Biomedical Sciences (MABS)

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Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (MABS)

Why Choose Bluefield?

Earn your degree in less than a year

MCAT not required

Competitive tuition rates

Flexible start dates

Financial aid available

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (MABS) program at Bluefield University, offered in partnership with the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), provides a comprehensive and valuable educational experience for students aspiring to pursue medical school or professional healthcare programs.

The MISSION of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is to prepare globally-minded, community-focused physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations and promote research to improve human health. Their 20-year proven track record consistently turns out physician graduates who are equipped to give back and impact their communities with health initiatives and solutions that meet the needs of their patients and their families for generations to come.

Students who excel in the program and attain program benchmarks have a direct linkage to being admitted to the VCOM DO program. Other opportunities are also available!

On-Campus Program

The 9-month MABS program is conducted on the VCOM Virginia campus in Blacksburg, where students gain essential knowledge and clinical experience to prepare for medical school and professional healthcare programs.

Successful completion of the MABS program can significantly enhance the chances of acceptance into the VCOM DO program on one of the four VCOM campuses, and it may also eliminate the mandatory lag or glide year present in most other programs.

Online Program (OMABS)

The online Biomedical Sciences degree, known as OMABS, offers the opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences 100% online, in an asynchronous format, without the need to relocate to Blacksburg, VA. Similar to the on-campus program, OMABS provides a medical school curriculum and allows students to demonstrate their academic readiness for the challenges of medical school.

Quick Facts!

Graduates can finish in as little as 9 months
Tuition per credit hour $800
Average Salary upon completion (varies by occupation) $65k-$115k

Curriculum & Opportunities

The MABS program’s curriculum mirrors medical school by emphasizing biomedical coursework, research experience, field study, and seminars in professional development.

Students also engage in valuable community interactions, spending over 40 hours with rural Appalachian populations to address limited access to basic healthcare, poverty, and other systemic factors.

Faculty & Advantages

The program’s faculty, who also teach in the VCOM D.O. program, play a crucial role in shaping the lives and philosophy of future physicians, scientists, and other healthcare professionals.

The program offers a reasonable cost of tuition, does not require the MCAT, and provides opportunities through meeting the benchmarks, making it an attractive choice for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Benchmark for VCOM Admissions

Meeting and exceeding these benchmarks will drastically improve your chance of acceptance into the VCOM DO program after successful completion of the MABS program.

GPA	MCAT	MABS to D.O. Interview Committee
3.5-4.0	496 or above	Positive evaluation

Cost & Timeline

Invest In Your Future

Tuition: The Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (MABS) program at Bluefield University offers a competitive tuition rate of $800 per credit hour, providing an affordable pathway to advanced education in the field of biomedical sciences.

Flexible Start Dates

Next Start: January 2025 (Online)

Next Start: January 2025 (Blacksburg Campus)

Students have the flexibility to choose the start date that aligns with their schedule and learning preferences, whether they opt for the online or on-campus mode of instruction.

Efficient Completion

Full-Time: 9-12 months

Part-Time: Up to 24 months

With a streamlined curriculum and dedicated support, students can complete the MABS program in as little as 9 months, allowing them to embark on their professional journey sooner.

Financial Aid Available

99% of BU students qualify for financial assistance to help them earn their degrees. We will stop at nothing to help our students go further. See how we can help!

Scholarships

Unlock Your Potential

Many of our students receive scholarships or grants, making education more affordable. Don’t let finances hold you back. Discover the opportunities awaiting you!

Federal Financial Aid

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Need To Know

This distinctive program provides pathways to the VCOM Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and other healthcare and professional programs.

Unlocking Opportunities

The Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (MABS) program at Bluefield University opens doors to a wide array of career opportunities in the dynamic field of healthcare and biomedical research.

Preparation for Success

By providing a robust foundation in biomedical coursework, research experience, and practical field study, the MABS program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in diverse healthcare settings and research environments.

Top industries for MABS graduates: Graduates will be prepared for professional entrance in industries such as Biomedical Industries, Translational Research, Healthcare, Pharmaceutical Companies, Biotechnology Firms, and Public Health Organizations, as well as other related fields.

Top jobs/careers for MABS graduates: Medical School Candidate, Pharmacy School Candidate, Healthcare Administrator, Biomedical Researcher, Public Health Specialist, Medical Technologist, Forensic Science, Biomedical Engineer, Veterinary Medicine, and many more rewarding fields of interest.

Prospective students seeking admission to the Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (MABS) program at Bluefield University must satisfy the following requirements prior to enrollment:

Academic Qualifications

Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
Completion of the following undergraduate courses with a grade of C or better prior to matriculation:
- One year of Biological Sciences with Laboratory
- One year of Physics
- One year of General or Inorganic Chemistry
- One year of Organic Chemistry
- One year of English
Laboratories for Physics, General or Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry are strongly encouraged for all applicants.

Minimum GPA Requirements

Maintain an overall GPA of 3.0
Attain a science GPA of 3.0

Additional Considerations

Submission of MCAT scores is not required for admission to the MABS program, although applicants with an MCAT score of 496 or higher may have an advantage as they have already met the MCAT component of the benchmarks and can focus solely on their coursework.
Adherence to the Bluefield University Technical Standards for Admission and Continued Enrollment outlined in the MABS Student Handbook is mandatory for all students.

Admission Process

It is important to note that the admissions process is competitive, with various criteria beyond GPA playing a significant role. Acceptance into the MABS program provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate improved academic capability but does not guarantee admission to a professional school.

The Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences program at Bluefield University sets high standards to ensure that students admitted to the program are well-prepared to excel in their academic pursuits and contribute meaningfully to the field of biomedical sciences.

The Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (MABS) program at Bluefield University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills essential for success in the biomedical field. The program’s coursework encompasses a wide range of topics, integrating foundational principles, advanced study, and practical experiences to foster well-rounded competencies among its graduates.

Key Courses

Health Policy & Social Determinants of Health
Biochemistry
Medical Anatomy
Cell Physiology
Neuroscience
Research & Biostatistics
Human Nutrition
Immunology
Histology/Embryology
Human Genetics
Clinical Prevention & Public Health
Microbiology
Epidemiology

Experiential Learning

In addition to academic coursework, the program emphasizes experiential learning through research projects, laboratory experiences, and clinical rotations. This hands-on approach allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills essential for their future careers in the biomedical sciences.

Competencies