Florida Polytechnic University and the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) offer a unique 6-Year BS/DO program, providing a fast-track route to becoming a physician. This program is designed for high-achieving students who want to combine rigorous undergraduate STEM education with professional medical training. The initiative aims to address physician shortages and offer a more financially sustainable path to a medical degree. Students will spend their first two years at Florida Poly completing foundational science and math coursework. Following this, they will transition to OCOM for four years of intensive study in osteopathic medicine, a distinct branch of medical practice emphasizing a holistic, whole-person approach to healthcare. This accelerated pathway allows graduates to earn both their Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degrees in a significantly shorter timeframe than traditional routes, reducing overall educational costs by eliminating two years of tuition and living expenses.
The program structure divides study between Florida Polytechnic University for undergraduate coursework and the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical training.
This program is specifically designed to prepare students for a career as a physician, addressing the critical need for doctors in Florida and beyond. Graduates will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to practice osteopathic medicine.
Admission to this program is highly competitive, with a limited cohort of 20 students per year. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is not required for entry into OCOM through this pathway.
Specific tuition and living costs for Florida Poly and OCOM are not detailed in the provided text. However, the program's structure is highlighted as a cost-saving measure.
The program involves Florida Polytechnic University and the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM). OCOM is an osteopathic medical school.
This accelerated program allows students to earn both a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree in just 6 years, significantly shorter than traditional routes.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, a minimum GPA of 3.5, a minimum SAT score of 1390, or a minimum ACT score of 31.
No, the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is not required for entry into OCOM through this accelerated BS/DO pathway.
The program reduces overall educational costs by eliminating two years of tuition and living expenses compared to traditional, longer pathways to becoming a physician.
Graduates of this program will be fully qualified physicians, specifically Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), prepared to practice osteopathic medicine.
This is a highly competitive program with a limited cohort, accepting only 20 students per year.