JONESBORO, Ark. — The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University have established a pathway allowing qualified students to earn undergraduate and medical degrees in seven years.
The Pre-Med/Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Pathway Program will allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree from UA Little Rock before completing a D.O. degree at NYITCOM at A-State. Students can complete both degrees while remaining in Arkansas.
Up to 10 students will be admitted each year through a joint admissions process. The program is open to UA Little Rock students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines, particularly biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics.
“Our medical school was founded with a pointed mission to train physicians to help address the ever-growing shortage and, in turn, health disparities that exist in our state and region,” said Dr. Shane Speights, dean of NYITCOM at A-State. “To meet that mission, we must get more students in our pipeline who have ties to the state and are passionate about practicing here.”
Students may enter the pathway during their freshman or sophomore year. Juniors may be considered individually if they have completed most of the program’s requirements and can finish the remainder on schedule.
Participants will formally apply to NYITCOM at A-State during their junior year. Those who meet all pathway requirements may receive conditional admission without taking the Medical College Admission Test. The institutions said the program will instead emphasize students’ academic performance in rigorous science courses over time.
The partnership is NYITCOM at A-State’s first pathway agreement with an institution outside the Arkansas State University System.
“By creating a clear pathway between our institutions, we’re giving students the confidence, guidance and opportunities they need to pursue one of the most challenging and rewarding professions while building their future in Arkansas,” said Dr. Ann Bain, UA Little Rock’s provost and executive vice chancellor.
Students will also receive undergraduate research opportunities, faculty mentoring, pre-health advising and early engagement with NYITCOM at A-State faculty. Participants will progress through the program as a cohort.
Speights said more than 60% of NYITCOM at A-State graduates from Arkansas hometowns remain in the state, regardless of where they complete their residencies. That figure exceeds 95% among Arkansas students who also complete their residencies in the state, he said.
The first cohort is expected to begin in spring 2027. Applications are open to UA Little Rock Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics students pursuing bachelor’s degrees, excluding seniors.
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