Undergraduate & Certificate Programs

Overview of Undergraduate and Certificate Programs

Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science offers the following undergraduate and certificate programs:

• Associate of Science in Health Information Technology
• Associate of Science in Radiography
• Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences (previously Pre-Healing Arts)
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Pre-Medicine

Associate of Science in Health Information Technology

The Health Information Technology (HIT) program is designed to prepare students to play vital roles in the health care delivery system and to become adept in health information management, financial management, and data management. HIT students benefit from a teaching model that includes theory and practice and will become skilled in collecting, using, analyzing, validating, storing, and retrieving health care data.

Students learn through didactic theory and hands-on to successfully become a credentialed professional through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Graduates are eligible to take a national certification examination and earn the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential and are prepared to take the national certification examination and earn the Certified Coding Specialist credential. Students will also earn their Clinical Coding Specialist Certificate during the course of enrollment in the HIT program.

Associate of Science in Radiography

The Radiography program is designed to prepare individuals for employment as a radiographer. The primary role of a radiographer is to operate imaging equipment and perform technical procedures to produce x-ray studies for the diagnosis and treatment of injury and disease.

Professional competence requires radiographers to apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, positioning, radiographic techniques, patient care, and radiation protection to produce images of the body. Radiographers must exercise independent judgment in the performance of imaging procedures and be able to communicate effectively with patients, other health professionals, and the public. Duties include maintaining patient records, image processing, assisting the radiologist in the performance of procedures and initiating basic life support techniques as necessary.

Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences (previously Pre-Healing Arts)

The focus of the Life Sciences program is to prepare students to pursue advanced degrees in the health sciences. The curriculum is designed to meet the basic requirements for admission to colleges of medicine, dentistry, podiatry, veterinary, optometry and pharmacy. Students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in areas such as audiology, nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant, and public health will also find the appropriate background in this major.
Students in the Life Sciences major are immersed in a comprehensive program that will give them a fundamental understanding of the natural sciences through the traditional pre-medical courses (biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics); the opportunity to choose elective courses to tailor a program of study that fits personal career goals; and an excellent liberal arts education through core university courses such as history, anthropology, logic and English.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Pre-Medicine

This program is designed for college graduates with degrees in other fields who are now interested in pursuing a career in medicine or other health professions. The curriculum affords students the opportunity to demonstrate academic excellence while mastering all elements of the premedical curriculum. Students enjoy the same intellectual energy, faculty attention, and laboratory facilities as full-time undergraduates.

For information about these programs, prospective students are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions at (323) 563-4838 or via email to admissionsinfo@cdrewu.edu.