Engineers in the field: accreditation of BME programs in Argentina

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering Education
• Professional Regulation

Background:

• Historically, college diplomas were sufficient for professional registration in Argentina.
• Biomedical Engineering (BME) programs are newly subject to stringent governmental and peer review.
• This change is due to the potential impact of BME professional practice on public health, safety, and the state.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the essential standards for Biomedical Engineering programs.
• To outline the requirements for educational institutions offering BME degrees.
• To facilitate the professional registration of BME graduates.

Main Methods:

• Review of current governmental and professional accreditation standards.
• Analysis of existing Biomedical Engineering curricula.
• Development of a framework for BME program approval.

Main Results:

• Defined specific curriculum standards for BME programs.
• Established guidelines for institutional compliance.
• Created a pathway for graduate registration with professional boards.

Conclusions:

• Implementation of new standards ensures BME graduates are adequately prepared for professional practice.
• Governmental and peer approval of BME curricula is crucial for public welfare.
• This initiative standardizes BME education and professional registration in Argentina.