Biomedical Laboratory & Clinical Sciences Certificate Programs

Offered in collaboration with Boston University School of Medicine

Metropolitan College offers two undergraduate-level certificate programs in biomedical laboratory and clinical sciences—one in biotechnology and the other in clinical research.

For those who seek advancement in a laboratory or clinical research setting, or who want to move into these areas, the 16-credit certificates in Biotechnology or Clinical Research offer students the opportunity to update skills and earn a professional credential without committing to a degree program. These four-course programs are designed for students who already have undergraduate coursework or a degree in the sciences, or who are career changers with a degree from another field.

The courses listed below are suggestions only; all students individually design their own certificate with the director according to their academic/professional background and career goals.

Admissions Information

For current admissions information, please visit the Metropolitan College website.

Undergraduate Certificate in Biotechnology

(16 credits total)

The Certificate in Biotechnology is an excellent option for those who wish to obtain advanced training in areas such as microbiology, molecular biology, and cell culture. The certificate provides preparation in various protocols and hands-on laboratory skills in use at many biomedical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology companies.

Learning Outcomes

  • Proficiency in communicating and applying the scientific principles that form the foundations of the biotechnology field.
  • Resourcefulness in researching and evaluating relevant and scientifically sound information from a variety of databases and academic sources.
  • Competence in identifying appropriate career and continuing education goals based on prior education and work experience; self-assessment of academic, technical, and professional skills; and knowledge of the biotechnology industry.

Course schedules for specific semesters can be found on the Metropolitan College site or in the Metropolitan College Schedule, available prior to the start of registration.

Suggested courses include:

  • GMS BT 104 Medical Terminology 1 (2 cr)
  • GMS BT 106 Medical Terminology 2 (2 cr)
  • GMS BT 110 Introduction to Biomedical Laboratory Sciences
  • GMS BT 205 Scientific Writing and Communication
  • GMS BT 208 Essential Math for Biotechnology
  • GMS BT 290 Disease and Public Health
  • GMS BT 301 Introduction to Biomedical Research Laboratory Techniques
  • GMS BT 342 Cell Biology
  • GMS BT 405 Biochemistry
  • GMS BT 426 Medical Microbiology
  • GMS BT 432 Basic Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease
  • GMS BT 436 Human Genetics
  • GMS BT 440 Genetics, Ethics, and the Law
  • GMS BT 482 Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory Techniques
  • GMS BT 520 Biology of Cancer
  • GMS BT 540 Regulatory and Compliance Issues

Undergraduate Certificate in Clinical Research

(16 credits total)

As the link between the biomedical industry and the physician, a clinical research professional assists in the testing and evaluation of new drugs, devices, and procedures. The Certificate in Clinical Research trains health professionals to contribute to the design, conduct, and analysis of clinical trials.

Learning Outcomes

  • Knowledge of drug development (pre-clinical and clinical phases) and how federal regulations, especially 21 CFR (code of federal regulations), impact both phases.
  • Competence in writing a clinical trial protocol, informed consent form, and IND (investigational new drug application); competence in designing a clinical study.
  • Proficiency in working with a team toward a common goal, and utilizing best practices within an ethical and safe environment.

Course schedules for specific semesters can be found on the Metropolitan College site or in the Metropolitan College Schedule, available prior to the start of registration.

Suggested courses include:

  • GMS BT 104 Medical Terminology 1 (2 cr)
  • GMS BT 106 Medical Terminology 2 (2 cr)
  • GMS BT 210 Medical Writing in Clinical Research
  • GMS BT 432 Basic Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease
  • GMS BT 540 Regulatory and Compliance Issues
  • GMS BT 550 Clinical Data Management
  • GMS BT 560 Good Clinical Practices (GCP) in Clinical Research
  • GMS BT 575 Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials