Center for

Health Sciences

Bridge Program

The Bridge Program promotes entry into the osteopathic medical profession of high-potential students who come from disadvantaged or are pursuing medicine as a second career. OSU supports such students by providing an admissions option that includes a year of academic preparation prior to entering medical school. If students meet program requirements during this year (outlined below), they will matriculate to the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.

• Eligibility

  For this admissions program, students must demonstrate eligibility in one or more of the following categories:

  • Economically disadvantaged;
  • Environmentally disadvantaged;
  • Pursuing medicine as a second career with an interest in practicing primary care medicine in rural or underserved Oklahoma.

  In determining disadvantaged background status, the Office of Admissions considers the definition from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found here and income guidelines found here.

   

  Preference is given to applicants from Oklahoma. Non-U.S. citizens who do not have a permanent resident visa at the time of application cannot be considered for admission. For more information about State Residency Status review this webpage.

• Application Process

  Applicants to the Bridge Program will follow application procedures and meet technical standards as stated in the OSU Center for Health Sciences catalog for all students gaining entry into the College of Osteopathic Medicine

   

  ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

  At the time of entry, the applicant must have completed a baccalaureate degree at a regionally-accredited college or university and must have satisfactory completion of the following courses, with no grade below "C" (2.0 on a 4.0 scale):

  • English: 2 semesters
  • Biology: 2 semesters (including laboratories)
  • Physics: 2 semesters
  • General Chemistry: 2 semesters
  • Organic Chemistry: 2 semesters
  • At least one upper division (3000-4000 level) sciences course

  While a minimum of one course is required, completion of three to five upper division courses is strongly preferred.  Examples include but are not limited to:  Biochemistry, Human or Comparative Anatomy*, Microbiology or Molecular Biology, Histology*, Embryology, Immunology, Physiology, Genetics. (*Preferred course)

   

  OSU Center for Health Sciences institutional research indicates that students with 4 or more upper division science courses, including lab, are better prepared for the medical school curriculum. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated preparation for academic success in medical school.

   

  MINIMUM GPA AND MCAT

  At the time of application, the applicant must have at minimum:

  • Minimum of 483 on the MCAT
  • Overall GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Pre-professional science GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • MCAT must be taken within the last three years prior to application.
• Tuition and Fees

  During the Bridge year, tuition may be waived. Fees will be paid by the student.

   

  Bridge students are eligible to apply for Federal Student Aid through the Graduate College. The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid can provide students with financial aid information and counseling. 

• Program Timeline

  Applicants to the Bridge Program must follow application procedures for the College of Medicine. Students who have been accepted to the Bridge Program by the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine will then be referred to the Graduate Certificate in Medical Sciences Program for one year. The Certificate Program prepares Bridge students to succeed in medical school by providing a foundation in biomedical sciences.

   

  The Certificate Program includes courses that mirror content areas of curriculum in the first two years of medical school. Many of the faculty who teach in the medical school teach courses in the Certificate Program. The program begins with a 2-hour summer course in Clinical Anatomy. The fall semester contains 11 hours of coursework in physiology and biochemistry, and the spring semester concludes with 6 hours of coursework in microbiology and immunology.

   

  The Certificate Program also provides students with access to advisement and counseling in study strategies and academic skill development. Services include individualized academic counseling to provide students with tailored success plans. Students can participate in MCAT preparation that will address skills and strategies to maximize their ability to improve their MCAT performance.

   

  ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS during the Bridge year

  Bridge students are guaranteed admission to the college of medicine provided they:

  • Meet all requirements for successful completion of the Certificate in Medical Sciences within one year of matriculating in the program;
  • Earn an A or B in each course of the Certificate in Medical Sciences Program; and
  • Score a minimum of 492 on the MCAT prior to July 1st of the year in which they expect to matriculate to medical school. If a participant enters the Bridge Program with an MCAT score of 492 or higher, they are exempt from having to retake the MCAT provided the score was earned within three years prior to matriculation to medical school.

  Students will receive both an academic course grade and a non-cognitive grade for all courses. As members of the OSU-CHS community, students will be expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct; any behavioral incidents or unsatisfactory non-cognitive grades will be pursued through the Student Conduct and/or Academic Standards process. Upon completion of the Bridge year, course failures and academic requirements will be governed by the Academic Standards Handbook. 

   

  For employment disclosures related to the OSU Graduate Certificate in Medical Sciences, click here.