\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/FSU-PC-1.1.jpg\")
The newly announced biomedical sciences degree program at Florida State University Panama City will prepare local students for medical school and other health care professions, designed to expand educational opportunities and strengthen the region\u2019s health care workforce.\t\t<\/p>\n
A new biomedical sciences program at Florida State University Panama City<\/a> was officially announced Tuesday, offering a major step forward in health care education for Northwest Florida. The Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences (IMS) program, launching fall 2026, is designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in health care \u2014 from clinical practice and medicine to health care management and policy.\u00a0<\/p>\n The program, offered in partnership with the FSU College of Medicine<\/a>, aims to improve access to high-quality education in the clinical aspects of health care and support workforce development in the region.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThis new program will serve to improve access to a high-quality education in the clinical aspects of health care \u2014 it will be an investment in future health care providers for Bay County and surrounding areas,\u201d said FSU Panama City Dean Randy Hanna<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The IMS program will be open to first-time-in-college students as well as transfer students from state and community colleges.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cFSU Panama City is a tremendous resource for the people of Northwest Florida and a great springboard for students wishing to enter the health care professions. I am delighted the College of Medicine has expanded its IMS program, which will help students achieve their goals of preparing for a rewarding career.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014 Dr. Alma Littles, dean of the FSU College of Medicine<\/p>\n \u201cWe are constantly finding ways to address the shortage of health care professionals throughout the state of Florida,\u201d said Dr. Alma Littles<\/a>, dean of the FSU College of Medicine. \u201cFSU Panama City is a tremendous resource for the people of Northwest Florida and a great springboard for students wishing to enter the health care professions. I am delighted the College of Medicine has expanded its IMS program, which will help students achieve their goals of preparing for a rewarding career.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Students in the IMS program will earn a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, combining a rigorous science core with service learning, developmental seminars and a capstone experience. The program is structured to help students discover their most suitable health care career path, build professional skills and mindset and develop a deep understanding of community health needs.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe have been working on establishing this program for around one year,\u201d said FSU PC Associate Dean Amy Polick<\/a>. \u201cA great deal of work was undertaken to ensure this program maintained the same quality experienced in Tallahassee, while being highly specialized and effective for Panama City students.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Courses will be taught in-person in Panama City by a mix of current and newly recruited faculty. The degree prepares students for further study or careers in fields such as:\u00a0<\/p>\n Medicine (MD\/DO), Dentistry (DMD\/DDS), Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Veterinary Medicine\u00a0<\/p>\n Child welfare, Disability and elder care services, Health policy, Non-profit and research sectors\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe options are endless,\u201d said Tory Peek<\/a>, who will serve as the program coordinator. \u201cThis degree could lead to careers in the non-profit sector, research field, community care or health policy and informatics.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Tuesday\u2019s press conference featured remarks from leadership at FSU PC and the FSU College of Medicine, alongside representatives from local hospitals, Bay District Schools, Gulf Coast State College and area high schools. Students from across the region, including those interested in pursuing the new degree, attended the press conference.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a solid track record of student success, and I am happy we can extend the reach of the IMS program to serve even more students and improve the health care environment in Northwest Florida,\u201d said Dr. Anthony Speights<\/a>, senior associate dean for IMS. \u201cOf the program\u2019s 688 graduates, 54 have matriculated into the College of Medicine\u2019s M.D. program and 30 into its School of Physician Assistant Practice, and many others are successfully working in other health care professions.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Hanna expressed his appreciation to the various faculty and staff, including Tyler Towne and Liz Foster, for their roles in developing the curriculum and forging cross-campus collaboration.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThis was a team effort, and students will see that commitment when they enroll,\u201d Hanna said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Prospective students can find program prerequisites and additional information on the FSU College of Medicine IMS website med.fsu.edu\/imsdegree\/home<\/a> or by visiting pc.fsu.edu\/ims<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n