M.S. in Biomedical Science Post-Graduation Opportunities
What Can You Do With a Degree in Biomedical Sciences?
A degree in biomedical sciences opens a variety of career paths. Some graduates enter the workforce immediately in roles such as science writing, middle school teaching, or positions in the biomedical industry. Others choose to continue their education through graduate studies, professional programs, or specialized training.
Professional Programs
Professional programs—including medical, dental, and other healthcare-related fields—are a popular choice among biomedical sciences majors. This versatile major provides an excellent foundation for advanced degrees in areas such as:
Medical School
Medical Schools in Florida
- Florida Atlantic University
- University of Miami
- University of Florida
- Florida State University
- University of South Florida
General Requirements:
(Prerequisites vary depending on the individual university)
- Biology - 1 year with lab
- Chemistry - 2 years with lab
- Including 1 year of organic chemistry
- Physics - 1 year
- Biochemistry - 1 semester
- Mathematics - 1 year
- Calculus recommended
- English - 1 year
- Behavioral Sciences - 1 year / 2 semesters
- Humanities, Psychology, Sociology, Bioethics, etc.
Additional Requirements:
-
MCAT
- Taken no later than September of the year preceding application
- Shadowing Hours
- Interviews
- Volunteering at Hospital
- Extracurricular activities
- Work experiences in medical field
- Strong letters of Recommendations
- Most US Medical Schools use an online application service known as AMCAS.
- For more details, visit the American Association of Medical Colleges
MCATS/GPA:
- FAU
- Average MCAT: 31
- GPA: 3.7
- 64 Slots, about 4,000 applicants
- UM
- Average MCAT: 32.6
- GPA: 3.77
- Science GPA 3.73
- 150 Slots, about 7,000 applicants
- Admissions documents submitted by August 1st
- UF
- Average MCAT: 31.75
- GPA: 3.71
- Application start date: June
- FSU
- Average MCAT: 28
- GPA: 3.7
- USF
- No minimum GPA or MCAT requirements, USF uses holistic review of all applications
Labor Statistics:
Almost 100k positions needed across all specialties! Mean wage over 200k.
More information can be obtained by visiting the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics page on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics website.
Pharmacy
Pharmacy Schools in Florida
-
FAMU
- Tallahassee, FL
- Doctor of Pharmacy Program
- Minimum GPA 2.75
-
LECOM
- Bradenton, FL or Erie, PA
- 4 year program
- Also available online
- 2.7 Science GPA, 3.2 last 60 GPA
- Minimum MCAT scores: 24
-
NSU
- Davie, FL
- Pharm.D. and Ph.D. programs
- Pharm.D. GPA, minimum 2.75; GPA, 2.0 in prerequisites
- PCAT due no later than January prior to expected matriculation date
- Ph.D.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- GRE Scores required
- 3 concentrations offered
- Social and Administrative Pharmacy
- Molecular and Medicine and Pharmacogenomics
- Drug development
- All 4 years long
- Note: Retaken courses will not count toward Ph.D. program requirements
-
PBAU
- Pharm.D. and Ph.D. in Pharmacy
- Also offers joint M.B.A./Pharm.D.
- B.S. in Medicinal Chemistry
- After first year of Pharm.D. program, students receive B.S. in Medicinal
Chemistry
- After first year of Pharm.D. program, students receive B.S. in Medicinal
- Apply using PharmCAS
- PCAT scores needed
- Letters of recommendation required
- Interviews
- Only 75 per academic year
- UF
- USF
General Requirements:
-
PCAT
- Pharmacy College Admissions Test
- $210 registration fee
- Six sections
- Offered in July, September, October, November, January and February
-
PharmCAS
- Used for applying to many pharmacy schools
- Required Courses
- 1 year of biology, w/ lab
- 1 year of inorganic chemistry, w/ lab
- 1 year organic chemistry, w/ lab
- 1 semester physics, lab not required
- 2 semesters advanced sciences
- microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, etc.
Labor Statistics:
- Mean wage: $121,710
- Over 15k positions expected by 2026
More information can be obtained by visiting the Pharmacists Occupational Employment and Wages Statistics page on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic website.
Dentistry
Dental Schools in Florida
-
Nova Southeastern University
- 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796
- 800-541-6682
-
University of Florida
- P.O. Box 100445, Gainesville, FL 332610-0445
- 372-273-5955
-
LECOM
- 4800 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34211
- 941-405-1500
General Requirements:
(Prerequisites vary depending on the individual university)
- General inorganic chemistry: 8 credit hours, with lab
- Organic chemistry, 8 credit hours, with lab
- Physics: 8 credit hours
- Biology: 8 credit hours, with lab
- Biochemistry: 4 credit hours
- Microbiology or Genetics emphasizing molecular biology: 4 credit hours
- English, Grammar and Composition: 6-8 credit hours
- 4 year program
Applying to Dental School:
-
Dental Admissions Tests (DAT): take at least one year prior to seeking admission to
dental school. The exam costs $385, and can only be taken every 90 days minimum. Completion of at least one year of college level biology and organic chemistry is recommended before taking the DAT. - High overall last 60 credits Bachelor's GPA and science GPA (3.4-3.7). If credits retaken, will use forgiveness grade.
- Significant prior experience in dentistry (>8 0 hours of observation in a general practice dental office)
- Strong letters of reference
- Interview/Well-developed interpersonal skills
- Evidence of leadership potential, shown through carefully chosen/relevant extracurriculars
- Almost all US dental schools use an online application service called AADSAS: American Association of Dental Schools Application Service
Admission Stats:
- Nova Southeastern University
- Average DAT: 20.3
- Average GPA: 3.69
- University of Florida
- Average DAT: 20
- Average GPA: 3.61
- LECOM
- Average DAT: 18.5
- Average GPA: 3.41
U.S. Dental Schools:
- DAT Mean: 17 out of 30
- DAT High Score: 22 out of 30
For more information, visit dat-prep.com's DAT Scores by Dental Schools in the US and Canada page.
Labor Stats:
- Mean Salary: $174,110
- High employment rates in South Florida
- Over 30k needed by 2026
More information can be obtained by visiting the Dentists Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics page on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Physician Assistant
Florida PA Schools
-
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Uses CASPA
- Minimum regular and science GPA 3.0
- Patient-contact experience preferred
- GRE scores: upper 40th percentile
- Add’l requirement: Genetics
- More locations in: Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers
-
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- Uses CASPA
- Minimum regular and science GPA 3.0
- Medical terminology required (at least 1 credit hour)
- Cannot use any AP/CLEP courses to qualify
- 2000 hours /1 year of patient-contact experience
- No specified GRE score
-
South University
- Tampa, FL
- Uses CASPA
- No listed GRE minimums
- Patient contact experience required
- No minimum listed
-
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- Uses CASPA
- Overall & Science GPA minimum 3.0
- Average GRE:
- Verbal: 67
- Quantitative: 59
- Minimum 500 hours in patient contact experience
-
Barry University
- Miami Shores, FL
- 12 credit hours in biological sciences
- Volunteering/Shadowing highly recommended
- Interview
- Medical Terminology course required before matriculation
- 3.0 GPA
Work Prospects:
- Mean annual wage: $104,760
- Almost 40k positions expected by 2026
More information can be obtained by visiting the Physician Assistants Occupational Employment and Wages page on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Physical Therapy
Florida PT Schools
- Florida A&M University
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Florida International University
- Nova Southeastern University
- University of Central Florida
- University of Miami
- University of North Florida
- University of South Florida
- University of Saint Augustine
Admission Procedures:
- PTCAS - Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service
- PT Shadowing Experience (Generally 20-100 hours)
- GRE (Competitive Scores)
- Interviews common
- Strong letters of reference
- Personal Statement
- Minimum GPA in last 60 & Science: 3.0-3.2 (Note: average undergrad GPA is about 3.6)
General Requirements:
- 1 Year of Biology, with lab
- At least 1 semester advanced biology (i.e. genetics, histology, microbiology, histology, etc.)
- 1 Year of Chemistry, with lab
- 1 Year of Physics, with lab
- 1 Semester Psychology (At least 1 semester advanced psychology; i.e. abnormal, developmental, sports, rehabilitation)
- 1 Year of Anatomy & Physiology (some PT programs only accept A&P courses completed in a biology,
neuroscience, anatomy, or integrated physiology dept.) - 1 Semester Statistics
- 1 Year English composition
Labor Statistics:
- Mean Annual Wage: $88,080
- Almost 40k positions expected by 2026
More information can be obtained by visiting the Physical Therapists Occupational Employment and Wages page on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Optometry
Florida Optometry Schools
M.S. in Clinical Vision Research
- 2 year program
- 45 credits
- Online degree
The primary audience for this degree are optometrists, optometric educators and students, and other healthcare professionals who conduct or plan to conduct clinical vision research in a patient care or academic setting. For more information, visit the M.S. in Clinical Vision Research page at NSU.
Entry Requirements:
- 3.0 GPA
- GRE test (no minimum scores requirement listed)
- OAT (Optometry Admissions Test) - 50% Score or MCAT
- Applications Submitted 1 month prior to entry term desired
Doctor of Optometry Program
For more information, visit the Doctor of Optometry program page at NSU.
- GPA 3.0 or above
- OAT scores of >320 (more info on OAT)
- 4 year program
Special Course Requirements:
Optometry schools differ in their admissions requirements. In addition to the common list of courses under Requirements for Health Professions Schools, most schools require the following courses:
- Biology
- MCB 3030: General Microbiology (4)
- Mathematics
- MAC 2233: Life Science Calculus I (3)
- STA 2023 OR STA 2122: Statistics (4,3)
- Psychology
- PSY 2012: Psychology 1 (3)
Labor Statistics:
- Mean wage: $119,100
- >7k needed by 2026
More information can be obtained by visiting the Optometrists Occupational Employment and Wages page on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Osteopathic Medicine
Florida Osteopathic Medicine Schools
-
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Apply on AACOMAS
- Minimum 2.7 GPA
- 8 credit hours biology w/ lab
- 8 credit hours inorganic chemistry w/ lab
- 8 credit hours organic chemistry w/ lab
- 8 credit hours physics w/ lab
- 6 credit hours of english
- Recommended advanced courses: biochemistry, psychology, microbiology, anatomy
- MCAT minimum score: 24
- C or higher in all pre-requisites
-
Nova Southeastern University
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- MCAT Required
- Application through AACOMAS- closes January 15
- Letters of recommendation: 2, one from physician (MD, DO) and from pre-professional committee, OR 3, 2 from science professor, 1 from non-science professor
- Over 3800 applications per year
- Apply Early! NSU uses rolling acceptance!
- Applications open in June, close in March
- Note: AACOMAS application ends January 15!
Application:
- Centralized Application Services: AACOMAS for osteopathic medicine
- MCAT required
Labor Statistics:
- >40k positions expected by 2026
- Mean salary over 200k
More information can be obtained by visiting the Osteopathic Occupational Employment and Wages page on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Nursing
Nursing Schools in Florida
-
College of Nursing - Florida Atlantic University
- 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431
- 561-297-3000
-
College of Nursing - University of Florida
- 1225 Center Dr, Gainesville, FL 32603
- 372-273-5955
-
College of Nursing - Nova Southeastern University
- 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314
- 800-541-6682
General Requirements:
(Prerequisites vary depending on the individual university)
For a DNP:
- MSN From Accredited Program, GPA > 3.0
- GRE Scores
- Nursing License
For a MSN:
- Bachelor's degree, preferably in nursing, GPA > 3.0
- Nursing License
*Check each individual program you are applying to for specifics, these are only general guidelines. However, most programs will require a Nursing License.*
How to become an RN:
Two methods: Examination and Endorsement
- Examination works best for those with a nursing degree
- Endorsement works for those with prior experience
- See more information at Florida Board of Nursing website.
Labor Statistics:
- Mean Salary: $75,000
- High employment rates in South Florida!
More information can be found by visiting the Nursing Occupational Employment and Wages page on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Radiography
Radiography Programs in Florida
-
Bethesda College of Health Sciences
- 3800 South Congress Avenue, Suite 9, Boynton Beach, FL 33426
- 561-737-7733, ext. 84792
-
Palm Beach State College
- 4200 Congress Avenue, Lake Worth, FL 33461
- 561-967-7222
-
Broward College
- 3501 S.W. Davie Road, Davie, FL 33314
- 954-201-6694
Common Requirements:
- Transcripts Submitted to institution
- Required Course: Anatomy & Physiology 1&2, 2 English Courses (recommended completion of statistics and one other mathematics class)
- Personal essay describing interests in the field
Certification Exam Statistics:
- All prospective radiographers must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification
- Broward College 5 Year pass rate: 95%
- PBSC 5 Year pass rate: 95%
- Bethesda 5 Year pass rate: 86.2%
Labor Statistics:
- Median Salary: $61,240
- Over 20k needed by 2026
More information can be obtained by visiting the Radiologic and MRI Techologists Occupational Outlook Handbook page on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Other professional programs include law, veterinary medicine, nurse practitioner, occupational therapy, podiatry or chiropractic medicine.
Graduate Studies
Our biomedical sciences majors also go on to graduate studies in the areas of biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, community medicine, counseling, environmental management, exercise physiology, forensic science, genetic counseling, health behavior, health care administration, nutrition, neuroscience, public health, education, and zoology.
Careers and Jobs
Middle School Teacher & High School Teacher
Become a Certified Teacher in Palm Beach County School system
Steps to become a certified middle or high school teacher:
- Begin application
- Pay a $75 Application fee
- Send official transcripts of education to FLDOE address provided on site
- You will receive a statement of eligibility, if eligible, you can receive a temporary certificate that is valid for three years once you have been hired by a school
- You can find open positions by searching within the school district
- You must also have your fingerprints processed by the school district you wish to teach in.
Become a Substitute Teacher
- You must have at least 60 credits
- No central application online, recommended to call your local school to find out if
- substitute positions are available
- For example ADHUS/FAUHS has forms in the front office to apply
College Instructor
Palm Beach State and Broward College Adjunct Positions:
- Adjunct positions for anatomy and physiology, biology, microbiology, and more
- Palm Beach State College Jobs
- Broward College Jobs (Most positions for online teaching)
Other Education Opportunities
Teaching Intern at FAU High
If interested, please send resume to Dr. Amy Tift at amytift@fau.edu before the beginning of the semester.
Teaching Assistant Positions
Graduate students that receive teaching assistant positions receive a tuition waiver and stipend.
For TA opportunities please contact:
- Emily Newell enewell2018@health.fau.edu for Biology TA positions on Boca Campus
- Patrick Ande pande@fau.edu for Chemistry TA positions on Boca Campus
- Sheryl Van Der Heiden SVANDER1@fau.edu for Biology TA positions on Davie Campus
Research
- Ph.D. Programs
- Post-Fellowships
-
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Most positions are out of state, i.e. the National Heart, Blood, and Lungs Institute in Bethesda, MD. However, many positions are available and provide valuable experience in research and in working in a government laboratory. - National Institute of Science and Technology
-
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC’s headquarters in Atlanta, GA provide various temporary and permanent postdoctoral fellowships, and give excellent experience and opportunities to those interested in research into communicable diseases. - Lab Technician
- Research Assistant
Healthcare Management & Industry
- Medical Administration
- Health Policy
- Health Law
- Biotech Careers
- Pharmaceutical Scientists
Networking and Volunteering
Networking Opportunities
Connect with FAU Alumni Ambassadors from the list below. Many may be able to assist you by sharing job opportunities in their field or offering guidance and mentorship.
Name | Accepted School/Job Mentorship Area | |
---|---|---|
Evan Stermer | evan.stermer@gmail.com | D.O. At Nova Southeastern College of Medicine (Medical School) |
Monica Tirtarahardja | m829tirtarahardja@gmail.com | Florida International University Physician Assistant Program (PA School) |
Elizabeth Singh | esingh@carolinas.vcom.edu | Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine VCOM South Carolina campus (Medical School) |
Spring Davis | springjdavis@gmail.com | University of Illinois-Chicago MSTP (MD/PhD) |
Monica Thacker | monicathacker@gmail.com | M.D., St. George's University (Medical School) |
Stefania Volpe | volpes@palmbeachstate.edu | Associate Professor - Palm Beach State College (College Instructor) |
Joshua Lovelace | lovejr60@gmail.com | University of Florida Dentistry School (Dental School) |
Valerie Polcz | vpolcz@gmail.com | Florida International University Medical School (Medical School) |
Andrew Beckman | a.beckman.2013@gmail.com | Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University (Medical School) |
Mariam Khachatryan | mkhachatryan2017@fau.edu | Ross University School of Medicine (Medical School) |
Geeta Iyer | giyer1@fau.edu | Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical) |
Daniel Chauss | daniel.chauss@nih.gov | National Institutes of Health (NIH) Post-Doctoral (Research) |
Miti Dorzeus | mdorzeus@my.fau.edu | University of Queensland-Ochsner School of Medicine in Australia (Medical) |
Lillian Onwuha-Ekpete | lonwuhae@my.fau.edu | PhD Integrative Biology Biomedical Science track (Research) |
Nicole M. Schuttenberg | nm.schuttenberg@gmail.com | Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine |
Rebecca Estrada | rebecca.mcgreal@einstein.yu.edu | Associate Professor, Albert Einstein College of Medicine |
Patricia Louis | plouis7@health.fau.edu | FAU Medical School |
Toni-Kaye McDougall | toni_kaye27@icloud.com | USF Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa |
Brian Nicholson | Briannicholson33458@gmail.com | University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Dental) |
Issa Hamad | ihamad2015@fau.edu | Tufts University Dental School |
David Blanco | DBlanco5016@gmail.com | University of Florida PhD Medicinal Chemistry |
Zachary Lee | zachary.lee02@gmail.com | Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia |
Matthew Nguyen | matthewnguye2012@gmail.com | University of Queensland's Ochsner M.D. program |
Cara Busheme | cbusheme2013@health.fau.edu | FAU Medical School |
Ayana Campos | ayanacampos49@gmail.com | Middle school science part-time teacher and will apply to medical school within the next year or so |
Vartiter Vardanyan | vvardanyan2012@health.fau.edu | FAU Medical School |
William To | wto2014@health.fau.edu | FAU Medical School |
Shayna Notarmuzi | snotarmu@my.fau.edu | FSU Physician Assistant Program |
Amra Karjasevic | akarjasevic2022@fau.edu | PA school at Drexel University in Philadelphia |
Rachel Prada | rprado2017@fau.edu | Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy at Nova Southeastern University |
Abraham Abdin | aabdin@bu.edu | Boston University Dental School |
Lana Ilazarova | lanailazarova@students.aucmed.edu | American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine |
Heather Wyman | hwyman2013@fau.edu | Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Montana |
Judy Yang | judyyang0501@gmail.com | University of Florida College of Pharmacy, PharmD |
Volunteering
Opportunities | Contact Information |
---|---|
TrustBridge | Joe Hamilton 561-315-0755 |
VITAS | |
Research Opportunities | FAU Professors |
SIM Center Pathways Program | Miguel Castro miguelantoni2021@health.fau.edu |
Standardized Patient | Marina Sapp 561-297-1667 spadministrator@health.fau.edu |
Boca Helping Hands | Tara Currier tara@bocahelpinghands.org |
Boca Fertility | Michael Matilsky 561-368-5500 |
FAU Memory & Wellness Center | Krista Landells 561-297-0103 |
Tomorrow's Rainbow | Mary Jo Vandervoort 954-978-2390 x403 maryjo@tomorrowsrainbow.org |
Boca West Children's Foundation |
561-488-6980 foundation@bocawestcc.org |
Mind & Melody |
786-321-8100 info@mindandmelody.org |
Gift of Life |
800-9MARROW info@giftoflife.org |