Henderson State, NYITCOM at A-state announce pre-med pathway for students

Arkansas students have a new way to attend medical school due to an agreement between Henderson State University and New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University (NYITCOM at A-State) in Jonesboro.

The Henderson-NYITCOM Pre-Med Pathway, which was jointly announced by the two institutions Wednesday (June 5), will allow Henderson State students majoring in natural sciences (pre-med track) to gain acceptance to medical school at NYITCOM at A-State without taking the MCAT, provided they meet specific academic and program requirements.

“There are many obstacles that exist for students who want to attend medical school, and those obstacles can be especially significant for those coming from rural or underserved backgrounds,” said Shane Speights, dean of NYITCOM at A-State. “This unique Pre-Med Pathway provides a clear and well-defined track for students who know they want to go to medical school. This is a huge win for not only our two institutions, but also for aspiring doctors throughout Arkansas, and most importantly the communities they will serve once they become physicians.”

The Henderson-NYITCOM Pre-Med Pathway begins with freshmen enrolled at Henderson for fall 2024. New application cycles will open in subsequent fall semesters for incoming freshmen. Classes for the bachelor’s degree in natural sciences (pre-med track) will be taught in-person by Henderson and NYITCOM professors on the Henderson campus in Arkadelphia.

Applicants must reside in the state of Arkansas, have a combined SAT score of at least 1100 or ACT composite score of at least 26, have a high school grade point average in the top 10% of the applicant’s high school class, and successfully interview with the admissions committee for the Henderson-NYITCOM Pre-Med Pathway during the spring semester of their freshman year at Henderson and with the medical school admissions committee during their junior year.

“Henderson State is thrilled to provide a direct path to medical school for future Reddies,” Dr. Trey Berry, Henderson chancellor, said. “No other institution in the state currently provides this opportunity, and we are grateful to NYITCOM at A-State for partnering with us to expand student access to medical school admission in Arkansas.”