U-M BME Expands Pre-health Advising for Engineering Students Pursuing Careers in Medicine, Health Care

August 23, 2026 - 05:06

A new advising initiative within the University of Michigan's Biomedical Engineering department is giving engineering students and alumni a clearer path toward careers in medicine and other health professions. The pilot program, which started this fall, offers structured coaching for those pursuing medical school, dental school, physician assistant programs, physical therapy, optometry, veterinary medicine, and other clinical tracks.

The move comes as more engineering undergraduates express interest in health care but often struggle to balance technical coursework with the requirements of professional school applications. Unlike traditional pre-med advising, this pilot is embedded directly in the engineering school, so advisors understand the specific constraints of the curriculum.

Students in the program meet regularly with a dedicated pre-health advisor who helps them map out prerequisite courses, find clinical shadowing opportunities, and prepare for entrance exams like the MCAT or DAT. Alumni who are already working in health care also participate as mentors, offering insight into how an engineering background can strengthen a clinical application.

The department plans to evaluate the pilot after the first year, but early feedback has been positive. Students say they appreciate having a space where their dual interests are not seen as competing but as complementary. For those aiming to become physician-engineers or clinician-innovators, the support could make a real difference in navigating a long and demanding application process.