How would you like to earn your medical degree in just six years? Thanks to accelerated direct medical programs (also called combined BS/MD or BA/MD programs), this could be your reality.
Direct medical programs target high-achieving high school students who are committed to entering the medical field. These elite combined degrees give students the opportunity to go directly from undergraduate to medical school, without the hassle of the typical med-school admissions process. With a BS/MD or a BA/MD, students earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree at the end of their undergraduate study. They then move directly into a medical program, often at the same school, to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
Typically, undergrad students who are interested in entering medical school must complete pre-med courses and apply to medical school separately at the end of their four years. As anyone who has braved this process is aware, getting into medical school from undergrad is exceedingly difficult, and by no means guaranteed — even for very strong students. In a combined BS/MD or BA/MD program, motivated high school students undergo one major admissions process for both pre-med and med school. The great benefit is that they go into their freshman year with the knowledge that they have already been accepted into medical school, and are officially on the path towards their white coat.
It should be noted that there are some programs, known as early assurance programs, that require students to be accepted to their undergraduate college of choice before applying to enter the combined program. Additionally, while many combined undergraduate and medical school programs are part of the same institution, there are some programs that require students to complete their undergraduate degrees at one institution, and go to a partner school in the same region or network of colleges to complete their medical degrees. One such program is the Rice/Baylor Medical Scholars Program (MSP), which begins at Rice University for the undergraduate portion, but finishes up with medical school at Baylor.
Combined programs generally last eight years, which is the same amount of time that a typical medical student would spend in a non-combined program. So although these are granting combined BS/MD or BA/MD degrees, students still experience four years as undergraduates followed by four years as medical students. There are, however, some schools that offer accelerated programs. These compress the total amount of time spent studying before residency to seven years, or even as few as six.
The Benefits of Accelerated Programs
Because the application process for getting into medical school is often stressful due to the number of interested (and highly qualified) students applying, the most obvious benefit of a direct medical program is the assurance that once you’ve been accepted as an undergraduate, you have also been accepted into medical school. You will still need to focus on doing your best and growing as a student, but you’ll never have to grapple with that nagging question, “What if I don’t get in?”
Committing to an accelerated program also means that you’ll save money, because programs often compress the same material into fewer courses. And on top of saving money, you’ll finish your program in a shorter time, six or seven years, meaning that you’ll earn your MD (and get a head start on your career) ahead of other students who must complete their undergraduate degrees before starting medical school.
The Drawbacks of Accelerated Programs
Combined programs require a high level of specialized commitment from students. This can be a lot to ask of high school students, whose interests and goals might change drastically over the course of their time in college. Of course, some students know from a young age that being a doctor is exactly what they want to be when they grow up; and they are more than ready for the commitment. As you make your decision about whether to apply for a BS/MD or BA/MD, just keep this in mind: these programs require intense dedication. Although you can get out of a combined program if you decide that it’s not for you, doing so might cause you a lot of stress and disappointment.
Also recall that, if you decide to pursue an accelerated program, you’ll be packing eight years of schooling into as few as six years. Because you’ll often be going to school year-round in order to finish your degrees in six or seven years, there won’t be a lot of time or flexibility for some of the typical undergraduate experiences; these include regular socializing, traveling, getting a summer job, or having an internship. This lack of flexibility can be so taxing for some students that it lessens their interest in direct medical programs.
Six-Year Programs to Try
Still, if you’ve weighed the pros and cons of attending a six-year program, and you’ve decided that this is the path you want to take, below are three great options for accelerated direct medical programs.
-Howard University College of Medicine
Located in Washington, D.C., Howard University College of Medicine offers a BS/MD dual degree that lets students complete the requirements for both the BS and the MD in six years. The College of Medicine admits a limited number of students from the College of Arts and Sciences each year. Entrance requirements for the program include a minimum science grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 and a minimum overall GPA of 3.5. The student must also take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and earn a minimum total score of 504. A strong interview and supportive letters of recommendation are also required.
Founded in 1868, Howard University College of Medicine offers a long history of preparing students to become “competent and compassionate physicians who provide healthcare in medically underserved communities.”
-UMKC School of Medicine
The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine is located in Kansas City, Missouri, known as the City of Fountains. The UMKC School of Medicine offers a BA/MD program that integrates medical science and clinical skills with the liberal arts and humanities. This year-round program gives students the opportunity to earn their BA and MD degrees in just six years. Students spend the first two years of the program fulfilling undergraduate degree requirements, with one-fourth of their time dedicated to medical school coursework. After these initial two years, students shift the majority of their focus to medical school classes, and spend less time completing their undergraduate studies. Entrance to the program requires a minimum GPA of 3.89, a minimum SAT score of 1380, and a minimum ACT score of 31.
Kansas City boasts a rich cultural and arts atmosphere, and attending college in Kansas City puts you within minutes of a number of cultural and entertainment options. These include the Country Club Plaza, the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Royals baseball, and Chiefs football.
-Kent State University
Kent State University offers a six-year Integrated Life Sciences BS/MD program. Students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Life Sciences are given the opportunity to dual-enroll in medical degree studies at the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). Students in this program spend 11 months enrolled in coursework during each of their six academic years.
The program at Kent State is divided into two phases. Phase I begins with a summer term, and is followed by two academic years and their respective summer terms. During this phase, students engage in coursework on the Kent Campus focused on studies in the behavioral and basic pre-medical sciences, participate in an orientation to clinical medicine, and perform some work in the humanities. Phase II involves more intensive medical training; this includes the development of competence in the clinical aspects of medicine through instruction at one or more of the program’s community hospital partners. Phase II also includes the completion of any remaining requirements for the BS degree. Entrance requirements for this BS/MD include a minimum GPA of 3.88, a minimum SAT score of 1413, and a minimum ACT score of 31.
Kent State offers an inviting and forward-focused atmosphere, providing students with a family of supporters who want to see them succeed. Additionally, downtown Kent is home to great restaurants, live music, museums, and much more, which can enhance your university experience.
If you know that you want to go into the medical field — and you want to get there fast — an accelerated direct medical program might be right for you. With any of these competitive programs, you can go from college freshman to medical professional in just six years.
