Where Excellence is Expected

Fort Collins

High School

Where Excellence is Expected

Where Excellence is Expected

Bioscience Career Academy

What is the Bioscience Career Academy?
The Bioscience Career Academy is a school within a school which develops student academic and job skills to prepare for employment in the Biosciences. It is an academic program which leads to a BCA endorsement on the diploma. Career guidance, academic support, technical training, enrichment opportunities, community service and an internship are integral parts of the BCA experience.

Who should apply?

  • Student who has a passion for Biological science
  • Student who seeks a Biotechnology, Crime Scene Investigation and or Biomedical career

Application form can be found on this link: 

https://forms.office.com/r/qxzKDbsd1m

Application deadline is February 4th, 2022

Bioscience in Colorado: Fast Facts 
There are roughly 725 Bioscience companies located in Colorado
In Colorado: 30,000 people directly employed in the Bioscience industry, creating over 159,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Average annual wage is $90,530.
Colorado’s Bioscience industry supports $2.8 billion in annual payroll.
Total Bioscience industry direct employment increased 4.4% from 2012‐2014.
Colorado’s medical device sector is ranked as the sixth largest in the nation.
Bioscience products are Colorado’s leading export, accounting for 17% of all exports in 2013 totaling $2 billion.
Colorado Bioscience Association

Possible Bioscience Careers

Biotechnology Crime Scene Investigation Biomedical
Biomedical Engineer   Crime Scene Examiner    Medical Technician
Biotechnology Technician Forensic Anthropologist Veterinarian
Molecular Biologist Crime Lab Analyst Doctor/Dentist
Genetic Researcher Forensic Toxicologist  Nurse
Agricultural Engineer Medical Examiner Physician’s Assistant

BCA Endorsed Diploma
Upon successful completion of the Bioscience Career Academy requirements, students will receive a BCA endorsed diploma. This endorsement is a testimonial to hard work and the successful completion of a rigorous course of study in the Biosciences as well as an internship in the student’s chosen field of study. BCA students graduate with 21st century academic and technical skills which prepare them to pursue post-secondary studies and enter the world of work.

Academic Pathways

  • BCA students must fulfill the PSD graduation requirements, including 45 or more credits of science and one AP science course.
  • BCA Required Coursework: 9th Grade: Biology or Pre-AP Biology
  • BCA students must choose one of the pathways below:
Biotechnology Pathway Forensic Science Pathway Biomedical Pathway
Students must earn full credit in the courses listed below: Y=Yearlong, S= Semester Classes
Forensic Science(S) /CSI(S)
Chemistry(Y)
Genetics(S)
Biotechnology(S)
Forensic Science(S) /CSI(S)
Chemistry(Y)
Physics (Y)
Biotechnology(S)
Chemistry (Y)
Anatomy (Y) /Physiology(Y)
Biotechnology(S)
Genetics(S)
Students must earn a minimum of 10 credits from the courses listed below:
AP Biology (Y), AP Chemistry (Y), AP Physics (Y), AP Environmental Science (Y),
Any course from FRCC High School Program

BCA Internship
BCA students must complete an internship during the summer of the junior year (120 hours minimum).  Students take an active role in finding and securing an internship tailored to their own specific interests. Applications can be through Xello. Internships help create a superior college application and may lead to future employment. 

Required activities:
Attendance to two meetings per month is required to remain a member in good standing (one BCA lunch meeting plus one Bioscience Café per month).  8 hours Community Service & 2 Activities/year are required. Field Trips and other learning opportunities are organized by the BCA for student participation.

Academic Guidance:
Students will meet with their counselor and the BCA Director to design a 4-year plan of study at FCHS which will earn a BCA Endorsed Diploma.

Department Team

Department Leader

Josanne Lucas

PSD does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran status, age or disability in access or admission to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. A lack of English speaking skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation.