Assessing the need for biomedical engineering graduate programs in Saudi Arabia: A stakeholder perspective

BackgroundBiomedical Engineering (BME) plays a crucial role in advancing healthcare. While BME graduate programs have expanded globally, Saudi Arabia faces a significant gap in this area. As the country shifts from being primarily a consumer to a producer in the healthcare sector, determining the essential knowledge and skills required for BME graduates to meet market demands becomes increasingly important.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the need for a graduate-level BME program in Riyadh and to design a Master's program that aligns with international standards and industry requirements.MethodsA comprehensive questionnaire was developed to evaluate the proposed program's coverage of BME fields, its relevance to current and future job market demands, and stakeholder feedback. The questionnaire was distributed to 45 managerial and executive-level BME professionals involved in hiring and policymaking.ResultsThe findings indicated strong support for the program, with respondents affirming its comprehensiveness and alignment with industry needs. Public sector participants showed greater enthusiasm compared to the private sector, which preferred hiring candidates with existing qualifications. Additionally, 25% of respondents recommended incorporating regulatory and business courses to enhance the curriculum.ConclusionThe results highlight the urgent need for graduate-level BME education in Saudi Arabia to support the country's healthcare objectives and better prepare graduates for the dynamic and evolving job market.