Ready to explore the exciting intersection of biology, medicine, and technology?
Biomedical Sciences is an interdisciplinary degree that combines biology, chemistry, and engineering to prepare students for careers in medicine, research, and healthcare innovation. Through a strong pre-med foundation, immersive lab experiences, and cutting-edge coursework, students gain the knowledge and skills to design and improve medical technologies, pursue advanced research, or enter medical school. In addition to the B.S. degree, students can earn certificates in Biomedical Devices and Pre-Health. The program also offers a highly competitive Pre-Health BS/DO pathway in partnership with the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM), providing a direct route to becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine with a focus on whole-person, holistic care.
On-Campus
Biology, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering
120
Every fall and spring semester
Pre-Health BS/DO pathway available in partnership with the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM)
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences Curriculum
The B.S. in Biomedical Sciences curriculum is designed to immerse students in the world of medicine and innovation from day one. Students build a strong foundation through hands-on labs and coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, and physiology, while also developing skills in writing, statistics, and critical thinking. As they progress, students explore advanced topics such as genetics, neuroscience, and biochemistry, and participate in uniquely Florida Poly courses like Biomedical Devices, where they work directly with medical technology, and AI in Biology, where they examine how artificial intelligence is transforming diagnosis and healthcare. Students also have the opportunity to earn certificates in Biomedical Devices and Pre-Health, giving them an added advantage. The program culminates in a capstone project that brings everything together, preparing graduates to stand out as they pursue medical school, research, or careers in healthcare innovation. The program includes 74 required credits, including the capstone sequence but not general education courses, providing a rigorous and well-rounded foundation in the biomedical sciences.
The Biomedical Sciences degree with a Pre-Health pathway serves as the entry point to Florida Poly’s Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (BS/DO) six-year program in partnership with the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM). For the first BS/DO cohort, 22 students will be selected by OCOM admissions to continue through the accelerated pathway, providing a direct route from undergraduate study to medical school and advanced training as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. DO physicians receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment and emphasize a holistic, whole-person approach to care—focusing on how the body’s systems work together to support overall health.
The first two years of the Biomedical Sciences curriculum, developed in partnership with the OCOM, focus on building a strong scientific foundation for advanced medical study. Students complete two-semester sequences in introductory biology, introductory chemistry, organic chemistry, and algebra-based physics, each with accompanying labs. The curriculum also includes Frontiers of Science, Statistics, English Composition, Technical Writing, Calculus I (or higher), Anatomy and Physiology with labs, and general education coursework in Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences. A recommended course flowchart helps guide students through these requirements during the first two years.
Students interested in the BS/DO pathway must first apply and be admitted to Florida Polytechnic University. The admissions process for Florida Poly and OCOM is separate, and students do not apply to OCOM until the spring term of their second year at Florida Poly, at which time they must meet the admissions criteria established by OCOM. OCOM will select 22 students for the first cohort of the program. Students who are not initially selected but remain interested in the pathway will be placed on a high-priority waitlist. Upon completion of the first two years, selected students will transition to OCOM to complete the remaining four years of coursework toward their DO degree.
To support the diverse career interests of Biomedical Sciences students, the program offers two specialized certificate options that allow students to tailor their academic experience. Each certificate consists of four courses selected from designated elective pools, providing focused knowledge and skills aligned with specific career paths such as healthcare, research, or medical technology. These certificates offer added flexibility and value, with the opportunity for students to complete both and further strengthen their expertise and career readiness.
Four of the following pool of courses are required to complete the Biomedical Devices Certificate:
Four of the following pool of courses are required to complete the Pre-Health Certificate:
The biomedical sciences curriculum has been designed to prepare students so that upon graduation they are able to:
At Florida Poly, our small campus environment fosters a unique approach to STEM education.
Through a curriculum that progresses from freshman to senior year, emphasizing project-based learning, individualized mentorship with faculty, required internships in high-tech industries, and culminating in a senior capstone design project, students are equipped with comprehensive skills and experiences, uniquely preparing them for success in the rapidly advancing tech landscape.
At Florida Poly, internships aren’t just encouraged—they’re a fundamental part of the educational experience. Mandatory for all students, these internships provide direct engagement with high-tech industry leaders. This immersive experience not only provides practical skills but also fosters crucial connections within the industry, frequently paving the way to future employment opportunities for our graduates.
Florida Poly’s capstone design course is the pinnacle of each students’ academic journey, consolidating their four years of learning into a single project. During their senior year, students in this course collaborate with peers from various fields to tackle real-world challenges supported by industry sponsors. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students not only apply theoretical concepts but also gain practical experience, preparing them for successful careers in their respective fields.
Armed with the knowledge and skills gained at Florida Poly, especially through internships and capstone projects, our alumni smoothly entered thriving careers in high-tech industries. These hands-on experiences offered invaluable insights and practical expertise, enabling our alumni to innovate and excel in dynamic, leading-edge settings, influencing the trajectory of technology.
Fall 2026
Every fall semester
Students will select the B.S. in Biomedical Science on the Florida Poly admissions application.
The B.S. in Biomedical Science is open to all students who meet Florida Poly’s admission criteria. Admission to OCOM is based on the students’ qualifications, following OCOM’s standards and application process.
Students who are not selected for the Pre-Health BS/DO Pathway will continue in the B.S. in Biomedical Sciences at Florida Poly and remain eligible for healthcare and science-related careers. Those students will be placed on a high-priority waitlist and may be considered if additional spots become available. Students can also strengthen their preparation for medical or health-related careers or graduate programs by completing the Biomedical Devices Certificate or the Pre-Health Certificate.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and emphasize a holistic, whole-person approach to patient care, focusing on the body’s interconnected systems. Doctors of Medicine (MDs) primarily use an allopathic model, focusing on disease diagnosis and treatment. Both DOs and MDs are fully licensed physicians in all 50 states, capable of diagnosing, treating, and prescribing medication.
Florida Poly and OCOM maintain separate admissions criteria for acceptance into each institution. Florida Poly will follow the existing admissions requirements and application process, which are outlined on the undergraduate admissions page.
OCOM Admissions Requirements:
Students can express interest in the BS/DO pathway between Florida Poly and OCOM by completing this inquiry form. Once the admissions application is updated to include questions regarding the BS/DO program, students will apply to Florida Poly through the standard application process. Applications will be reviewed according to Florida Poly’s existing admissions criteria.
OCOM’s Application Process:
The application timeline for admission to Florida Poly will follow the University’s existing dates and deadlines. Current application deadlines can be found on the undergraduate admissions page.
OCOM’s application timeline is between January–March of the applicant’s 2nd year spring semester at Florida Poly.
Yes. Students will follow the same deposit and enrollment steps as other incoming Florida Poly students. Consideration for the BS/DO pathway will take place during a student’s second year at Florida Poly.
Yes, successful candidates will be guaranteed a seat, up to 20 applicants. Additional applicants will be placed on a high priority waitlist.
Because Florida Poly and OCOM are separate institutions, scholarship opportunities may differ. While enrolled at Florida Poly, students may qualify for institutional, merit-based scholarships as well as state and federal financial aid such as grants and loans. External scholarships awarded outside of Florida Poly may also be applied.
The cost of attendance will vary based on several factors, including the number of enrolled credits, in-state vs. out-of-state residency (specific to Florida Poly), housing choices, and available financial aid. Because Florida Poly and OCOM are separate institutions, each has its own tuition and fees. Detailed information about Florida Poly’s costs, including tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans, is available on the undergraduate financial aid page.
The cost of attendance for OCOM can be found on their website at OCOM.org/cost-of-attendance. Students are encouraged to review the cost of attendance from both institutions together to understand the financial investment across the full six years of the program.
This session will demonstrate that practical risk management is for everyone, regardless of a formal program. Attendees will learn actionable and simple strategies that are easy to implement, enabling them to start immediately by focusing on their top risks to build greater operational resilience and ensure the sustained success of their auxiliary enterprises.
Michelle Powell serves as the pioneering Risk Manager at Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s sole 100% STEM-dedicated institution. Having been with the university for nearly 11 years, Michelle transitioned from a leadership role in Admissions in October 2023 to establish and evolve the risk management function from the ground up. In this solo capacity, Michelle builds robust frameworks for our dynamic, young university, overseeing our insurance portfolio, consulting on third-party and event risks, and developing critical campus-wide training programs. Michelle has obtained the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) Enterprise Risk Management certificate and the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations. Her distinct background in mathematics and engineering, combined with extensive higher education leadership, brings an analytical and strategic approach enhancing the institution’s resilience.
Dr. Lily Li is a Professor of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University, where she specializes in materials science, analytical imaging, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical devices. Prior to joining Florida Poly in 2025, she spent 11 years at SUNY Potsdam, where she advanced to Full Professor and developed a 3-2 Engineering dual-degree program with Clarkson University. Her work emphasizes experiential learning and research-driven education to prepare students for careers in STEM fields.
