Biomedical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, B.S.

Requirements for the B.S. degree with a major in biomedical diagnostic and therapeutic sciences

Students pursuing specializations in cytotechnology, histotechnology, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy or radiologic technology must complete a minimum of 136 credits, including the following requirements. Students pursuing the specialization in medical laboratory science must complete a minimum of 128 credits, including the following requirements.

Admission to clinical specialization internship

To be accepted in a clinical specialization internship, students must submit a formal application for each program for which they seek consideration. Applications for the cytotechnology, histotechnology, radiation therapy, and radiologic technology internship programs are processed in the winter semester of the sophomore year (or following completion of the biomedical diagnostic and therapeutic sciences core curriculum). Applications for nuclear medicine internships are processed during the winter semester of the junior year and applications for the MLS/MT internships are processed during the summer prior to the senior year. It is recommended that students have a 3.00 overall GPA. Students with lower grade point averages may be admitted provisionally pending satisfactory completion of appropriate fall semester, junior-year course work.  Students should check the clinical program’s websites for exact application dates.

Grade point policy

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.80 in all course-work applied to the biomedical diagnostic and therapeutic sciences major. Students in a specialization will be placed on probation if they earn a grade less than 2.0 in any course or if their cumulative grade point average in major course-work falls below 2.80. Students who earn a second grade less than 2.0 must have their programs reviewed by the faculty to determine remediation or termination from the program.

In order to remove probationary status, students must raise their major grade point average to 2.80 or higher.

Specialization in medical laboratory science (medical technology)

Medical laboratory scientists perform diagnostic tests that afford important information to determine the presence, extent or absence of disease and provide data to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. They work with all types of body tissues and fluids, from blood and urine to cell samples. Major areas of specialization within the laboratory are hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, serology, urinalysis, immunohematology (blood bank) and molecular diagnostics.

Students may apply for specialization standing in MLS after completing the preprofessional program, generally at the end of the sophomore year. The junior and senior years consist of the prescribed professional course requirements at Oakland University. A clinical internship is required for national certification as a medical laboratory scientist (certification required for most hospital and private laboratory employment positions). Application to clinical internship (if desired) is made during the summer semester prior to the senior year. Internships are between six and ten months (depending on the clinical site), and are done post-graduate. Oakland University is affiliated with the following accredited MLS clinical programs: Detroit Medical Center University Laboratories, Detroit; Hurley Medical Center, Flint; St. John Hospital, Detroit and William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. Acceptance into the internship program is competitive and based on grade point average, personal interview, and letters of recommendation.

Specialization in cytotechnology

Cytotechnologists are trained medical laboratory scientists who detect disease by light microscopic examination of cell samples from all areas of the human body. They are responsible for the collection, preparation and staining of specimens consisting of cells that have been shed, abraded or aspirated from body tissues. Cytotechnologists are able to detect abnormal cells and provide preliminary diagnostic information.

Students may apply for specialization standing in cytotechnology after completing the preprofessional program. Application to the hospital-based internship is made during the winter semester of the sophomore year. Students will be informed of acceptance in June and begin the internship in August of the next calendar year. Application for specialization standing and internship usually coincide for cytotechnology.

The junior year consists of the prescribed professional course requirements at Oakland University. The senior year consists of a 12-month internship at an approved hospital school of cytotechnology. The internship includes an integrated presentation of didactic material, microscopic study, specimen preparation, clinical observation, cytogenetics, laboratory management and a research project.

The Detroit Medical Center University Laboratories offer a cytotechnology internship in affiliation with Oakland University. Acceptance into the internship program is competitive and based on grade point average, personal interview, and letters of recommendation.

Specialization in histotechnology

Histotechnologists perform a variety of diagnostic and research procedures in the anatomic sciences. During the clinical internship, students will learn histological techniques that involve processing, sectioning and staining of tissue specimens that have been removed from humans or animals by biopsy, surgical procedures or autopsy. Advanced techniques include muscle enzyme histochemistry, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence and immunoenzyme procedures, molecular pathology techniques including in situ hybridization and image analysis, and medical photography. Techniques in education methodology, management, research, technical writing and presentation of scientific information are also included in the curriculum.

Students may apply for specialization standing in histotechnology after completing the preprofessional program. Application to the hospital-based internship is made during the winter semester of the sophomore year. Students will be informed of acceptance in June and begin the internship in August of the next calendar year. Application for specialization standing and internship usually coincide for histotechnology.

The junior year consists of the prescribed professional course requirements at Oakland University. The senior year consists of a 12-month internship at The William Beaumont Hospital School of Histotechnology. Acceptance into the internship program is competitive and is based on grade point average, personal interview and letters of recommendation.

Specialization in nuclear medicine technology

Nuclear medicine technologists utilize small amounts of radioactive materials for diagnosis, therapy and research. Diagnosis can involve organ imaging using gamma counters to detect radioactive material administered to the patient or analysis of biologic specimens to detect levels of various substances. Therapeutic doses of radioactive materials are also given to patients to treat specific diseases.

Students may apply for specialization standing in nuclear medicine technology after completion of the preprofessional program. Application for specialization standing occurs at the end of the sophomore year. Application for the clinical internship is made during the junior year as the student approaches completion of the prescribed professional course requirements. The senior year consists of a 12-14 month affiliation at an approved school of nuclear medicine technology. Currently Oakland University MLS students may apply to the following accredited Schools of Nuclear Medicine Technology: William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, and the Nuclear Medicine Institute, Findlay, Ohio. The application process for each school is different and students should consult their adviser. Acceptance into the internship program is competitive and based on grade point average, personal interview and letters of recommendation.

Specialization in radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses ionizing radiation to treat disease, especially cancer. Radiation therapists have the technical skills to plan, deliver and record a prescribed course of radiation. Their primary responsibility is to implement treatment programs prescribed by a radiation oncologist. Practice of this profession requires good judgment and compassion to provide appropriate therapy.

Students may apply for specialization standing in radiation therapy after completion of the preprofessional program. Students applying to the radiation therapy program must take the Allied Health Professions Admissions Test. Application is made during the winter semester of the sophomore year. Students will be informed of acceptance in June and begin the two-year clinical program in August. Additional requirements for admission into William Beaumont Hospital’s School of Radiation Therapy include a minimum 3.0 grade in all of the hospital’s pre-requisite courses, a minimum of 100 volunteer hours, and a two hour site visit at both William Beaumont Hospital - Troy and William Beaumont Hospital - Royal Oak. See the school’s web page: (beaumonthospitals.com/alliedhealth). Acceptance into the internship program is competitive and based on grade point average, personal interview, and letters of recommendation. The junior and senior years consist of didactic work and the supervised clinical experience in the Radiation Therapy Department at William Beaumont Hospital.

Specialization in radiologic technology

A radiologic (X-ray) technologist is a professional responsible for the administration of ionizing radiation for diagnostic or research purposes. The radiologic technologist must integrate complex knowledge and advanced technical skills in the imaging of internal structures. Radiologic technologists apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, positioning and radiographic technique in the performance of their duties.

Individuals interested in a radiography career must be able to communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals. The radiologic technologist must display compassion, competence and concern in order to meet the special needs of the patient. Direct contact is required when maneuvering the patient into position for various procedures. Radiography is a rewarding career that combines patient care with modern medical technology.

Students may apply for specialization standing in Radiologic Technology after completing the preprofessional program. The first two years consist of the MLS core curriculum. Application to the hospital-based internship is made during the winter semester of sophomore year. Acceptance into the internship program is competitive and is based on grade point average, personal interview and letters of recommendation. Applicants are required to have a minimum grade of 3.0 in all the hospital’s prerequisite courses, and current CPR (“Healthcare Provider”) certification through the American Heart Association.  Patient contact experience, volunteering with patients and advanced course work are considered favorably in the admissions process. The junior and senior years consist of didactic work and the supervised clinical experience in the Radiologic Technology Department at William Beaumont Hospital (beaumonthospitals.com/alliedhealth).

Preprofessional studies in medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, optometry, and veterinary medicine

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, with a concentration in medical laboratory sciences, provides excellent preparation for admission to professional schools. Different professional programs may require additional courses. Students should consult with the BDTS adviser. The other specializations in BDTS (HT, CT, NMT, RAD and RT) can also be used as a prerequisite for professional schools with appropriate course supplementation.