Biomedical Sciences

Majors

• Biomedical Sciences
• Clinical Laboratory Sciences-Medical Technology
• Nutrition and Dietetics

Minors

• Biomedical Sciences
• Exercise Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Nutrition

Graduate programs

• Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
• Dietetic Internship Certificate

The Department of Biomedical Sciences serves students who are planning careers in biomedical research, biotechnology, health care, nutrition science and human service professions. Primary roles of the department are to provide students with a strong, human-focused program of courses in the biomedical sciences, quality academic and pre-professional advisement and opportunities for involvement in scientific and clinical research. The department currently provides two graduate and three undergraduate programs.

Undergraduate programs

Biomedical Sciences

The major in Biomedical Sciences is especially designed for motivated students preparing for entry into medical or other health professions, graduate school or biotechnology careers. A significant advantage of this comprehensive major is that all science requirements for entry into most professional or graduate schools are integrated into one program of study. Advanced elective courses most often recommended by graduate, medical or other professional schools can be included within the major. Students in the Biomedical Sciences program work closely with their professors in an atmosphere that reflects the excitement of the new knowledge and technologies in the cell and molecular sciences that are transforming the health care industry

Nutrition and Dietetics

The Nutrition and Dietetics major at Missouri State is ideal for students who want a career that combines their interests in science, food, people and health. Students learn to integrate and apply scientific principles of nutrition, food, biochemistry, physiology, management and behavioral and social sciences to help people achieve and maintain health. Upon completion of the degree, students are eligible to apply for dietetic internships to fulfill the pre-professional experience requirement for the national Registration Examination for Dietitians. Dietitians enjoy many employment options in the public and private sectors. Clinical dietitians provide nutritional services for patients in hospitals and other health care settings.

Community dietitians provide nutritional education and counseling in public health and community wellness programs. Administrative dietitians are responsible for management of food service operations in hospitals, schools and other institutions. With advanced preparation, dietitians can become involved in nutritional research and education.

The Missouri State DPD is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of The American Dietetic Association (ADA), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995

Approval for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association is recognized as a specialized accrediting body by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation of the United States Department of Education.

Clinical Laboratory Sciences - Medical Technology

The major in Medical Technology prepares students to perform various analytical tests in clinical laboratory settings. The results of these tests are used by physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The Medical Technology program requires completion of a minimum of 95 hours of credit on campus, plus a 12-month internship at an affiliated hospital for which the student receives an additional 30 to 39 hours of credit. The university currently has medical technology affiliation agreements with Cox Medical Center (Springfield), Mercy (Joplin) and North Kansas City Hospital. Graduates of the program must pass registry examinations in order to gain employment as a medical technologist.

Minors

Minor programs of study in the department provide valuable course work experiences for pre-professional students. The minor in Biomedical Sciences provides a foundation of knowledge of the biological human and is especially appropriate for students in those health care or human service professions such as psychology, social work or gerontology.

The minor in Exercise Biology is a valuable complement to several majors including nutrition and dietetics. The minor in Molecular Biology provides opportunities for science students to learn theories and technologies that will become the foundation of health care practice in the 21st century.