Every year, over $240 billion is invested in biomedical research and development worldwide (Guardian, 2018). With both public and private organizations funding new solutions to global health problems, the demand for skilled biomedical science professionals continues to grow.
Biomedical Science is one of the most valuable healthcare degrees you can pursue. It’s right at the center of modern medical breakthroughs—whether it’s developing artificial muscles to treat disease or studying the brain to unlock a deeper understanding of stress and anxiety.
Featured Programs
The best part? You don’t always need to move across the country or sit in crowded lecture halls to earn it. Today, many nonprofit universities offer accredited online bachelor’s in biomedical science programs. These online degrees offer the same quality as on-campus programs, with added flexibility and lower costs.
The following sections break down what online degrees for aspiring healthcare professionals include, who is best suited for them, the benefits of earning one online, and which nonprofit colleges currently offer the strongest programs.
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What is a Biomedical Science Degree?
The bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences online is all about understanding human health and disease through different branches of science. Students in this field study subjects like:
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Cell biology
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Molecular biology
At its core, biomedical science focuses on three things:
- How diseases work on a molecular level
- How the immune system responds
- How genetics is passed on
Biomedical science also emphasizes key principles and skills, including:
- Understanding how diseases work on a molecular level
- Studying how the immune system responds
- Learning the details of genetic inheritance
- Developing critical thinking and data analysis skills to interpret scientific results
This degree also opens the door to many biomedical science careers, such as:
- Laboratory-based roles
- Research positions
- Teaching and academia
- Healthcare policy
- Pharmaceutical development
Who Should Pursue This Degree?
Not everyone needs a biomedical science degree, but for a few aspiring healthcare professionals, it can be an excellent choice. If you fall into any of these categories, this path might be a perfect fit:
- Pre-Med or Pre-PA students: An online pre-med degree in biomedical science gives you the strong science foundation needed for medical or physician assistant programs.
- Nursing or Lab Science tracks: Strengthen your clinical and laboratory skills.
- Healthcare Administration: Understanding science can make you a better manager in medical settings.
- Career Changers: Interested in jumping into healthcare or research? This degree can be your ticket in.
If you’re curious about how the body works, love problem-solving, and want a career that helps people, an online pre-med degree or biomedical science program is worth a look.
Benefits of Earning a Biomedical Science Degree Online
Biomedical science online programs aren’t just convenient; they can actually make your life easier and your degree more affordable.
- Flexibility: Study on your schedule, whether you’re working full-time, caring for family, or traveling.
- Lower Costs: Nonprofit schools often charge less than private ones, which means less student debt.
- Same Quality: Online courses meet the same accreditation standards as on-campus programs.
- Graduate Prep: Great if you’re aiming for medical school, PA programs, or other health-related graduate studies.
Affordable online biomedical programs give you solid training without forcing you to uproot your life. Biomedical science online programs are built to prepare you for real-world healthcare careers.
Accreditation and What to Look For in an Online Biomedical Program
- Regional Accreditation: Look for a biomedical science degree online accredited by a recognized regional accrediting body. This ensures the college meets recognized education standards.
- Programmatic Accreditation: Some accredited biomedical science schools have extra certifications for specialized training.
- Transferability: Check if your credits will transfer if you move or continue your education elsewhere.
- Labs and Hands-On Learning: Virtual labs or partnerships with local labs give you practical experience.
- Internships and Clinical Support: Look for programs connected to hospitals or research institutions.
Top Online Bachelor’s in Biomedical Science Programs at Nonprofit Colleges
Here are five of the best online biomedical science degrees in 2026.
Arizona State University
- Overview: Biomedical sciences concentration within the Biological Sciences BS.
- Format: Fully online; option for accelerated master’s.
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
- What’s Special: MCAT prep, electives in cancer biology/medical anthropology/bioethics, accelerated master’s pathway.
- Cost: About $561 per credit, 120 credits total.
University of Florida
- Overview: Offers an online Biology, Microbiology & Cell Science degree.
- Format: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- What’s Special: Broad coverage of life sciences, strong prep for grad/professional schools. This is one of the most affordable online biomedical programs.
- Cost: About $129 per credit (BA); $552 per credit (BS)
Advent Health University
- Overview: BS in Biomedical Sciences with a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology with a faith-based approach.
- Format: Online, hybrid, and in-person options.
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- What’s Special: Small class sizes, guaranteed interview partnership with Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine, strong lab-based training, and faith-integrated curriculum.
- Tuition: Contact AHU for current tuition rates.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Overview: Online Bachelor’s in Biomedical Science degree-completion with a Health Sciences submajor. Focuses on clinical and non-clinical healthcare roles, leadership, and preparation for graduate/professional programs.
- Format: Fully online, semester-based.
- Accreditation: HLC
- What’s Special: Transfer-friendly (awards 60+ credits), career advancement focus, strong path to med school and other graduate programs.
- Tuition: $382 per credit (120 credits required; 60+ may transfer).
University of South Florida
- Overview: Designed for students pursuing medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, PA, or graduate study in the sciences.
- Format: Fully online; students can choose advanced coursework based on career goals, with BS/MD and BS/PharmD options available.
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- What’s Special: Highly customizable coursework, progression policy ensures strong science performance, research opportunities, and formal undergraduate research credit on transcripts.
- Tuition: About $211 per credit hour in-state; $577 per credit hour out-of-state
Career Paths with an Online Biomedical Science Degree
With this degree, you’re not locked into one job. Here are some biomedical science careers you might take:
Entry-level roles
- Medical Lab Technician
- Median salary: $61,890/year
- Job growth: 2% (2024 to 2034)
- Clinical Research Assistant
- Median salary: $46,881/year
- Demand is rising with more clinical trials
- Public Health Specialist
- Median salary: $63,000/year
- Job growth: 4% (2024 to 2034)
- Biological Technician
- Median salary: $52,000/year
- Job growth: 3% (2024 to 2034)
- Environmental Health Specialist
- Median salary: $80,060/year
- Job growth: 4% (2024 to 2034)
- Epidemiology Assistant
- Median salary: $83,980/year
- Job growth: 16% (2024 to 2034)
Graduate programs
- Medicine: Prepares you to become a physician, diagnosing and treating illnesses, often after earning an MD or DO.
- Physician Assistant Studies: Trains you to work as a PA, practicing medicine under a doctor’s supervision with strong clinical responsibilities.
- Dentistry: Focuses on oral health, from preventative care to surgery, leading to roles as a general dentist or specialist.
Biomedical Engineering: Combines biology and engineering to design medical devices, prosthetics, and healthcare technologies. - Pharmacology: Explores how drugs interact with the body, opening doors to careers in research, drug development, or clinical testing.
Biomedical science is a versatile field. Some graduates go directly into lab and healthcare support roles, while others continue to graduate or professional school. Jobs for biomedical science graduates are projected to grow an average of 9% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than average. This means you’ll have plenty of opportunities, whether you stop at your bachelor’s or keep going for advanced study.
Basically, online degrees for aspiring healthcare professionals lead you to a field where the sky’s the limit.
Tips for Choosing the Right Program
A few things to keep in mind when narrowing down biomedical science online programs:
- Coursework: Make sure it aligns with your goals (pre-med, research, public health).
- Support services: Look for online advising, tutoring, and career help.
- Hands-on opportunities: Virtual labs or partnerships with local labs are key.
- Cost and credits: Compare tuition and see how credits transfer if needed.
Choosing the best online biomedical science degrees makes all the difference in how prepared and confident you’ll feel entering your career.
Conclusion & Next Steps
An accredited online Bachelor’s in Biomedical Science degree can be your ticket to a rewarding healthcare career. Nonprofit schools make it achievable and cost-effective, without compromising quality.
Next steps? Compare programs, talk to advisors, and apply early. With the right degree, you’ll be ready to make a real impact in healthcare, research, or public health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a biomedical science degree good for pre-med?
Absolutely. It gives you the science foundation you need for medical school.
Can I get a biomedical science degree fully online?
Yes. Many universities offer fully online programs, though some might include hybrid lab sessions.
What jobs can I get with a biomedical science degree?
Medical lab technician, clinical research assistant, public health specialist, or you can continue to advanced degrees in medicine, pharmacy, or research.
How long does an online biomedical science degree take?
Typically about four years full-time, but part-time or accelerated options exist.
