BS/MD - Accelerated Medical School Programs

Complete List: BA/MD and BS/MD Programs in the US by Rebecca Safier Do you dream of becoming a doctor? If you're set on going to medical school, then a combined BS/MD or BA/MD program might be for you. The majority of these combined programs allow motivated high school students to go right from undergraduate to medical school without having to go through another application process. While there aren't a ton of spots available in combined programs, there are schools throughout the country that offer them.

What Are Combined BA/MD and BS/MD Programs? Combined programs allow students to earn a bachelor's degree—either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS)—and then proceed directly into a medical program for a Doctor of Medicine (MD). Since students are already accepted to medical school, they can forgo the typical medical school admissions process near the end of undergrad. This medical school is usually part of the same institution or a partner school in the same region or college network. Pros of a Combined Medical Program Applying to medical school is a competitive and stressful process, so the major pro of getting into a combined program is that you won't have to go through all that application stress! Rather, you'll be able to rest easy and focus on your academics, knowing you've already been accepted. Plus many combined programs offer great scholarships. Cons of a Combined Medical Program First, there's time: most combined programs involve eight years of intensive study. Although these programs do eliminate the hurdle of a stressful med school application process, they also demand a huge commitment from high school students. Your goals could very well shift as you grow and have new experiences in college. Combined programs call for a great deal of dedication and commitment from young students whose aims might change as they grow older. Of course, dropping out of the program is always an option if your goals change.

What Are Accelerated BA/MD and BS/MD Programs?

An accelerated program is a type of combined medical program that's shorter than the typical eight years. Most of these programs are seven years long, but a few are as short as six years.

Usually, the undergraduate portion, rather than the medical school portion, is shortened. These programs might combine two required classes into one or have students attend year-round by taking intensive courses throughout the summer.

Pros of Accelerated Medical Programs?

The shorter time means you can enter medical school and earn your MD even faster, giving you a leap ahead into your profession by a year or more. Because these programs are shorter, they might also have a lower cost than the traditional eight-year path. Note that accelerated programs are by no means easier than non-accelerated ones; in fact, they're usually even more challenging because they compress the same material and requirements into a shorter amount of time.

Cons of an Accelerated Medical Program The accelerated nature of these programs means that they demand even more of a commitment from applicants, who are often young high school students. These fast-paced programs are a huge challenge and offer even less flexibility than the regular eight-year combined programs.