions that you really, really need to ask yourself instead-

Recommended Read:  Think Beyond MBBS: 14 In-Demand Career Options for PCB Students After Class 12th

1. Do I have a quantitative or mathematical aptitude?

Do you love to play with numbers and are great with calculations and deductions? Is that the only reason why you or your family think you should do Engineering?

Well, I think it calls for deeper thought and analysis.

There are numerous careers where you can utilize your mathematical skills. Statistics, Big Data Analytics, Actuarial Science, Mathematical Research, Operations ResearchAnalyst, Biostatistics and so many more. Employment in the Defense, Public and Aeronautical sectors are also open for such students.

Recommended Read:  Love Maths? One Of These 8 Careers Could Be Perfect For You!

2. Am I fascinated by innovations or technology?

If new innovations and technological developments intrigue you and creating new products or models are your passion then maybe you could explore options like Genetic or Agricultural Engineering, Waste Management/Engineering, Alternative Energy Consulting, Mechanical and Automobile Engineering, Fashion Technology, Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Environmental Science and Technology, Power Engineering, and so on.

Recommended Read:  Think Beyond Engineering: 15 Trending Careers to Pursue with a PCM Combination

3. Do I love applied science?

If it is tough for you to choose between scientific subjects and you are equally fascinated by each of them, then maybe you could consider studying Applied Sciences. Applied Sciences are a broad interdisciplinary field which includes a multitude of subjects like physics, biology, computer science, engineering, natural sciences and others to use existing scientific knowledge to develop more practical applications.

Outside India, most countries consider a degree in Applied Sciences at par with an engineering degree and it is a four-year course abroad.

In India, a degree in Applied Science courses is apt for students with a research-oriented mind and for those who wish to learn the fundamentals of application-based research in scientific fields. There are multiple fields Like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Ethical Hacking , Journalistic Writing , Medical Lab Technology , Nanotechnology, Wild Life Management , to name just a few of them, which can be of great interest for students who are in love with science.

Recommended Read:  Welcome to the Future: 9 Emerging Careers for Science Students

4. Do I have an inclination towards work involving intensive research and findings?

If research work interests you and you feel you can work committedly on projects and findings, then maybe more than Engineering or Medical science, allied sciences like Forensic Studies , Clinical Research , Market and Healthcare Research would interest you more. Research Careers in include Microbiology , Biochemistry , Biophysics , Zoology , Genetics , Botany and many more.

Research careers in Physical Sciences can help you work as a Research Scientist in fields like Chemistry , Geology , Astronomy , Geophysics, Meteorology , Aerospace and more.

If you are willing to explore a little further beyond, then you can look at research in humanities-based subjects. Some in-demand fields that can land you plum jobs include Anthropology , Archaeology , History or Urban Planning . In these careers, research would focus on areas such as languages, archaeological remains and culture.

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5. Am I looking for an immensely satisfying and rewarding career?

If you have decided on working your way passionately and dedicatedly towards serving mankind, even then you may focus not just on an MBBS course. There are so many other streams such as Physiotherapy , Occupational Therapy , Hematology, Speech Therapy, Clinical/Counselling Psychology , Environmental Engineering , Public Health Administration , and so many more. They are all rewarding both in monetary and non-monetary ways.

6. Do I love the creative aspects of science?

If the creativity of science is what inspires you then maybe you should pursue a degree in Architecture or Design (it could be Fashion Technology, Interior Design or Web), Product and Industrial Design, Automobile Design, UI/UX Design , Game Design and Development or maybe animation and graphics . It’s not just the physicists or engineers who make use of STEM subjects.

They can be of great use to industrial designers, game developers or even animators who use their knowledge of sciences to do wonderful work in their respective fields.

Recommended Read:  7 Promising Career Options to Satisfy the Creative Streak in You

Young boys and girls sometimes pursue a degree in science, and especially in Engineering or Medical, only because they are convinced by their mentors/parents/media that real jobs exist only in these two professions! Those who take up non-science or applied sciences are according to them, not capable of succeeding professionally. Yet, that couldn’t be farther away from the truth.

No doubt a science degree gives the irrefutable advantage of going through any door when you wish to, but it’s better to be clear at the outset about what you want to do and not go the hit-and-trial way.

To have a satisfying career, have the heart first to explore- there are a plethora of options, both in Science and beyond. Even if you are an academically brilliant student, you never know you may be cut out to be a scientist or researcher, putting your skills to even greater use than as an engineer or doctor.

The point is to keep an open mind and put your aptitude and passion to best use.

Recommended Read:  It’s Time You Look Beyond ‘Scope’ When Choosing Your Career. Here’s Why.

And if you are unsure about your aptitude/interest for the sciences, don’t be afraid to broaden your horizons to explore career options in  other streams . You never know what the world of career might have in store for you! And if at any point you feel you are unsure about the right step, feel free to talk to a career counsellor who can make this process much easier.

Have anything to say about this post? Share with us in the comments below!

Vibha Sharma

An MBA in HR and a graduate in Economics from Delhi University, Vibha is an independent education management professional. Her long experience in academic writing and working with middle school children helps her to enthuse perplexed youngsters on credible career solutions. A creative and passionate writer, Vibha loves writing quirky and funny stories in the young adult and kids genre when she isn’t working on educational solutions.

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Engineering vs. medicine – what should i study.

Engineering vs medicine? What’s the better field? If you are good at math, enjoy solving tough problems, and do great in school, you are likely considering these fields of study.

Medicine generally offers more pay. Engineering usually provides more flexibility. Determining which field is best for you is understanding whether it’s something you enjoy doing and whether the sacrifice is worth the reward.

Truth be told – you won’t enjoy every minute of your studies for either degree. Yet, unless you possess a genuine interest, the path to either degree will be incredibly difficult. So, whether it’s learning, tinkering with things, complex problem solving, or helping people, first understand your motivations.

In this article, you’ll learn to answer essential questions: is engineering harder than medicine, engineering vs. medicine pay, work-life balance, which is more a better field: engineering or medicine?

Is Engineering Harder than Medicine?

As we all know they are both hard degrees but for different reasons.

Medicine has more content, and it requires you to be a good communicator , which can be challenging for those more academically focused. The path is much longer to become a doctor than an engineer. It requires a four-year undergrad degree, followed by four more years in medical school. Subsequently, doctors must spend three to seven years in a residency program. Ultimately, the post-high school commitment tallies 10 to 14 years.

By contrast, an engineer can finish university in four years and even quicker for the ultra-motivated. Despite this, engineering concepts may be more difficult than medicine to fully understand. Engineering work requires application-based problem solving vs. medicine’s heavy emphasis on memorization.

Thus, when evaluating difficulty, engineering may strike some as harder due to difficult concepts and problems to solve. However, in Punchlist Zero’s evaluation, medicine emerges as the clear winner due the long years of commitment.

Engineering vs. Medicine Pay

Both professions pay well. Engineers generally can expect an average median annual wage of close to $100,000. In contrast, doctors’ median wage clocks in at over $200,000. Both of these numbers vary hugely depending on experience, the field of work, and the country of residence.

Occupational choices matter for each earnings, but where you work matters as well. Some occupations’ employment opportunities and wages vary substantially from state to state, county to county, and city to city. The same holds true for specializations. An engineer working for the city government can expect to earn a fractional of what a senior software engineer makes, whereas the same holds true for a pediatrician and a neurosurgeon.

Engineering vs. Medicine: Work-Life Balance

In general, engineering offers a better work-life balance vs. medicine. Of course, there are deadlines and urgent projects. However, I know many engineers and a handful of doctors. The engineers simply don’t have the day-to-day and month-to-month time pressure that most doctors have.

Plus, engineers don’t get quizzed at dinner parties, “What’s wrong with my foot?”

Here’s a breakdown of their responsibilities that affect that work-life balance.

Doctor’s Responsibility

Doctors, often known as physicians, examine patients to diagnose their ailments. Physicians inquire about patients’ prior medical history and illnesses or conditions that patients’ family members may have experienced. Patients are asked to explain their symptoms, including the length and severity. Physicians may issue instructions for lab tests on the patient if necessary. They may write medicines or make lifestyle recommendations.

While doctors in private practice may work regular business hours, they may also be on call for emergencies on holidays, nights, or weekends. Doctors who work in hospitals may be required to work shifts that are not standard.

Engineer’s Responsibility

Engineers assess problems, processes, or products to develop rational solutions. The endeavor could necessitate the design of a completely new method or modify existing processes and materials . Engineers may be called on to perform completely new designs or optimize existing ones.

Most engineers work standard business hours and days; however, they may be asked to work extra to meet deadlines or deal with urgent situations. Engineers may work alone or supervise other engineers, engineering techs, lab assistants, administrative staff, and other engineers.

Is Engineering Better Than Medicine?

This is, without a doubt, the most prominent academic and professional rivalry in history. Medicine and engineering have consistently ranked high among science-inclined students around the world. There’s no right answer – but there’s a right answer for YOU.

Let’s examine further.

Passion and Interest

A natural affinity for people tilts the needle toward medicine. An affinity for tinkering should tilt the needle toward engineering. Less obvious is how much you care about working on the same problems versus unique challenges.

Medical doctors routinely encounter complex challenges, but their scope typically winnows to a minutiae level as time goes on. By contrast, engineers often go on to be executives, project managers, sales folks, or work in completely unrelated industries. Thus, if you value flexibility, engineering might provide a better choice.

Ease of Admission

The average acceptance rate of the top 10 Engineering schools is 29.75% , but trends closer to 50% for mid-tier universities. In 2018–2019, 21,622 applicants were accepted to medical schools out of the 52,777 who applied, for an overall acceptance rate of 41%.

Thus, Engineering provides a slightly easier acceptance path. Couple this with the fact that the average Engineering applicant is 18 years old versus an accomplished 22-year-old student and it’s easy to conclude that it is more difficult to obtain admission to medical school.

Cost of Study

Either path is crazy-expensive. The average four-year engineering degree costs around $56,000 in tuition alone . Medical school weighs in near the same number for undergrad plus $220,000 for four years of medical school.

Job Prospects

In the case of engineering, that depends on the field. While petroleum, software engineers, and robotics are the most lucrative branches of engineering, agricultural engineers generally see fewer job opportunities . Furthermore, engineering ties heavily to the energy sector which is notoriously fickle.

On the other hand, doctors perhaps have the most secure jobs in the world. People always need medical care, ensuring a perpetual demand for doctors.

What’s the Right Field of Study?

You remember you are reading this on an engineering blog, right? So color us biased. Engineering offers great opportunities, excellent money, and doesn’t lock you into a set career for years. Sure, average lifetime earnings track lower than medicine, but the sacrifice is much lower as well.

Yet, medicine provides greater career certainty and intangible altruistic benefits that can’t be measured. If either of these points resonates with you, then medicine may be the best choice.

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Engineering Vs Medicine

Posted by Naomi | Jun 3, 2020 | | 0 -->

Medicine Vs engineering – what should I study and why?

Both are extremely popular areas of study at university, and both can lead to careers that are both fulfilling and lucrative, not to mention useful to others.

However, if you have a natural inclination towards the sciences and mathematics, it can be difficult to decide which pathway is going to be best for you. If you’re at the stage where you have to make a decision what you’re going to study at university, it can suddenly become even trickier.

This article doesn’t aim to guide you in either direction, but rather to lay out the personal and academic skills that you might need for each profession, and where an academic qualification might take you in terms of professional development later on.

Should I study medicine?

Are you a people person? Unless you’re planning to go into medical research rather than having much by way of day to day contact with the public, then you’ll be dealing with people all day long. If you are a natural introvert, then that people contact might feel daunting at first.

In terms of academic skill, you will need to have excellent qualifications to get into university, usually four or even five A levels at A grade including chemistry and one other science subject, or an International Baccalaureate with at least 37 points and similar subject pathways.

You will also need an impressive personal statement and interview for more desirable “medical” universities or institutions of study. If you are an overseas student, you will need an IELTS score of at least 7.5 overall, and not less than 7.0 in any single component.

If you already have a first degree and are looking to enter at graduate level, you may be accepted for study with a non-health or science-related degree. However, you will be expected to improve your science skills before entry to what is usually a four or five year course.

In your personal statement, you might want to lay out what you wish yourself to achieve as a doctor in the future, and whether you have any relevant work experience in a medical or health field which might support your application.

Should I study engineering?

There are many different types of engineering degree which can lead to a number of career pathways. It is also a degree that will rarely see someone out of work upon graduation. The number of sectors looking for qualified engineers is large, and the research opportunities are also numerous.

Your engineering pathway academic qualifications will be very similar to those required for a medical degree, although you will be expected to have both mathematics and physics at A Level rather than chemistry, and your International Baccalaureate should be 35 points or more, with an IELTS score of at least 7.0 overall and not less than 6.5 in any single component if that is applicable to you.

Your career pathways could include chemical or mechanical engineering, and if building and city design interests you, then civil engineering is a good choice. To follow any of these pathways, you will need to study for four or five years, obtaining a B.Eng degree, and potentially switching to M.Eng if you wish to attain Chartered status.

What are the pros and cons of each subject?

As already mentioned above, medical pathways are a good if you finding interacting with people easy. That’s not to say you won’t need good people skills for engineering too, but you won’t find yourself in quite the same position as a doctor in general practice.

In terms of your natural subject abilities, if you’re an able mathematician you may also feel a pull towards engineering rather than medicine, especially as you’ll need that for the physics element of your degree course. If your scientific skills veer towards chemistry and biology, then it might indicate that medicine is for you.

What career paths are available?

As touched on above, there are practical and research career pathways for both subjects.

Medicine is a vocational subject, and specialisms are encouraged for both mental and physical health areas. However, relevant lecturing, writing, and medical sales posts also often require a degree in medicine to ensure a level of authority.

Your engineering degree can lead you in a variety of directions. For example, a mechanical engineering degree might lead you to careers as diverse as the aerospace or nuclear industries, and as a sidestep, even into finance or technical sales.

A chemical engineer can follow many of the same careers, with opportunities for product development and analysis as well as specific materials industries. When it comes to making a choice, the decision is yours alone. However, work experience in both fields prior to university may help you to make the choice that is right for you.

Further information

For more tips and advice on applying for medicine and engineering please see:

• Medicine personal statement examples
• Engineering personal statement examples
• Careers advice
• Career plan template

About The Author

Naomi Lofts

Going through school and applying to university myself in 2002, I know how difficult it can be to make the right choices regarding your academic journey, especially when you're uncertain of where you want to be in the future.

Student Underground was created to provide reassurance to those students currently going through this period, as well as an outlet for sharing extra, up-to-date advice on a range of further and higher education topics.

These include choosing GCSEs and A levels, filling out the UCAS application form, taking a gap year, postgraduate study options, starting a business and more.

We hope you find it useful, and if you have any feedback, please leave a comment or email us directly at: [email protected]. Thank you,

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Understanding Medical Engineering

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Aerospace Engineer vs. Mechanical Engineer

Author: University of North Dakota April 23, 2024

Engineering intersects innovation and practicality to create the multitude of machines that drive our world forward.

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However, given the immense diversity of machines and systems, it's impractical to expect a single engineer to master them all. Therefore, engineering has branched out into various specialties, each tailored to tackle distinct challenges. 

Today, we'll be comparing aerospace vs. mechanical engineering, examining their unique characteristics and shared traits. So, keep reading and see which path better aligns with your interests and aspirations.

What is an Aerospace Engineer?

Aerospace engineering is the branch of engineering that involves the design, development, testing and production of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and related systems. The field encompasses various disciplines, including aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, materials science and structural analysis.

Aerospace engineers are crucial in conceptualizing, designing and manufacturing various aerospace vehicles and systems, ensuring they meet safety, performance and regulatory standards. They work on everything from commercial airplanes and military jets to space shuttles and satellites, pushing the boundaries of technology to explore new frontiers in air and space travel.

What is a Mechanical Engineer?

Mechanical engineering is a field of study that deals with the design, analysis and production of mechanical systems and devices. It covers a wide range of applications, including automotive engineering, robotics, HVAC systems, manufacturing processes and energy systems.

Mechanical engineers are involved in every stage of the product development process, from ideation and design to testing, production and maintenance. They use physics and mathematics principles to develop innovative solutions for various industries, driving technological advancements and improving the efficiency and performance of mechanical systems in numerous applications.

What is the Difference Between Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering?

To gain a clearer understanding of mechanical engineering vs. aerospace engineering and their respective similarities and differences, let's compare these two fields head-to-head across various categories, beginning with education and extending to job outlook and salaries.

Aerospace engineers typically begin their careers by earning a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field. These programs allow students to explore advanced topics such as orbital mechanics, space vehicle dynamics and avionics systems. Additionally, through engaging in laboratory experiments, design projects and internships, they refine their proficiency in problem-solving, critical thinking and collaborative work.

Similarly, mechanical engineers typically pursue a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or mechanical engineering technologies. These programs encompass a wide range of subjects, including mechanics of materials, heat transfer and control systems. Students learn to apply engineering principles to design and analyze mechanical systems, such as engines, power plants, robots and medical devices.

Both aerospace and mechanical engineering programs provide students with a strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, empowering them to pursue various career paths in their respective fields as well as licensure as Professional Engineers (PEs), unlocking opportunities for enhanced responsibility and leadership in their careers.

Moreover, pursuing a graduate degree enriches students' educational journey, expands their career prospects and fosters professional growth in both fields. Advanced studies in aerospace engineering, through a master's or Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. , enable students to specialize in areas like space systems engineering, aerodynamics or propulsion technology, while a master's and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering allows students to explore advanced materials, renewable energy systems or mechatronics. 

These specialized areas equip graduates for leadership roles across diverse sectors, further solidifying their impact and influence in engineering.

Skill Set Requirements

Aerospace engineers require a solid grasp of aerodynamics, thermodynamics, structural mechanics, proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software and an understanding of aerospace materials and their manufacturing processes. 

Mechanical engineers, on the other hand, need a deep knowledge of mechanics, materials science and fluid dynamics, proficiency with computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools and practical experience in working with machinery and mechanical systems.

While technical skills between the two fields differ, both prioritize similar essential soft skills. This emphasis underlines the interdisciplinary essence of engineering and highlights the importance of adaptability.

Key among these soft skills is problem-solving. Engineers, whether focusing on aerospace or mechanical disciplines, use this skill to navigate complex challenges. This might involve crafting an innovative aircraft wing or refining a manufacturing process.

Analytical thinking follows closely. It equips both mechanical and aerospace engineers with the tools to parse data, scrutinize design alternatives and execute informed decisions.

Creativity rounds out these core competencies. It's the engine of innovation, enabling engineers to conceive novel solutions to a broad spectrum of engineering problems. This trio of soft skills—problem-solving, analytical thinking and creativity—collectively underscores the collaborative, innovative spirit essential to the engineering field.

Job Responsibilities

Aerospace engineers oversee the journey of aircraft and aerospace products from conception to testing. They assess project proposals for technical and financial viability, ensuring they meet safety standards and goals. Part of their role involves reviewing designs for compliance with engineering principles, customer needs and environmental regulations.

In a similar vein, mechanical engineers manage the manufacturing process of their designs, focusing on quality and efficiency. They use their expertise to solve problems, incorporating computer-aided design (CAD) tools to refine their solutions.

Both fields require a keen eye for detail in diagnosing issues. Aerospace engineers inspect and address faults in aerospace products, while mechanical engineers analyze equipment failures to recommend fixes. This investigative work underpins their shared commitment to innovation and safety.

Moreover, the development and testing of prototypes is a critical step for both. They analyze test results and adjust designs or systems accordingly, ensuring the final product meets all specifications and standards. This process highlights the iterative nature of engineering work, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and precision.

Work Environment

Aerospace engineers typically work in aerospace product and parts manufacturing, engineering services and government agencies. Similarly, mechanical engineers are employed in various sectors, including architectural engineering, machinery manufacturing and transportation equipment manufacturing. 

Both types of engineers usually work in office settings, using computers for design, analysis and project management tasks. Occasionally, they may have to travel to meet with clients or partners, especially during project development stages or visit worksites to oversee manufacturing processes, address specific issues or inspect equipment firsthand.

Job Outlook and Salary

Both aerospace and mechanical engineering fields show promising growth prospects. Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to increase by 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. On the other hand, employment of mechanical engineers is expected to grow by 10% during the same period, indicating a much faster growth rate than the average.

Regarding job openings, about 3,800 openings for aerospace engineers and 19,200 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 

Aerospace engineers usually earn a higher median annual wage in comparison to mechanical engineers. The median annual aerospace engineer salary is $126,880, while for mechanical engineers it is $96,310 . 

Factors including industry, experience, location and level of education can affect earnings in both professions. Specialized areas or advanced degrees can offer opportunities for higher salaries.

Mechanical Engineering vs. Aerospace Engineering: Which One is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between mechanical and aerospace engineering hinges on your interests, career aspirations and personal preferences. It's crucial to take the time to evaluate your options carefully and select a path that aligns with your goals for a fulfilling and rewarding engineering career. Here are some tips to guide you in making an informed decision:

• Explore the job prospects and growth trends in both fields. Consider factors such as the demand for professionals, the industry outlook and the potential for career advancement.
• Reflect on your interests, passions and strengths. Are you more drawn to the design and analysis of mechanical systems and devices or do you have a keen interest in aircraft, spacecraft and aerospace technology? Choose the field that resonates with your interests and inspires you to excel.
• Keep in mind that both mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering offer diverse specializations and career paths. Think about which industry sectors excite you the most and align with your career aspirations.
• Review the educational requirements and curriculum for mechanical and aerospace engineering programs. Assess the coursework, research opportunities and hands-on experiences different universities offer to ensure they match your academic and career objectives.
• Seek guidance from professionals, mentors or career counselors in both fields. Their perspectives and advice can provide valuable guidance in your decision-making process.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies, industry trends and future mechanical and aerospace engineering developments. Consider which field offers greater opportunities for growth, innovation and long-term impact.

All in all, both aerospace and mechanical engineering present opportunities to design, develop and improve the machines and devices that propel our society forward. So, whatever path you decide to take, know that you are choosing a field with immense potential to drive innovation and make a meaningful impact. 

Ready to begin your engineering journey? Start with our engineering degrees today and soar to new heights in both knowledge and earnings.

Can aerospace engineers work in the mechanical engineering field and vice versa? ( Open this section)

Yes, aerospace engineers can transition to mechanical engineering roles and vice versa, although adapting to specific job requirements and industry standards may require additional training or education.

What are some common misconceptions about aerospace and mechanical engineering? ( Open this section)

A common misconception is that aerospace engineering only involves space-related projects, while mechanical engineering is limited to machinery. In reality, both fields encompass a wide range of industries and applications beyond these stereotypes.

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