Biomedical Innovation

The Biomedical Innovation Pathway prepares students to explore the world of healthcare, medicine, and scientific discovery. Through hands-on learning and real-world experiences, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to enter Kentucky’s growing healthcare workforce or continue their studies in medical and science fields.

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): CMAs are vital members of the healthcare team, working in clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices. They support physicians by taking patient histories, performing basic tests, drawing blood, and ensuring quality patient care. Demand for CMAs continues to rise across Kentucky’s medical centers and community clinics. Students at the IMPACT Center will be able to get certifications in not only CMA, but CMAA, Phlebotomy, and EKG Technician. 

Nursing: Nurses are at the heart of healthcare, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, and community health organizations. From Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to Registered Nurses (RNs) and beyond, Kentucky offers a wide variety of nursing career pathways, with strong job security and growth.

Biomedical Sciences: Students interested in research, laboratory science, or medical technology can pursue careers in biomedical sciences. In Kentucky, biomedical professionals work in labs, universities, and medical research facilities, studying diseases, developing treatments, and advancing medical innovations. Students interested in Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, Pre-Pharmacy and other programs that will continue at the university level, should select this pathway. 

• Bachelor of Science with the following concentrations:

  • WKU Pre-Med

  • WKU Pre-Dental

  • WKU Pre-Veterinary

  • WKU Pre-Physical Therapy 

  • WKU Pre-Pharmacy 

• BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• Association of Science in Nursing 

• LPN Certification

The IMPACT Center is partnering with SKYCTC and WKU to prepare students for careers in the medical field. The nursing program through SKYCTC is pending nursing board approval. Stay tuned for updates! 

Biomedical Sciences

What you'll do: Apply biological and medical principles to better understand diseases and develop new methods for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. 

• Biochemist- $75,500

• Biological Scientist- $72,342

• Pharmacist- $130,023

• Dentist- $150,005

• Veterinarian- $85,376

• Family Medicine Physician- $239,200

Clinical Medical Assisting (Plus Phlebotomy, EKG, and CMAA)

What you'll do: Perform direct patient care with administrative responsibilities under the supervision of a licensed provider. 

• Clinical Medical Assistant- $36,510

• Phlebotomist- $34,102

• EKG Technician- $49,490

• Clinical Office Manager- $50,000

• Medical Laboratory Assistant- $42,000

Pre-Nursing

What you'll do: Provides and coordinates patient care while promoting health and supporting recovery. 

• Licensed Practical Nurse:  $55,441

• Registered Nurse:  $70,158

• Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences

• NHA Clinical Medical Assistant (Phlebotomy, EKG, CMAA) 

Curriculum supports (textbooks, modules, simulations, etc.) are still being added to all academies. Stay tuned for updates!