Entering Medical School at 18 in USA: Introducing BA/MD Programs

Most students balk at the idea of being in school for the next 8-10 years. This includes 4 years of undergraduate university, 4 years of medical school, and 2 years minimum in a residency training.  After a minimum of 10 years, you can finally begin practicing medicine.

The Long Road to Being a Doctor

With the average age of entry into medical school being 25, that means you may be finally finishing up training in order to fully become a practicing physician at 35 years old. The amount of student loan interest that has accrued over those years, including any new debt you take on – purchasing a car, or a mortgage during this time, can be discouraging.

Fast track through medical school: BA/MD programs

BA/MD programs have steadily risen over the years in the USA and are similar to the European standard of a 6-year medical program. The majority of BA/MD programs are 7-8 years, however, students are allowed to begin their medical career path earlier than the traditional path of eight+ years.

6 year BA/MD and BS/MD medical programs in the USA

• Howard University
• Kent State University
• Penn State/Jefferson MC
• University of Akron/ Northeast Ohio University College of Medicine
• University of Missouri-Kansas City
• Youngstown State University/Northeast Ohio University College of Medicine
• Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP)
• Northeast Ohio University College of Medicine”>Northeast Ohio Medical University
• California Northstate University
• Penn State/Jefferson

*Complete list of combined medical programs are here.

Do I Need to take the MCAT?

For most BA/MD programs, you need to take the MCAT. However, many of these programs are very competitive for high school students. Admissions committees are selecting students who have a high MCAT and/or SAT score, apply early, and have a high GPA.