Contact Information
Clinical Sciences at NMU
The Clinical Sciences Department houses several health-sciences programs. The department is home to clinical laboratory sciences, radiography, respiratory therapy, surgical technology and speech language and hearing sciences. All of our programs and degrees are designed to be transferable to higher-level degrees. All programs are science-based and prepare students to serve as health care professionals in various clinical settings. Depending on program selection, graduates find employment in hospital laboratories, clinics, industry, microbiology, biotechnology, forensics and research. Our programs work closely with multiple hospitals and clinics in the upper Midwest in order to provide students with valuable internships and clinical practice. A list of our clinical affiliates is available on the department’s Web site.
Accreditation
The clinical laboratory scientist, clinical laboratory technician, diagnostic genetics, histotechnology and clinical assistant programs are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). The cytotechnology program is accredited by the American Society of Cytology (ASC). The surgical technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP). The radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Program Admission Policies
Radiography and Respiratory Therapy Admissions
Students will be notified of their acceptance into the clinical sequence one full semester before placement.
Admission to the Surgical Technology Clinical Program
Admission to the surgical technology clinical sequence of courses is limited. The admissions committee reserves the right to select students to be admitted. The admission criteria is listed below (not all students who meet the minimum standards will be admitted if space is not available). Students:
1. Must have a grade of "C" or better in all ST and CLS courses.
2. Must have a grade of "C" or better in BI 201 and BI 202.
3. Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00.
4. Must have a minimum grade point average in the major of 2.00.
5. Must have a satisfactory assessment of student performance in the ST laboratories.
Students may repeat a surgical technology course only once.
Surgical Technology Readmission Criteria
Surgical technology courses are sequential, and there is limited space in some courses. When a student wishes to be readmitted into the surgical technology sequence of courses after having a withdrawal or failure in a previously enrolled course, the student must update the application to represent the new timeline for placement. Students who have failed any surgical technology courses more than once are ineligible for readmission.
Clinical Laboratory Science Programs Admissions
All students wishing to enroll in the first semester of a CLS program may do so, providing they have an adequate background for the courses. Current prerequisites are listed in the course descriptions. A faculty member and/or academic advisor may require the student to complete some remedial work.
Application for the Clinical Track
All students who have completed CLS 100 with a satisfactory grade and CLS 109 or equivalent with a "C" or better are eligible to apply for a clinical training position (refer to the specific concentration for details). The application must be submitted to the Clinical Coordinator no later than December 10 and April 10 (Fall and Winter respectively). The application must be accompanied by two confidential letters of recommendation and an updated unofficial copy of your transcript (if you have previously attended college). Specific criteria taken into consideration for acceptance is listed in the Clinical Sciences Policy Manual for each laboratory science concentration.
Transfer Credit Based On Professional Certification
Transfer Credit Based on Professional Certification
Applicants who have completed a radiography, respiratory therapy or surgical technology program but have not received an associate degree in radiography, respiratory therapy, or surgical technology respectively, may apply for transfer credit for the associate degree in the appropriate program pending the following:
- Applicants must hold national certification as a radiographer or respiratory therapist or surgical technologist. Proof of certification must be submitted to the Clinical Sciences Department.
- Transcripts from regionally accredited institutions must be sent to the Admissions Office.
- Transfer credit for the professional courses will be awarded as stipulated in the policy manual of the Clinical Sciences Department. If it is determined that there is not appropriate certification, then transfer credit will be removed from the transcript.
- Students are eligible for up to 16 credits of advance placement credit as well, if it applies.
Program Retention Policies
Clinical Systems Analyst, Anatomic Pathology, Science Technologist, Clinical Assistant or Clinical Laboratory Technician
Students in these concentrations must maintain a 2.00 grade point average in the major and an NMU cumulative grade point average of 2.00. Students must receive no less than a “C-” in any CLS course for the clinical laboratory technician and clinical assistant program.
Clinical Laboratory Science: Laboratory Medicine or Microbiology
A student must maintain an NMU cumulative grade point average of 2.60 and receive no less than a “C-” in any CLS course.
Diagnostic Genetics
A student must have an NMU cumulative grade point average of 2.60 in the major, meet specific course grade requirements, and receive no less than a “C-” in any CLS course.
Retention in the Surgical Technology Sequence
To remain in the surgical technology sequence, a student must meet the following conditions:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in all surgical technology courses with no course below a "C" and maintain a cumulative NMU grade point average of 2.50.
- Adhere to the university's student code and surgical technology student policies.
- Demonstrate a pattern of safe clinical practice commensurate with educational experience to date.
Additional Policies
For further information on policies, essential functions, application procedures, specific affiliation sites, hospital placement eligibility, costs, certification requirements, and job markets, see the Clinical Sciences Policy Manual (see the Clinical Sciences Department Web site or the Northern Michigan University Bookstore) or the Surgical Technology Student Handbook (available in the department office).
The Clinical Sciences Department reserves the right to withdraw any student whose health, conduct, scholastic standing or clinical practice is such that it is inadvisable for the student to remain in the department. In any of the programs offered by this department, clinical placement for training cannot be guaranteed. In addition to the academic placement policies, students must be recommended by the departmental faculty. Any negative recommendations may override an otherwise acceptable record.
Students majoring in department programs are required to have certain immunizations, proof of health insurance and completion of a criminal background check. Further information is available in the department office.
Program Graduation Information and Requirements
Clinical Systems Analyst, Anatomic Pathology, Science Technologist, Clinical Assistant or Clinical Laboratory Technician
Based on the chosen concentration, upon graduation, students are qualified to take a national certification exam in either cytotechnology, histotechnology, CLT or phlebotomy. Additional special criteria and policies for internships are further described in the Clinical Sciences Policy Manual.
Clinical Laboratory Science: Laboratory Medicine or Microbiology
In order to be granted a bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, a student must maintain an NMU/cumulative grade point average of 2.60. Students must receive no less than a “C-” in any CLS course. Students are eligible to take national certification examinations for medical laboratory scientist or the microbiology categorical exam upon program completion. Criteria for placement into the practicum can be found under the appropriate course descriptions and in the Clinical Sciences Policy Manual.
Diagnostic Genetics
In order to be granted a bachelor’s degree in the diagnostic genetics concentration, a student must have an NMU cumulative grade point average of 2.60, meet specific course grade requirements, and receive no less than a “C-” in any CLS course. Students are then qualified to take the national certification exams for cytogenetic or molecular biology. Criteria for placement into the practicum includes a minimum 2.80 GPA in selected required courses. Other requirements can be found under the appropriate course descriptions and in the Clinical Sciences Policy Manual.
Programs
Bulletin Year: 2009 - 2010 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.