Bioengineering education in Argentina

The first formal and very small program on bioengineering was organized by Universidad Nacional de Tucuman in 1974. Currently, it provides two courses, laboratory practice, and a final project. There is also a research and development program. In 1985, the Universidad Nacional de Entre Rios established the first systematic undergraduate program in bioengineering leading to the degree of bioengineer. The first graduates are expected by 1990. There are also a few other groups (research) and a number of professional engineers who, in different parts of the country, act as clinical engineers. It is concluded that advances have been too slow, that emphasis is needed on research-oriented graduate programs, and that emphasis is also needed on satisfying the urgent clinical engineering requirements of a deficient health system.<>