Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences provides an experiential human-based education in biomedical, imaging, and clinical sciences, and is built upon the foundations of biology and chemistry. The Bachelor of Science in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences degree program offers concentrations in Histotechnology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Pre-Clinical Professions, Pre-Pharmacy Sciences, and Pre-Physician Assistant. Using clinical perspectives to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills, students are prepared for a variety of health careers or the pursuit of advanced graduate education (MD, DO, PA, PharmD, DDS, DVM, etc.).

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

Requirements for Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, B.S.

1. General Education Requirements

In order to graduate on-schedule without taking additional courses, it is highly recommended that students meet with an Undergraduate Academic Adviser concerning the selection of all of their general education courses.

Each candidate for an Oakland University baccalaureate will need to satisfactorily complete approved courses in each of the following areas: Foundations, Explorations, and Integration. For details, refer to the General Education Requirements section of the catalog.

2. Complete the CDS Core Curriculum

• course Biology I (4)

• course Human Anatomy (4)

• course Human Anatomy Laboratory (1)

• course Human Physiology (4)

• course Careers in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences (1)

• course Health Care Systems Around the World (3)

• course Medical Terminology (1)

• course Clinical Laboratory Theory and Techniques (2)

  • (not required for Pre-Physician Assistant or NMT concentration)

• course Ethics in Health Care (4)

• course Introduction to Statistical Concepts and Reasoning (4)
  or course Statistical Methods for Biology (4) 
  or course Applied Probability and Statistics (4) 

3. Complete the Concentration Course Requirements Specified Under 1 of the Following Concentrations:

• Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, B.S., Concentration in Histotechnology 

• Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, B.S., Concentration in Nuclear Medicine Technology 

• Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, B.S., Concentration in Pre-Clinical Professions 

• Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, B.S., Concentration in Pre-Physician Assistant 

• Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, B.S., Concentration in Pre-Pharmacy 

4. Complete all CDS Major Program Course Work with a Cumulative GPA of 2.80 or Higher

Concentration Requirements

Histotechnology Concentration

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 hybridization and image analysis, and medical photography. Students may apply for concentration standing in histotechnology after completing the CDS core curriculum and acceptance to a hospital internship. Application to the hospital-based internship is typically made during the winter semester of the sophomore year. 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 School of Histotechnology. Acceptance into the internship program is competitive and based on grade point average, personal interview and letters of recommendation.   

Admission to Clinical Concentration Internship

To be accepted in a clinical concentration internship, students must submit a formal application for each program for which they seek consideration. Applications for the histotechnology internship program are processed in the winter semester of the sophomore year (or winter semester following completion of the Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences core curriculum). 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 website for exact application dates.

Grade Point Policy

Students in the Histotechnology professional concentration whose cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.80 are not able to graduate with the professional concentration designation. In these cases, students are eligible to graduate with a Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences Pre-clinical professions concentration.

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

Histotechnology Concentration Requirements

Students pursuing a concentration in Histotechnology must complete the degree requirements for the major in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, B.S. and take the following courses for the concentration (a minimum of 120 credits required).

• course Medical Genetics (4)

• course Human Pathology (4)

• course Histopathology  (4)  

• course Clinical Hematology (3)

• course Medical Immunology (3)

• course Medical Biochemistry (4)

• course Clinical Microbiology (4)

• course Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory (1) 

• course Molecular Diagnostics (2)  

• course Clinical Parasitology, Mycology, Virology (3)

• course General Chemistry I (4)

• course General Chemistry II (4)

• course General Chemistry Laboratory I (1) 

• course General Chemistry Laboratory II (1) 

• course Basic Histotechnique and Histochemical Staining Methods (12)

• course Basic Electron Microscopy (3)

• course Immunohisto-Cytochemistry (5)

• course Special Techniques (4)

Nuclear Medicine Technology Concentration

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.

Admission

The Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMT) concentration 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.

Application for Findlay’s NMT program should be made by November 1st of the junior year. The Findlay program begins each year in August.

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. 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, Concentration 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.

Grade Point Policy

Students in the Nuclear Medicine Technology concentration whose cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.80 are not able to graduate with the professional concentration designation. In these cases, students are eligible to graduate with the Pre-Clinical Professions concentration.

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

Nuclear Medicine Technology Concentration Requirements

Students pursuing a concentration in Nuclear Medicine Technology must complete the degree requirements for the major in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, B.S. and take the following courses for the concentration (a minimum of 120 credits required).

• course Public Speaking (4)

• course Human Pathology (4) 

• course General Chemistry I (4)

• course General Chemistry Laboratory I (1)

• course Precalculus (4)

• course General Physics I (4)

Degree Completion at the Nuclear Medicine Institute, University of Findlay, OH

To Complete the Nuclear Medicine Technology Concentration, Students Must Complete the Following Courses at the University of Findlay

• NMED 406 Molecular Imaging Mathematics (3)

• NMED 416 Molecular Imaging Physics (2)

• NMED 425 Molecular Imaging Radiobiology (1)

• NMED 435 Molecular Imaging Radiation Protection (2)

• NMED 445 Molecular Non-Imaging Procedures (3)

• NMED 455 Molecular Imaging Procedures (5)

• NMED 462 Radionuclide Therapies (1)

• NMED 465 Radiochemistry and Radiopharmaceuticals (3)

• NMED 472 Molecular Imaging Instrumentation (3)

• NMED 475 Molecular Imaging Spect (1)

• NMED 477 Molecular Imaging Pet (1)

• NMED 485 Clinical Nuclear Medicine I (12)

• NMED 486 Clinical Nuclear Medicine II (12)

• NMED 487 Molecular Imaging Capstone (1)

Pre-Clinical Professions Concentration

The Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences (CDS) provides excellent preparation for admission to a variety of professional schools. For a student desiring greater flexibility in planning their academic program, the Pre-Clinical 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.

Pre-Clinical Professions Concentration Requirements

Students pursuing a concentration in Pre-Clinical Professions must complete the degree requirements for the major in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, B.S. and take the following courses for the concentration (a minimum of 120 credits required):

• course General Physics I (4) and course General Physics Lab I (1) 

• course General Physics II (4) and course General Physics Lab II (1) 

• course General Chemistry I (4)

• course General Chemistry II (4)

• course General Chemistry Laboratory I (1) 

• course General Chemistry Laboratory II (1) 

• course Organic Chemistry I (4) 

• course Organic Chemistry II (4)

• course Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2)

• course Medical Genetics (4) 

• course Pharmacology (3)

• course Medical Immunology (3)

• course Medical Biochemistry (4)

• course Clinical Microbiology (4)
  or course Microbiology of Infectious Diseases (3)

• course Clinical Microbiology Laboratory (1)
  or course Microbiology of Infectious Diseases Laboratory (1) 

And a Minimum of 15 elective Credits from the Following Courses:

• course Biology II (4)

• course Medical Physiology (4)

• course  Advanced Visceral Human Anatomy (4)

• course Advanced Musculoskeletal Human Anatomy (4)

• course  Advanced Human Physiology (4)

• course Human Pathology (4) 

• course Histopathology (4)

• course Clinical Hematology (3)

• course Molecular Diagnostics (2)

• course Clinical Parasitology, Mycology, Virology (3) and course Clinical Parasitology, Mycology, Virology Lab (1)  

• course Molecular Mechanisms of Bacterial Pathogenesis (3)

• course Medical Endocrinology (4)

• course Directed Readings (1 TO 3)

• course Directed Research (1 TO 4)

• course Histopathology (4)

• course Careers in Health (1)

• course Sociology of Health and Medicine (4)

• course Precalculus (4)

• course Calculus I (4) 

• course Human Nutrition and Health (3) 

• course Lifecycle Nutrition (4) 

• course Introduction to Public Health (3)

• course Clinical Ethics (4)

• course Introduction to Life-Span Developmental Psychology (4)

• course Introduction to Clinical Psychology (4)

• course Introduction to Abnormal Psychology (4)

• course Sociology of Health and Medicine (4)

• course Issues in Women’s Health (4)

• course Composition I (4)

• or additional electives as approved. Some prerequisite courses may not count as electives, please consult with the professional Academic Adviser in the School of Health Sciences.

Pre-Pharmacy Concentration

Within the Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, students may choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences degree with a concentration in Pre-Pharmacy Sciences. This concentration prepares students to meet the academic prerequisites necessary to be considered for admission to Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs.

Through coursework, labs and experiential learning opportunities, students will develop skills to prepare and dispense prescriptions, ensure medicines and doses are correct, prevent harmful drug interactions, and counsel patients on the safe and appropriate use of their medications. Pharmacists are medication experts who enhance patient care and promote wellness.

Admission      

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a major in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences (CDS) at Oakland University with a Pre-Pharmacy concentration 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 Oakland University to complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Science with a major in CDS 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 University 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; and 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 CDS Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences.

Pre-Pharmacy Concentration Requirements

Students pursuing the Pre-Pharmacy concentration must complete the degree requirements for the major in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, B.S. and take the following courses for the concentration (a minimum of 120 credits required):

• course Microbiology of Infectious Diseases (3)

• course Microbiology of Infectious Diseases Laboratory (1)

• course Medical Genetics (4) 

• course Pharmacology (3)

• course Medical Biochemistry (4)

• course General Chemistry I (4)

• course General Chemistry II (4)

• course General Chemistry Laboratory I (1) 

• course General Chemistry Laboratory II (1) 

• course Organic Chemistry I (4)

• course Organic Chemistry II (4)

• course Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2)

• course Contemporary World Business (4)

• course Calculus I (4)

• course General Physics I (4)

• course  General Physics Lab I (1)

• and a minimum of 16 credits of CDS electives (approved non-CDS elective course: course)

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

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a major in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences (CDS) at Oakland University with a Pre-Pharmacy concentration 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.

Concentration in Pre-Pharmacy (3+1) Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University, located just outside of Chicago, has partnered with Oakland University to create an educational pathway for qualified students interested in becoming pharmacists.  Beginning the fall of 2022, Oakland University students can complete three years in the School of Health Sciences and enter Roosevelt University’s Doctor of Pharmacy program to simultaneously complete their Bachelor of Science at Oakland University and start a PharmD. Benefits of this program include:

• Direct application to Roosevelt University rather than through PharmCAS

• Upon completion of prerequisite coursework student will be eligible to apply for the program

• Waiver of PCAT requirements

The Roosevelt University affiliation is in addition to our previously established Manchester University Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration

Physician Assistant (PA) practitioners serve a critical role in the delivery of healthcare in the public and private sectors. PAs perform many of the patient care tasks traditionally performed by physicians in diverse practices from family medicine to surgery and orthopedics. They perform complete medical exams, prescribe medications, and counsel patients on health and wellness.

The Pre-Physician Assistant (Pre-PA) concentration in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences (CDS) allows students to complete the prerequisite classes for entry into most PA programs. Students may enter the Pre-PA program in their freshman year, or transfer into the program from other majors or institutions. There is no application to enter the program. Students must complete four one-credit courses in the Pre-PA curriculum designed to prepare the student for the PA application and field of study. More than one course may be taken concurrently for students transferring into the concentration.

Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration Requirements

Students pursuing the Pre-Physician Assistant concentration must complete the degree requirements for the major in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, B.S. and take the following courses for the concentration (a minimum of 120 credits required):

• course Biology Laboratory (1)

• course General Chemistry I (4)*

• course General Chemistry II (4)

• course General Chemistry Laboratory I (1)

• course General Chemistry Laboratory II (1)

• course Pre-Physician Assistant Foundations (1)

• course Practical Applications for the Pre-Physician Assistant (1)

• course The Pre-Physician Assistant Professional (1)

• course Pre-Physician Assistant Professionalism Seminar (1)

• course Microbiology of Infectious Diseases (3) and course Microbiology of Infectious Diseases Laboratory (1) 

• course Medical Genetics (4) 

• course Human Pathology (4) 

• course Pharmacology (3)

• course Medical Immunology (3) 

• course Medical Biochemistry (4)

• course Medical Endocrinology (4)

• course Human Nutrition and Health (3) 

• course Introduction to Psychology (4)*

• course Introduction to Life-Span Developmental Psychology (4)*

• course Culture, Ethnicity and Well-being (3)

• course Composition II (4)

• and nineteen (19) credits of CDS electives (approved non-CDS elective HS 1000)

CDS Electives - 19 credits

• course Histopathology (4)

• course Molecular Diagnostics (2)

• course Molecular Mechanisms of Bacterial Pathogenesis (3)

• course Directed Research (1 TO 4)

• course Independent Study (1 TO 3)

• course Histopathology (4)**

• course Organic Chemistry I (4) 

• course Health Care Safety (4) 

• course Delivering Safe Patient Care (4)

• course Introduction to Health and Health Behaviors (3) and course Introduction to Health and Health Behaviors Learning Lab (1)

• course Health Behavior Theories (3) 

• course Introduction to Public Health (3)

• course Social Determinants of Health (4) 

• course General Physics I (4)* and course General Physics Lab I (1) 

Note

Note that several required courses satisfy general education requirements. See courses marked with “*”

Academic Advising

All students are required to meet with their professional Academic Adviser in the School of Health Sciences at least once a year to review progress toward their degree.

Applicable Minors

All Minors are applicable to this major with the exception of the following Minor(s): Child Welfare, International Orientation for EGR/CS, and Sustainability Engineering.