PCOM Biomed: Special Master’s Program With Linkage to Medical School

October 29, 2024

Are you looking to improve your chances of getting into medical school? PCOM’s MS in Biomedical Sciences is a unique Special Master's Program (SMP) that provides a direct pathway to osteopathic medical education.

What is a Special Master's Program?

Special master’s programs, or SMPs, are rigorous, one- to two-year graduate programs tailored to help students enhance their academic credentials for medical school. These programs are often geared toward students seeking to strengthen their academic record before applying to medical school. By simulating a medical school environment, SMPs help students demonstrate their potential while gaining highly applicable scientific and clinical knowledge. SMPs typically offer:

Medical school-level coursework
Opportunities to boost academic profiles
Exposure to biomedical sciences
Potential for research and clinical experiences

PCOM’s Unique Linkage and Structured Support

Two smiling biomed students are shown in a classroom with medical students.

PCOM’s MS in Biomedical Sciences program prepares students for the demands of medical school through intensive foundational year coursework modeled on PCOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) curriculum. The biomed program stands out due to its linkage agreement—students who meet the established criteria may secure conditional acceptance or guaranteed interviews for PCOM’s DO program, a significant advantage in the very competitive medical school application process.

Chief Program Director Dr. Brian DeHaven explains, “Students in this program take graduate-level classes very similar to medical school coursework, often from the very same instructors. We also offer a full laboratory component in our human anatomy class.”

Benefits of PCOM's Special Master's Program

Medical School Curriculum: Students learn from the same faculty who teach PCOM's medical students, taking part in medical school-level courses and experiencing identical testing methods. Courses in human anatomy, physiology, and other fundamental areas mirror the demands of medical school. The program also fosters the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for success as a physician.
Direct Linkage to DO Program: The program offers a unique opportunity for students to secure a guaranteed interview and potentially receive conditional acceptance into PCOM's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program.
Proven Track Record: The program has a history of producing well-prepared students for medical school, as emphasized by DeHaven: “Across all three campuses, biomedical sciences alumni are a vital part of each year’s DO class. Dozens of students make the jump each year into medical school.”

PCOM’s MS in Biomedical Sciences offers students a pathway to medical school success, blending academic rigor with opportunities to advance directly into PCOM’s osteopathic medical program by helping them demonstrate their academic readiness.

According to PCOM biomedical sciences students, the program also offers other advantages:

Confidence Building: Hunter Medley, MS/Biomed '24, shared: "To sit in the same classroom and be taught the same thing as medical students gave me the confidence that I could handle medical school."
Academic Growth: Akosa Akpom, MS/Biomed '21, recounted: “I knew that this degree would not only broaden my academic horizon, but would also develop me into a more mature and disciplined student.”
Competitive Edge: As Shamaza Rivers-Johnson, MS/Biomed '23, noted: "The Biomedical Sciences program has given me many opportunities to become a more professional student and it prepared me to be a more competitive applicant for medical school"

Program Structure and Admissions

PCOM's Biomedical Sciences program is offered at three locations: PCOM (Philadelphia, PA); PCOM Georgia (Suwanee, GA); and PCOM South Georgia (Moultrie, GA). At each location, students have the option to complete an accelerated one-year program or pursue various second-year concentrations.

To qualify for the guaranteed interview or conditional acceptance to PCOM's DO program, students must meet specific criteria, including maintaining a high GPA and achieving competitive MCAT scores.

Take the Next Step

If you're committed to a career in medicine and want to position yourself for success, PCOM's Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program can provide a competitive advantage. As a Special Master's Program with a linkage to medical school, it offers the ideal opportunity to strengthen your application and prepare for the challenges of medical education.

Prepare for Medical School With Confidence

Explore 10 ways PCOM’s MS in Biomedical Sciences program prepares you for medical school success. Complete the form to get instant access to our free guide and opt-in to receive communications and updates about the program!

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