South Carolina's Biomedical Science pathway prepares students for careers in biomedical research, laboratory science, biotechnology, and healthcare innovation. This rigorous, STEM-focused program provides comprehensive foundation in human body systems, diseases, medical interventions, and biomedical research methods. Students engage in laboratory investigations, medical case studies, and biomedical problem-solving that mirrors the work of healthcare researchers and medical professionals.
The pathway, often delivered through Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science curriculum, progresses through four sequential courses exploring human body systems, medical interventions, medical diagnostics, and biomedical innovation. Students conduct hands-on investigations using medical equipment and technology, analyze patient case studies, and develop understanding of disease processes and medical treatments. The curriculum integrates biology, chemistry, engineering, and medicine while emphasizing critical thinking and scientific inquiry.
South Carolina's Biomedical Science pathway prepares students for advanced healthcare careers requiring postsecondary education including physicians, physician assistants, biomedical engineers, clinical laboratory scientists, and medical researchers. The program provides exceptional preparation for college science and healthcare programs while developing scientific literacy valuable in any career. Students completing this pathway are highly competitive for admission to selective healthcare and science degree programs.
Biomedical Science at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina's Biomedical Science standards align with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science standards and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). State standards emphasize scientific investigation, human body systems, disease processes, medical diagnostics, biotechnology, biomedical innovation, and research ethics. The rigorous framework prepares students for selective postsecondary healthcare and science programs.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Principles of Biomedical Science | BIOMED-101 |
| Human Body Systems | BIOMED-201 |
| Medical Interventions | BIOMED-301 |
| Biomedical Innovation | BIOMED-401 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Pharmacy Technician (PTCB)
- ✓NOCTI Emergency and Medical Services
- ✓NOCTI Health Assistant
- ✓Medical Terminology Certification
- ✓Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- ✓CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers (BLS)
- ✓First Aid
- ✓Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Medical Laboratory Technician
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $56,235
Biomedical Equipment Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $36,470 - $62,770
Adjusted for cost of living: $39,139
Clinical Research Coordinator
ExperiencedSalary range: $39,230 - $54,390
Adjusted for cost of living: $52,018
Biomedical Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $78,140 - $110,300
Adjusted for cost of living: $103,402
Physician Assistant
ExperiencedSalary range: $103,320 - $133,250
Adjusted for cost of living: $127,914
Recent News
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students participate in observation experiences at hospital laboratories, biomedical research facilities, and medical device companies. Work-based learning includes job shadowing biomedical professionals, summer research internships at universities or medical centers, and participation in science competitions and research symposia where students present biomedical investigations.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
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South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Related Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticStandards Alignment
Standards alignment in CTE refers to the process of ensuring that curriculum, instruction, and assessments directly connect to and address state-adopted CTE standards, academic standards, and industry-recognized competencies. Proper alignment ensures students develop the specific knowledge and skills their state requires for career readiness.
ProgrammaticWork-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) encompasses a range of educational strategies that connect classroom instruction with real workplace experiences. Activities include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, clinical rotations, and cooperative education, all designed to help CTE students apply technical skills in authentic industry settings.
ProgrammaticProgram of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and CTE courses that spans secondary through postsecondary education. Required under Perkins V, a POS integrates academic content with CTE instruction, includes work-based learning, and leads to an industry-recognized credential or postsecondary degree.
ProgrammaticReady to Build Biomedical Science Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Biomedical Science in South Carolina.