Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, B.S.

Requirements for clinical and diagnostic sciences, B.S.

Students pursing a Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences degree are required to complete a minimum of 120 credits and fulfill the requirements described below.

1. Meet the university general education requirements (see General Education Requirements ). Note that several courses under requirement number three below satisfy general education requirements and Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences degree requirements. See courses marked with “*”.
2. Complete the university U.S. diversity requirement.
3. Complete the Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences core curriculum.
4. Complete the specialization course requirements specified under one of the following specializations:  histotechnology, medical laboratory science, nuclear medicine technology, or radiologic technology, or pre-professional concentration.
5. Complete all Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences major program course-work with a cumulative GPA of 2.80 or higher.

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 histotechnology and radiologic technology internship programs are processed in the winter semester of the sophomore year (or Winter semester following completion of the Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences core curriculum). Applications for nuclear medicine internships are processed during the fall or winter semester of the junior year (depending on desired start of clinical program) and applications for the MLS internships are processed during the summer prior to the senior year. It is recommended that students have at least 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 in the professional specializations HTL, MLS, NMT, or RAD whose cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.80 are not able to graduate with the professional specialization designation.  In these cases, students are eligible to graduate with a Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences Pre-clinical professions degree.

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

Specialization in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS)

Medical Laboratory Scientists perform diagnostic tests that provide important information to determine the presence, extent, or absence of disease as well as 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 include hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, serology, urinalysis, immunohematology (blood bank) and molecular diagnostics.

Students may apply for specialization standing in MLS after completing the CDS core curriculum, 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 in length (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; Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit; and Beaumont Health, Royal Oak. 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 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 Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences core curriculum. Application to the hospital-based internship is typically 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 Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, School of Histotechnology. Acceptance into the internship program is competitive and 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.

The Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMT) specialization is available to School of Health Sciences students through a partnership between the Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, and the Nuclear Medicine Institute at the University of Findlay (Findlay, Ohio). Admission to the University of Findlay Nuclear Medicine Technology program is through a competitive admissions process.  Once accepted, Oakland students will need to 1) apply to be a guest student at the University of Findlay while they are in the Nuclear Medicine program; 2) send a letter of acceptance to their academic adviser; and 3) register for classes and pay tuition through the University of Findlay.

The Findlay program has two start dates per year, in August and January. Application for the clinical program is made during the junior year and should be made 9-12 months prior to the desired beginning class date (November 1st for an August start date or April 1st for the following January start date).  The senior year of study consists of a 12-month program, one semester on the University of Findlay campus, and two semesters of full-time clinical education at a clinical affiliate. Currently available clinical affiliates in the Detroit metropolitan area include Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit; Harper Hospital, Detroit; University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor; and the Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor.  The Findlay NMT program has over 60 clinical affiliates, in 10 states, so additional options are available if the student so desires. Upon completion of the NMT program at the University of Findlay, the student will receive their B.S. in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Specialization in NMT, from Oakland University. Students are responsible for sending their final, official transcripts from Findlay University to the records office at Oakland University at the end of their final semester in order to confer the degree. Acceptance into the University of Findlay Nuclear Medicine Technology program is competitive and based on grade point average, personal interview and letters of recommendation.

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 admission into the Radiologic Technology specialization after completing the Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences core curriculum requirements. Radiologic Technology is currently the only Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences specialization for which Oakland University holds the programmatic accreditation. The admission process occurs during Winter semester prior to the August start date of each year. Acceptance into the program is competitive and based on math and science grade point average, personal interview and letters of recommendation. Applicants are required to have 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 didactic course work is completed at Oakland University and the supervised clinical experience in the Radiologic Technology Department at Beaumont Health.

Advanced Modalities for Radiologic Technologists

Professionals who are currently ARRT registered may expand on their existing knowledge in the areas of Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Mammography, in affiliation with Beaumont Health.  Each course is approximately one semester (15 - 17 weeks) in length and includes 4 days of clinical and one 3 hour class day per week. Clinical hours take place on days and afternoon shifts at various Beaumont Health locations. Other clinical sites, locations and hours of attendance may be required. Clinical shifts vary based on the clinical rotation schedule, as assigned. With permission, additional clinical time may be allowed.   These advanced modality courses demand a high level of student professionalism, personal commitment, and academic focus.  

Students may apply for admission to one of the modality courses listed below, through the Radiologic Technology program application process.  Applicants are required to hold current ARRT registration or become registered with the ARRT within two weeks after the modality course start date and they must also hold current CPR (“Healthcare Provider”) certification through the American Heart Association.  Applications are accepted year round and the courses may be scheduled any semester based on the number of applicants. Acceptance into a modality course is based on previous math and science grade point average, personal interview, and letters of recommendation.    

Modality Courses in Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Mammography

• RAD 4801 - Computed Tomography (6)
• RAD 4802 - Interventional Radiology (7)
• RAD 4803 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (7)
• RAD 4804 - Mammography (6)

Pre-professional studies for medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, optometry, and veterinary medicine

The Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences (CDS) provides excellent preparation for admission to a variety of professional schools. The curricula for some CDS specializations may require additional courses, depending on the individual professional program requirements. For a student desiring greater flexibility in planning their academic program, the Pre-Professional Concentration may be of interest. Students should consult with the CDS adviser as to the academic option most suitable for the individual student’s academic career goals.

Specialization in Pre-Pharmacy

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a major in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences at Oakland University with a pre-pharmacy specialization may pursue admission to any accredited Doctor of Pharmacy program. Students admitted to an accredited PharmD program must complete their final year of undergraduate coursework at that program and credits earned from courses must be transferred back to OU to complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Science with a major in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences. It is highly recommended that students consult with the academic adviser prior to enrolling in any of these classes, as completion of coursework does not guarantee admission or completion of the program. Admission to a PharmD program is through a competitive admissions process. Once accepted, Oakland students will need to 1) send a letter of acceptance to their academic adviser; and 2) register for classes and pay tuition through the PharmD school; 3) send official transcripts after the first year (fall/winter semesters) of the PharmD program to Oakland University.

Students not accepted into a PharmD program may complete the degree program outlined below for a Bachelor of Science with a major in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences.

Specialization in Pre-Pharmacy (3+1) Manchester University

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a major in Clinical and Diagnostic sciences at Oakland University with and a pre-pharmacy specialization may pursue admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) at Manchester University.

Manchester University will reserve two (2) seats in each annual cohort of students entering its Doctor of Pharmacy program for qualified students of Oakland University. These students would also qualify for a reserved seat in the Dual Degree PharmD/MS in Pharmacogenomics (PGX) cohort for that entry year. Qualified students must complete the application process for admission to the Manchester Pharmacy program according to the established deadlines.