Biomedical Science

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.

Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

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, CU 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 scientists.

Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

Clinical Affiliates and Adjunct Faculty

• Akron Cooperative MLS Program
  Akron Children’s
  One Perkins Square, Room 4504 Main Building, Akron, Ohio 44308
  Tracy L. Frankowski, MHA, MLS(ASCP)^CM
  330-543-8720; tfrankowski@akronchildrens.org
• Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center School of Medical Laboratory Science 
  1086 Franklin Street, Johnstown, PA 15905
  Melissa Shaffer, MBA, MLS (ASCP), Program Director, School of Medical Laboratory Science
  814-534-5578; mshaffer@conemaugh.org
• Geisinger School of Medical Laboratory Science
  100 N. Academy Ave., Mail code 19-20, Danville, PA 17822
  Marianne T. Downes, Ph.D. MLS (ASCP)^CM, Medical Laboratory Science Program Director
  gsmls@geisinger.edu
• John A. Mihok School of Medical Laboratory Science
  Monmouth Medical Center
  300 Second Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
  Diane Cianciminio-Bordelon, MS-CLS, BS(ASCP)PMP
  732-546-0071; diane.Cianciminio-Bordelon@rwjbh.org
• Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
  500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
  Marie Wood, EdD, MS, MLS (ASCP), Program Director, Medical Laboratory Science
  717-531-7461; mls@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
• Reading Hospital and Tower Health System
  School of Health Sciences
  P.O. Box 16052, Sixth Ave. & Spruce St., Reading, PA 19612
  Ethan Kentzel, MLS (ASCP), Program Director, Medical Laboratory Science
  484-628-7898; ethan.kentzel@towerhealth.org
• Robert Packer Hospital
  One Guthrie Square, Sayre, PA 18840
  Stacy Pond, MS, MLS (ASCP), Program Director, MLS Program
  570-887-4736; stacy.pond@guthrie.org
• St. Christopher's Hospital for Children
  Erie Ave at Front St., Philadelphia, PA 19134
  Susanne Dannert, Program Director, Medical Laboratory Science
  215-427-5306; susanne.dannert@tenethealth.com
• Thomas Jefferson College Health Professions
  130 S 9th St., Suite 1924, Philadelphia, PA 19107
  Valerie Jalicke, Program Director, Laboratory Sciences
  215-503-2792; valerie.jalicke@jefferson.edu
• UPMC Williamsport
  700 High Street, Williamsport, PA 17701
  Amanda Mills, MHS, MLS (ASCP)^CM, Program Director, Medical Laboratory Science
  570-321-2367; millsal@upmc.edu
• Well Span Health/York Hospital
  601 Memory Lane, York, PA 17402
  Christina Scott, MSHA, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM, Director - Laboratory Services Educational Programs, Medical Laboratory Science & Phlebotomy Programs
  717-851-2473; cscott6@wellspan.org

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.

Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

Prepare for a future in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry or other health-related professions with Commonwealth University’s Biomedical Science: Pre-Medical Sciences program. This rigorous and hands-on degree combines foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics, with advanced laboratory and research experiences that build the skills demanded by medical and professional schools.

From day one, you’ll learn in small classes led by expert faculty who mentor you through every stage of your academic and professional journey. Whether you plan to pursue an M.D., D.O., or another professional path in healthcare, our program offers the scientific depth, critical thinking, and real-world experience to help you succeed. Students are advised by an expert group of faculty advisors that guide students through their educational path and the processes of securing placement in graduate school.

Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

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 CU. 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.

Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

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 and then apply to a master's physician assistant degree program. These programs are typically two years in length.

Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

Physical Therapists examine, diagnose, and treat patients who 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.

Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

Biomedical Sciences (B.S.)

Upon completion of this degree program, students will be able to:

1. describe the cellular basis of life.
2. describe the molecular and microbial mechanisms underlying human disease.
3. describe the integration between animal form and function.
4. describe the molecular biology of the gene and central dogma.
5. communicate using the conventions of biomedical sciences.
6. utilize biomedical laboratory tools and techniques to design experiments and analyze data.
7. prepare for admission to physician assistant/associate programs (program outcome).

Medical Laboratory Science Concentration

Upon completion of this concentration, students will be able to:

1. describe the cellular basis of life.
2. describe the molecular and microbial mechanisms underlying human disease.
3. describe the integration between animal form and function.
4. describe the molecular biology of the gene and central dogma.
5. communicate using the conventions of biomedical sciences.
6. utilize biomedical laboratory tools and techniques to design experiments and analyze data.
7. gain and apply knowledge in specific content areas and proficiency in laboratory skills required of a medical laboratory professional
8. successfully complete a NAACLS accredited clinical program (program outcome).

Medical Genomics and Counseling Concentration

Upon completion of this concentration, students will be able to:

1. describe the cellular basis of life.
2. describe the molecular and microbial mechanisms underlying human disease.
3. describe the integration between animal form and function.
4. describe the molecular biology of the gene and central dogma.
5. communicate using the conventions of biomedical sciences.
6. utilize biomedical laboratory tools and techniques to design experiments and analyze data.
7. prepare for admission to physician assistant/associate programs (program outcome).

Pre-Pharmacy Concentration

Upon completion of this concentration, students will be able to:

1. describe the cellular basis of life.
2. describe the molecular and microbial mechanisms underlying human disease.
3. describe the integration between animal form and function.
4. describe the molecular biology of the gene and central dogma.
5. communicate using the conventions of biomedical sciences.
6. utilize biomedical laboratory tools and techniques to design experiments and analyze data.
7. prepare for admission to PharmD programs (program outcome).

Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration

Upon completion of this concentration, students will be able to:

1. describe the cellular basis of life.
2. describe the molecular and microbial mechanisms underlying human disease.
3. describe the integration between animal form and function.
4. describe the molecular biology of the gene and central dogma.
5. communicate using the conventions of biomedical sciences.
6. utilize biomedical laboratory tools and techniques to design experiments and analyze data.
7. prepare for admission to physician assistant/associate programs (program outcome).

Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration

Upon completion of this degree program, students will be able to:

1. describe the cellular basis of life.
2. describe the molecular and microbial mechanisms underlying human disease.
3. describe the integration between animal form and function.
4. describe the molecular biology of the gene and central dogma.
5. communicate using the conventions of biomedical sciences.
6. utilize biomedical laboratory tools and techniques to design experiments and analyze data.
7. prepare for admission to DPT programs (program outcome).

Pre-Medical Sciences Concentration

Upon completion of this degree program, students will be able to:

1. describe the cellular basis of life.
2. describe the molecular and microbial mechanisms underlying human disease.
3. describe the integration between animal form and function.
4. describe the molecular biology of the gene and central dogma.
5. communicate using the conventions of biomedical sciences.
6. utilize biomedical laboratory tools and techniques to design experiments and analyze data.
7. prepare for admission to physician assistant/associate programs (program outcome).