Detroit -- Wayne State University’s Mortuary Science Building will open its doors to the public for its annual open house from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18.  

The event provides guided tours through the four-story building, which houses the most advanced teaching and research resources in embalming, anatomy, restorative arts, clinical laboratory science and pathologists’ assistant laboratories. The bomb response unit, a self-contained mobile laboratory, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also is expected to be onsite.

“If you are thinking of a career change or are a student evaluating career options, this ‘tour and learn’ opportunity is a good introduction to these health science programs,” said E. David Ladd, director of the mortuary science program. Faculty, alumni and students will be present to answer questions on each program and profession. Prospective students may submit their transcripts for onsite audits.

“Wayne State offers multidisciplinary programs in the mortuary, laboratory and investigative sciences,” Ladd said. “We are recognized nationally in the development of highly competent professionals and practitioners who exceed standards of professional practice.”

Started in 1991 as a small gathering of alumni, students, and friends, the Mortuary Science Open House has grown to draw more than 500 visitors each year. Many visitors begin lining up outside the building well before the doors open.

There is no charge and no reservation required for the WSU Mortuary Science Open House. The building is located at 5439 Woodward Ave. at Ferry St. in Detroit, three blocks north of Warren Ave. Free parking will be available in WSU Lot #33 on Woodward Ave., between Palmer and Ferry streets.

The mortuary science, clinical laboratory science, pathologists’ assistant and forensic investigation programs compose the Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences of the WSU Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS).

The WSU mortuary science program began in 1939 and was one of the nation’s first programs of its kind.  Today it is still the only accredited, undergraduate degree program leading to state licensure in Michigan. Seventy-five percent of funeral home owners in Southeast Michigan earned degrees from the WSU mortuary science program.

The pathologists’ assistant program has enjoyed a 22-year history at Wayne State University. The bachelor of science in pathologists’ assistant program is the only program in Michigan and one of 8 programs in the United States accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Graduates from the program provide more than 95 percent of support to hospital-based pathologists in Southeast Michigan.

Clinical laboratory science began in 1939, as a four-year curriculum leading to a bachelor of science in medical technology. “In 1994, the program was renamed from medical technology to clinical laboratory science to clearly reflect the professional responsibility of the laboratory professional,” said Janet Brown, program director.

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, one of the founding colleges of Wayne State University, is committed to advancing the health and well-being of society through the preparation of highly skilled health care practitioners, and through research to improve health care practices and treatment from urban to global levels.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research university offering more than 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 29,000 students.