Michigan State University

What you'll study

This bachelor’s degree combines foundational biomedical science with applied clinical coursework and experiential learning. Core subjects typically include human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning, pharmacology, medical terminology, and healthcare ethics. Students also study research methods, biostatistics and evidence-based practice to prepare for clinical research or graduate-level study.

• Core modules: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, Clinical Assessment and Interviewing, Pharmacology Basics, Healthcare Ethics and Law.
• Research and analytic skills: Research Design and Methods, Biostatistics, Evidence-Based Practice, Quality Improvement in Healthcare.
• Applied and clinical learning: Clinical Practicum/Field Experience, Simulation-based Clinical Skills, Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Principles, Community Health and Public Health Practice.
• Electives and concentrations: Students can usually choose electives in areas such as health informatics, gerontology, global health, nutrition, or specialised clinical techniques to tailor the degree to career aims.
• Capstone: A senior seminar or capstone project integrates clinical knowledge and research skills, often involving a practicum, research project, or community partnership.

Entry requirements

Admission to this programme normally requires a high school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record, particularly in science subjects. Typical preparation includes secondary-level biology and chemistry; mathematics and English are also recommended. Applicants are expected to demonstrate interest in health care through relevant volunteer, shadowing or work experience.

• Academic qualifications: strong secondary-school grades with emphasis on science and mathematics.
• Prerequisite knowledge: biology and chemistry; courses in human anatomy, physiology or health sciences are advantageous.
• Application materials: completed application, personal statement outlining motivation and experience in health care, and one or more academic or professional references.
• Selection factors: admissions decisions may consider clinical exposure, extracurricular involvement, communication skills and fit for the programme; some applicants pursue interviews or additional assessments depending on the pathway.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of clinical, allied-health and health-service roles or continue to professional programmes. The degree provides a platform for careers as clinical research coordinators, health educators, rehabilitation therapy assistants, community health practitioners and laboratory or clinical support roles. Many alumni go on to professional training in medicine, physician assistant studies, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, public health or graduate research degrees.

• Allied-health roles: rehabilitation assistant, clinical support technician, medical laboratory assistant.
• Clinical research and health services: clinical research coordinator, health data analyst, quality improvement specialist.
• Further professional pathways: preparation for entry to medicine, physician assistant, nursing, physical or occupational therapy, or graduate study in public health and clinical sciences.
• Additional options: health policy, health informatics, community health programme management and education roles.

Why study at Michigan State University

Michigan State offers a broad, interdisciplinary environment with access to strong biomedical teaching and applied clinical experiences. Students benefit from campus-based laboratories, simulation centres and partnerships with hospitals and community health providers across Michigan, which support clinical placements and hands-on learning.

• Interdisciplinary opportunities: collaborate with students and faculty across nursing, kinesiology, public health and biomedical research departments.
• Clinical partnerships: practicum and placement opportunities through university-affiliated clinics and regional healthcare organisations.
• Research and facilities: access to research-active faculty, laboratories and simulation suites that build practical clinical skills and research experience.
• Career support: dedicated advising, pre-health resources and a large alumni network to support transitions into employment or further professional study.