Pre-Medicine Early Assurance Program

Partnership with Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Otterbein partners with Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine to attract highly talented high school students into an Early Assurance Program aimed at increasing the pipeline of primary care physicians practicing in Ohio.

The Heritage College is a national leader in training primary care physicians. The college is the top school in Ohio and 11th nationally in medical schools which graduate physicians who practice in under-served rural areas. The state’s only osteopathic medical school has sites in Athens, Dublin, and Cleveland Ohio. Students participating in the Early Assurance Program can be considered for any of the Heritage College’s campuses.

Within the next decade, experts predict a national shortage of more than 45,000 primary care physicians, with residents of rural or inner city medically under-served areas of Ohio feeling some of the greatest effects. Approximately 50 percent of Heritage College alumni practice in primary care and nearly 60 percent practice in Ohio, making the school uniquely positioned to help address these projected shortages.

According to the American Osteopathic Association, osteopathic medicine is one of the fastest-growing health professions, with one out of five medical students enrolled in a college of osteopathic medicine.

Students accepted to the program have the option of participating in a 3+4 (3 years at Otterbein, 4 years at OU-HCOM) or 4+4 track. The 3+4 track will allow students to graduate early from Otterbein in select majors and guaranteed entry into the program. 4+4 allows students to pursue a traditional four year plan at Otterbein and then go to medical school. Admission to the program is highly competitive – only 10 students are accepted each year.

Application Information

To be considered for the program, high school seniors must meet certain minimum criteria, be accepted to Otterbein, and apply to the program no later than January 10 each year.

Students in the 3+4 fast-track would select a major in biology (B.A.), chemistry (B.A.) or biochemistry and molecular biology (B.S.). Students in the 4+4 track may choose any of our pre-professional, pre-medical school tracks.

Minimum criteria include:

  • 3.5 GPA (unweighted on a 4.0 scale)
  • One letter of recommendation, from a science teacher or medical professional
  • Completed guidance counselor evaluation form
  • Four years each of English, Math and Science including Biology and Chemistry
  • Resident of Ohio, Graduated from an Ohio high school

Once a student is accepted to Otterbein, they may complete the Early Assurance Program Application.  If students meet the criteria the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine will schedule an interview to take place in February.

Students will be notified within one week of their interviews whether they are accepted for conditional admission into the Pre-Medicine program.

If you have any questions, please contact the Otterbein Admissions Department at uotterb@otterbein.edu or 614-823-1500.

Apply
Now!