Pre-Med Programs

Pre-Med Programs

Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program (OMSP)

UPIKE, in conjunction with the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, offers a cooperative eight-year program (4 + 4) leading to a bachelor’s degree and a D.O. degree. The program is open to graduating high school seniors who:

• Have a minimum 1200 SAT or 26 ACT
• Are in the top 10 percent of his/her class or have a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Are residents of Kentucky, Virginia or West Virginia

Up to 10 scholars are selected each year. After completing the bachelor’s degree at UPIKE, scholars will be automatically admitted to KYCOM if they have maintained a 3.4 cumulative and science GPA, scored a minimum of 498 on the MCAT, participated fully in program activities, and exhibited proper ethical qualities and conduct. Although eligible OMSP participants are exempt from going through the interview process, they must still apply through AACOMAS and submit all required application materials for the admissions cycle they are applying for.

Applications must be received by March 1. Preference given to Kentucky residents.

Application Procedure/Checklist

Submit a University of Pikeville Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program (OMSP) application for admission to the UPIKE Office of Admissions.

• Provide an official transcript and ACT/SAT scores.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This must be completed to be considered for this award. The FAFSA opens up on October 1; UPIKE’s institutional code is 001980.
• Submit an autobiographical essay that discusses future plans and aspirations (300-400 words).
• Submit at least three letters of recommendation.
  • High school administration (principal, assistant principal, guidance counselor)
  • Science or math teacher
  • Physician (preferred) or non-family adult

Eligibility

OMSP applicants must:

•    Be applying as an incoming freshmen (current high school senior)
•    Have a minimum 1200 on two score SAT, 1760 on three score SAT or 26 ACT
•    Be in the top 10 percent of graduating class or 3.50 GPA on a 4.0 scale
•    Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

*** Applicants that meet the minimum listed test score and GPA criteria will be most competitive for an OMSP interview.  Due to COVID related testing restrictions, applicants that do not meet the ACT/SAT test minimum requirements may still be considered for an interview.

Process

Applications will be open to qualified high school seniors. Selected students who participate in the program, maintain the required undergraduate GPA, achieve the required score of 498 on the MCAT, and exhibit appropriate ethical conduct are guaranteed admission to the medical school upon completion of their bachelor’s degree and pre-med requirements.

For additional information, please contact:
UPIKE Office of Admissions
(606) 218-5251

or

Jennifer Lockhart
KYCO/KYCOM Administrative Assistant
(606)-218-5288
Jenniferlockhart@upike.edu  

Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP)

The Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) offered by UPIKE’s Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) exists to remedy the significantly underserved medical needs of Kentucky’s rural areas by addressing the chronic under-representation of Kentucky residents in medical schools.

PEPP accepts Kentucky high school students. The program annually enrolls approximately 25-30 high school students in a one-week summer residential program that offers participants a variety of educational experiences targeted to enhance their personal interest in a medical career, add to their understanding of the elements of a medical education and expand their awareness of how medicine is practiced in a rural setting. Typically, PEPP activities include lectures, anatomical laboratory sessions, volunteer work in the local hospital and participation in relevant social and cultural events.

PEPP was established by the 1980 Kentucky General Assembly (KRS 162.028) for the purpose of increasing the number and proportion of students particularly from medically underserved areas of the Commonwealth who apply to, are accepted by and graduate from medical school.

Given that applications exceed program capacity, students entering grade 12 who meet program requirements are accepted first, followed by students entering grade 11. Participants must be at 16 years of age to participate in shadowing at Pikeville Medical Center. For application issues, contact:

Jennifer Lockhart
KYCO/KYCOM Administrative Assistant
(606)-218-5288
Jenniferlockhart@upike.edu