Medical Studies, B.S.
Balancing strong preparation in the life sciences with an intensive year of pre-clinical education, the medical studies major provides you with nationally normed science prerequisites for pursuing physician assistant education or other medically based programs.
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Take the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Science in Medical Studies degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Get StartedTake the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Science in Medical Studies degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Learning Outside the Classroom
In addition to extensive laboratory experiences through biology, chemistry and physics courses, there are many opportunities for you to learn and develop skills outside of the classroom.
You may choose to participate in practicum experiences in a wide array of medical and healthcare settings. Work-study opportunities are also available on campus, through which you can serve as a lab and/or faculty assistant.
Additionally, you will have access to many conferences, student organizations, alumni mentoring, and community outreach and research.
The College Natural Sciences and Mathmatics hosts the Steelman Lecture Series through which renowned scientists and scientific writers are invited to speak to the campus and surrounding community.
Career and graduates school nights are also held annually. These events feature former students and respected professionals in the field who speak with current students, offering information and guidance about various career options.
Career Opportunities
With a bachelor's degree in medical studies from LR, you will be qualified to pursue a variety of graduate programs in medicine in addition to physician assistant programs.
These would include medical technology, physical therapy and other graduate programs in biology.
Major Requirements
Lenoir-Rhyne University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Medical Studies offers a rigorous, science-focused curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced study in physician assistant (PA) programs and other medically oriented professional pathways. Blending a strong foundation in the life sciences with an intensive pre-clinical year, the BS in Medical Studies program equips students with the nationally benchmarked coursework required for competitive entry into graduate-level medical education. The curriculum emphasizes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology and patient-centered care, ensuring students are well-prepared for the academic and clinical demands of health professions. Graduates of the program are positioned to pursue careers or further education in: Physician Assistant Studies, Medicine and Allied Health Professions, Clinical Research and Healthcare Administration, Public Health and Biomedical Sciences. With its focused academic structure and commitment to excellence, the Medical Studies major provides an ideal launchpad for students dedicated to careers in patient care and healthcare leadership.
Honors
Students majoring in Medical Studies judged qualified by the faculty may, upon invitation, pursue honors work in Biology. To graduate "With Honors in Biology," students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum major GPA of 3.2. They must complete BIO 390 and BIO 391 in the junior year and BIO 498 and BIO 499 in the senior year with a minimum grade of "B" in each course. In addition, they must present the research at a seminar before the Biology faculty. BIO 390, BIO 391, BIO 498, and BIO 499 may count for BIO 400 and 4hrs of general elective for the B.S. degree.
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General Education Requirements (37 hours)
Graduation Requirements (4 hours)
- Technical Requirements (11 hours)
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Major Requirements (67 hours)
- BIO 121 - Principles of Biology I
- BIO 122 - Principles of Biology II
- BIO 200 - Biology Seminar(to be taken twice, one credit hour each)
- BIO 220 - Microbiology
- BIO 240 - Cell Biology
- BIO 281 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIO 282 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- BIO 305 - Genetics
- BIO 400 - Research Problems
- CHE 103 - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis I
- CHE 103L - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis Laboratory I
- CHE 104 - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis II
- CHE 104L - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis Laboratory II
- CHE 201 - Organic Chemistry
- CHE 201L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory
- CHE 202 - Organic Chemistry
- CHE 202L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory
- CHE 411 - Biochemistry I
- CHE 411L - Biochemistry I Laboratory
- HES 305 - Medical Terminology
- PHY 121 - General Physics I
- PHY 122 - General Physics II
Choose 8 hours from the following -
General Elective Credits
General Electives (1 hours as needed to reach 120 hours overall.
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Total Credit Hours - Minimum 120 hours
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific General Education requirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All bachelor's degree programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 120 credit hours. If, in combination, General Education, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 120 hours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 120 hours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
Admission & Financial Aid
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.
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