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High School Center Programs ⟶ Program Themes ⟶ Medical Science

Medical Science

Step into the lab and tackle tomorrow’s biggest medical challenges. Designed for curious, driven students, this multi-year pathway brings healthcare to life through authentic biomedical practices. You’ll dive deep into medical case studies, experimental design, public health, and ethics to jumpstart your journey toward a career in medicine. Medical Science pathway serves students who are intellectually curious, motivated by scientific inquiry, and eager to understand the human body and real‑world health challenges. Through a multi‑year sequence of rigorous coursework, students engage in hands‑on laboratory investigations, medical case studies, and project‑based learning that reflect authentic biomedical practices.

Core Experiences

  • Solve real medical mysteries using authentic lab equipment
  • Join health science teams and compete on regional and state levels
  • Shadow local doctors, nurses, and medical teams
  • Engage in career-connected learning and college credit courses
  • Learn directly from doctors, researchers, and university professors

Program Goals

  1. Develop Foundational Knowledge and Skills
    Equip students with a strong academic foundation in biomedical science and healthcare practices through rigorous, standards-based coursework.
  2. Provide Hands-On, Real-World Experience
    Engage students in experiential learning through labs, simulations, clinical exposure, career-connected learning, and industry partnerships to build practical skills and career readiness.
  3. Foster Career and College, Career and/or Community Pathways
    Support students in exploring and pursuing postsecondary education or careers in healthcare by offering certifications, dual enrollment opportunities, and mentorship from industry professionals.

Application & Locations

Selection Process: Criteria-based application. While completion of Algebra 1 by the end of Grade 8 is recommended, it is not required for admission. Students who enter the program without Algebra 1 may follow an adjusted science sequence as Algebra 1 is a prerequisite for Honors Physics.

Schools:

  • Eastern Region: Paint Branch
  • Central South Region: Wheaton
  • Central Region: Rockville
  • Northern Region: Clarksburg

Course Progression

Below is a sample sequence of courses for students enrolled in the Medical Science Program. Cells in blue are related to the program pathway. This is subject to change as the programs are developed.

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Biomedical Science I*

Biomedical Science II*

Biomedical Science III*

Biomedical Innovations

Honors Physics for Biomedical  or
AP Physics 1

Honors Chemistry

AP Biology Double Period*

AP Chemistry  or
AP Physics C**
Honors Geometry or Higher Honors Biology Math Elective or Career–Connected Learning
English Math English Math
US History English World History English
World Language* NSL Government World Language*  or
Elective (PE, Art or Health)		 Elective (PE, Art or Health)
Technology Credit (if needed) World Language*   World Language  or
Elective (PE, Art or Health)

*Part of the MCPS graduation requirements includes either 2 credits in a world language or completion of a state-approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of study along with a minimum of 0.5 elective credit or more depending on the program of study. Biomedical Science I, II, and III are part of the state-approved CTE program of study in Medical Science. Students who plan to attend a four-year college or university after high school are encouraged to take world language courses to meet admission requirements and strengthen their college applications.

**For programs in schools with IB programs, the 11th and 12th grade science sequence may include IB science courses instead of AP courses.

Grade 11 Grade 12
IB HL Biology (two years)
AP/IB Chemistry or AP Physics C or IB Physics Elective or Career-Connected Learning

Program Requirements

In addition to MCPS requirements for graduation, students must complete the following to remain enrolled in the Medical Science Center Program and earn the related certificate:

  • Biomedical Science I, II, and III
  • Biomedical Innovations
  • Honors Physics or AP Physics 1
  • Honors Chemistry
  • Honors Biology
  • AP Biology (double period) or IB HL Biology
  • AP Physics C, IB Physics, or AP/IB Chemistry