FORT PIERCE — This fall, Indian River State College (IRSC) makes it easier for students preparing for acceptance into graduate-level medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, or another health-related professional school. The college’s new 15-credit post-baccalaureate certificate in upper-level biology courses prepares students for graduate school curriculum and entrance exams. IRSC is the first and only college in the Florida College System to offer this particular Certificate of Professional Preparation (CPP).

“At IRSC, immunology and biotechnology are part of our baccalaureate biology curriculum, but for many colleges and universities, biology degrees don’t require biochemistry or other biomedical upper-division electives,” states Dr. Heather Belmont IRSC Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer. “We’ve established the CPP in Biomedical Sciences to help bridge the gap for students who need required coursework as admission requirements for health-related graduate school.”

The Florida Division of Colleges approved the one-year program earlier this year. IRSC is accepting students to begin in classes this fall. Transfer credit may be given to students who have successfully completed equivalent courses as indicated on the student’s official transcript.

For more information about the Biomedical Sciences Certificate of Professional Preparation, contact Lynne O’Dell, Mathematics and Science Student Success Coordinator, at lodell@irsc.edu or 772-462-7785.