Biomedical Science (B.S.)
Our Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science programs provide a strong biology background in preparation for admission into clinical, research, medical, and graduate programs in the health sciences. Some of the most unique opportunities offered to students connects them with expert faculty with human health related research, such as bioinformatics projects and research of cancer biology. Additional highlights include the health care practicum, junior seminar for preparation, and our high-quality clinical affiliations and placements for selected programs.
General Option
Health science is a growing field within healthcare. Health science is appealing because of the countless career opportunities it presents within the field. This major covers a wide range of skills, specializations, and experiences that are simply not available in other dedicated majors. Instead of narrowing in on one specific career path, health science encompasses a large array of disciplines relating to health care, science, mathematics, and technology.
Medical Laboratory Science Option
Medical laboratory scientists perform many of the laboratory tests used in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. As part of the health care team they contribute data on blood, tissues and fluids using a variety of precise methods and technologies. This program combines natural science and liberal arts education with clinical instruction. Our medical lab program is rigorous and demanding. It attracts individuals with strong quantitative and analytical skills. Students should be prepared to study in an academic and clinical environment, and have a strong background in the sciences. Presently, Bloomsburg is affiliated with eight hospitals. Students who complete all of the requirements and the clinical year earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree and are eligible to take the national certification examinations for medical laboratory scientist.
Medical Genomics and Counseling
Genetic counseling can be seen as the health professional role concerned with the impact of genetic disease and genetic information on individuals and families. It's been predominantly concerned with the human problems arising in the context of single gene disorders, chromosome rearrangements and malformation, including syndromes of neurodevelopmental disturbance and dysmorphic physical features. These are the core conditions dealt with in genetic counseling practice on both sides of the North Atlantic, although the scope of genetic counseling does vary between countries so that, for example, North American genetic counselors are often heavily engaged in the offer of routine antenatal screening to pregnant women, whereas this is not standard practice in Europe. As genomic analysis enters clinical medicine, it is timely to reflect on the impact that this will have on genetic counseling practice.
Pre-Physician Assistants
Physician assistants work under the supervision of and in collaboration with physicians. They provide a broad range of diagnostic, educational and therapeutic patient care services. Most physician assistant programs are now at the master's degree level. We strongly recommend students complete the B.S. in Health Sciences degree at Bloomsburg, and then apply to a master's physician assistant degree program. These programs are typically two years in length.
Pre-Pharmacy
Pharmacy is a health profession concerned with knowledge about drugs and their effects. Pharmacists prepare, dispense and administer drugs. They evaluate medication orders, and provide information and advice on drug selection, effects and interactions. The standard degree for a pharmacist today is the Doctor of Pharmacy - typically a six-year program. The first two years of the curriculum is broad-based and can be taken at an undergraduate institution such as BU. Students may apply to transfer after two years, or complete a bachelor's degree (we recommend the B.S. Health Sciences degree) before applying to a professional program. BU students have been admitted to a number of different pharmacy schools.
Pre-Physical Therapy
Physical therapists examine, diagnose and treat patients that have a variety of musculoskeletal, cardiac, neurological and pulmonary problems. They carry out programs to help increase a patient's strength and flexibility, to relieve pain and to help limit permanent physical disabilities. Most physical therapy degree programs are now offered at the doctoral level. We strongly recommend that students complete the B.S. Health Sciences degree, then apply for admission to a physical therapy program where they earn a doctoral (D. PT) degree. These programs are usually three years in length.
Pre-Accelerated Second Degree Nursing
This program is designed to facilitate entry into a second degree nursing program upon graduation from Bloomsburg. Completion of this program does not guarantee admittance into our Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Program.
Medical Imaging (B.S.)
Medical imaging technologists are allied health professionals with expertise in the operation of imaging equipment and the preparation of patients for various diagnostic and treatment procedures. Practice specialties may include competencies in radiography, nuclear medicine, sonography, radiation therapy, cardiovascular technology, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and mammography. This degree program offers a range of academic pathways leading to a baccalaureate degree. Students spend between two and three years at Bloomsburg and then one to two years in an accredited hospital-based clinical program. The time spent in each will depend on which clinical options are selected. This major is not open to transfer students.
