Innovations in medical and patient care technologies, MS

IMPACT MS FAQ
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We are looking for exceptional students who want to IMPACT the future of Healthcare.

Note: This program is pending approval.
 
The Master of Science in Innovations in Medical and Patient Care Technologies, or IMPACT MS, is a full-time, in-person, three semester graduate program offered through the School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering as part of the Mayo Clinic and Arizona State University Alliance for Health Care. Graduates will earn a Master of Science Degree in Innovations in Medical and Patient Care Technologies from ASU in collaboration with Mayo Clinic.
 
This unique educational program follows the Biodesign “Identify, Invent, Implement” framework with clinical immersion at Mayo Clinic, experiential learning, and personalized mentorship throughout the MedTech innovation process.
 
The IMPACT MS is designed for engineers eager to deepen their expertise in the rapidly evolving field of healthcare innovation. This program focuses on the entire Biodesign process, equipping students with the skills needed to develop needs-based solutions and successfully implement innovations into real-world practice. Graduates will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate the complexities of medical technology development, from concept to execution, preparing them to drive impactful advancements in healthcare.
 
Coursework is primarily delivered in-person, providing students with valuable clinical experience and direct interaction with Mayo Clinic faculty. Throughout the program, students will develop the ability to identify critical healthcare needs, assess which challenges are most feasible to address, invent and implement solutions all while understanding the regulatory and business frameworks that govern product development. Students will also have the opportunity to engage with local industry experts and leading biodesign educators, gaining insights that bridge theory with real-world application.
 

The Master of Science in Innovations in Medical and Patient Care Technologies will train students (with an undergraduate degree in one of several disciplines of engineering) to identify challenges in healthcare and develop innovative product-based solutions. This new master’s degree will also address the workforce needs of Arizona’s current and emerging biomedical industry.

Read our frequently asked questions.

Who should apply?

We are seeking highly motivated engineers with a bachelor’s degree or higher in biomedical engineering or equivalent training. Students should have an entrepreneurial spirit, an open learning mindset, and a drive to improve healthcare by advancing medical technology.
 
If you are driven to acquire the knowledge to develop groundbreaking, innovative solutions that can transform healthcare, we encourage you to apply.

Degree requirements

30 credit hours and a final project: The credits earned toward this research degree must include a minimum of six elective courses (24 credit hours minimum) and 5 core courses (17 credits), and 1 culminating experience course (4 credits).

Requirements include:
Core (17 credits):

  • BME 541 (Fall): Clinical Innovation I: Clinical Immersion Experience (4)
  • BME 542 (Spring): Clinical Innovation II: Product Design Experience (4)
  • BME 531 (Fall):  Biomedical Innovation I: Clinical Needs Assessment (3)
  • BME 532 (Spring): Biomedical Innovation II: Product Design and Prototyping (3)
  • BME 533 (Summer): Biomedical Innovation III: Product Development and Commercialization (3)

Culminating experience (4 credits): 

  • BME 543(Summer): Clinical Innovation III: Product Development Experience (4)

A final solution presentation of the design project completes the master’s degree requirements.

Electives (6 credits):

Students can choose from this list of elective options that include offerings from SBHSE, College of Health Solutions, W.P Carey School of Business, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, School for the Future of Innovation in Society, and School of Complex Adaptive Systems. Students can suggest an elective not included in the IMPACT list, with approval and guidance from the IMPACT Program Chair.

Career opportunities

The IMPACT MS provides a strong foundation for further academic pursuits, such as PhD degree programs, or leadership in any professional role driving healthcare entrepreneurship. Participants are equipped with the skills to innovate in healthcare technology, from ideation to commercialization. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in medical device design, entrepreneurship, healthcare consulting, and more.

Example careers:

  • Medical Device/ Startup Innovator/Engineer
  • Healthcare Entrepreneur/Startup Founder/ C-Suite role
  • Biomedical Product Manager
  • Hospital C-Suite/Innovation Officer
  • Healthcare Med-Tech Consultant
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  • Clinical Researcher
  • Venture Associate/ Investor in MedTech Startups
  • Research and Development (R&D) Scientist/ Engineer
  • Business Development
  • Product Development
  • Project Management
  • Policy Advisor for Health Innovation

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = “A”) in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor’s degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = “A”) in an applicable master’s degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  • Personal statement (two page maximum)
  • Two (2) professional letters of recommendation that can attest to your academic achievement, professional experience, and potential for success in the masters program
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Official transcripts
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Short response (½ page) to the following prompt: Describe an innovative idea you had, its inspiration, challenges faced, and how you overcame them.

Your application is NOT complete until ALL application materials are received prior to the application deadline. This includes letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and any applicable official test scores.

Additional application information

An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Contact us

If you have questions related to admission please use the contact information below.

ECG 334, Advising Office [map]
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Phone: 480-965-3028