Concordia University Wisconsin has solidified three new partnership agreements aimed at providing students with a direct pathway to advanced degrees in medicine, dental care, and optometry.
On the heels of its announcement of a 3+3 Pre-Law Pathway partnership program with Marquette University Law School, Concordia is pleased to share that it has partnered with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM), and the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) to create three new pre-professional pathways.
PATHWAY PARTNERSHIPS
These partnerships will allow CUW traditional undergraduates to obtain doctoral degrees in:
- Medicine (D.O.),
- Dental (D.M.D.), or
- Optometry (O.D.)
The fully executed agreements with prestigious institutions may offer the following advantages: a guaranteed interview, early acceptance, direct admission, and/or significant financial and academic benefits for CUW students pursuing terminal healthcare degrees.
“Our agreements with LECOM, ICOM, and ICO reflect CUW’s ongoing commitment to serve our students and help them find success in their future vocations,” says Assistant Vice President of Academics Robert Balza, Ph.D. “Through three newly established partnerships, CUW is opening doors for our students to achieve their professional goals faster and with more financial support, without forfeiting a faith-based undergraduate experience.”
EARLY ACCEPTANCE MEDICAL AND DENTAL OPPORTUNITIES
Medical School Early Acceptance Program
Students enrolled in CUW’s Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science program now have an opportunity to reserve a seat in medical school through the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Early Acceptance Program (EAP). LECOM, the largest medical school in the United States, boasts four campus locations: Erie, Pennsylvania; Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Bradenton, Florida; and Elmira, New York. CUW students who are accepted into the EAP may complete the doctoral portion of their studies at any of the four locations.
Benefits of the CUW-LECOM pathway partnership agreement:
- Early provisional admission to LECOM’s prestigious medical school (as long as the student continues to meet program requirements, including a 3.4 GPA).
- MCAT exam waived (for students with a 1240 or higher SAT or 26 or higher ACT) as part of medical school admission requirements, a significant advantage for those looking to streamline their path to becoming a doctor. Note: Waivers are also available for students with lower SAT scores. The eligibility is dependent upon achieving an Academic Index Scoring (AIS) of 115 or higher.
- No requirement to submit an AACOMAS application, which saves time and money for the individual pursuing their terminal medical degree.
Upon the successful completion of four years at CUW and four years with LECOM, students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Concordia and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from LECOM.
Dental School Early Acceptance Program
Similar to the medical program, CUW students also have the opportunity to gain early acceptance to LECOM’s Dental School through the EAP. Students in this program will enjoy the same benefits as above, including a reserved seat at the dental school, provided they meet the program’s academic requirements. Unlike the medical EAP, students are still required to complete the Dental Admissions Test (DAT).
At the end of the program, students will earn a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from CUW and a Doctorate in Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from LECOM.
GUARANTEED INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY (MEDICAL)
Medical School ‘Guaranteed Interview’ Program
CUW’s new partnership agreement with the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) is an opportunity for students (up to 10) enrolled in the Biomedical Science program to be granted an interview annually. Eligible students must meet all general admission requirements, maintain a 3.2 GPA or higher, and a minimum score of 500 on the MCAT with each subsection no lower than the 35th percentile.
ICOM, in partnership with Idaho State University and other healthcare and government officials, was founded in 2016. It is the only osteopathic medical school in Idaho and the admission process is competitive. ICOM’s mission is to educate students to become highly competent and caring osteopathic physicians—and healthcare leaders—dedicated to providing whole-person care.
Today, osteopathic medicine is one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions in the country. The American Osteopathic Association’s Osteopathic Medical Profession Report states that in 2023 there were roughly 149,000 licensed osteopathic physicians (DOs)—which means that the number of DOs in the U.S. has increased by more than 30 percent in the past five years.
What is Osteopathic Medicine (DO)?
- Osteopathic Medicine promotes a holistic (whole-body) and proactive approach to disease prevention using preventive medicine that encourages the body to heal by itself.
- Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are trained in a hands-on method using osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues.
EARLY ASSURANCE OPTOMETRY OPPORTUNITY
Optometry Early Assurance Direct Admission and 3+4 Dual Degree Program
CUW is one of only two institutions in Wisconsin to offer a 3+4 dual degree program with the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO). This innovative pathway allows CUW pre-optometry students to complete both their Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and their Doctor of Optometry degrees in just seven years. This means students save at least one year of tuition and start their career one year sooner than traditional programs.
Students who maintain a 3.2 GPA and score 320 or higher on the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) are offered early assurance direct admission to ICO, provided they meet the requirements. This program not only accelerates students’ careers but also offers significant financial benefits by reducing one year of tuition costs.
ICO, founded in 1872, is one of the most prestigious optometry schools in the U.S. With its robust clinical training opportunities and a reputation for producing highly skilled optometrists, ICO offers an ideal environment for CUW students to gain their Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. Its proximity to Mequon (located in Chicago) makes it an ideal choice for those who want to remain in the Midwest.
Did you know …
Both of Concordia’s medical school partners have nearly perfect (99+ percent) residency placement rates.
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. Students planning to enter Concordia who are interested in one of these new programs should indicate their interest on their application or talk to their assigned advisor. Currently enrolled Concordia students may reach out to Robert.Balza@cuw.edu or Joseph.Fisher2@cuw.edu with questions or for guidance on next steps.