UA Little Rock and NYITCOM at A-State Partner for new Med School Pathway
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University (NYITCOM at A-State) have established a new partnership that creates a direct pathway from undergraduate education to medical school, allowing students to pursue both degrees while remaining in Arkansas.
Through the new Pre-Med/Doctor of Osteopathic (D.O.) Medicine Pathway Program, qualified students have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree from UA Little Rock before continuing to NYITCOM at A-State to complete a D.O. degree. The accelerated program also allows students to achieve both a bachelor’s degree and a D.O. degree in only seven years, which reduces costs for students and allows them quicker entry into the medical profession.
“Our medical school was founded with a pointed mission to train physicians to help address the ever-growing shortage and, in turn, health disparities, that exist in our state and region,” said Shane Speights, D.O., dean of NYITCOM at A-State. “To meet that mission, we must get more students in our pipeline who have ties to the state and are passionate about practicing here. Partnerships like this one with UA Little Rock are extremely impactful in doing that.”
The partnership marks an important milestone for both institutions. While NYITCOM at A-State has previously established pathway partnerships within the Arkansas State University System, UA Little Rock is the first institution outside that system to acquire the pathway program, and the collaboration expands opportunities for aspiring physicians across Arkansas.
“The journey to becoming a physician begins long before medical school,” said Dr. Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor at UA Little. “By creating a clear pathway between our institutions, we’re giving students the confidence, guidance, and opportunities they need to pursue one of the most challenging and rewarding professions while building their future in Arkansas.”
Each year, up to 10 students will be admitted to the pathway program through a joint admissions process between UA Little Rock and NYITCOM-Arkansas. The program is open to students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, particularly biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Eligible applicants to UA Little Rock may also be considered for the pathway if they meet the eligibility requirements and are selected by the joint UA Little Rock–NYITCOM committee. Current UA Little Rock students can enter the pathway during their freshman or sophomore year. Junior-level students may be considered on a case-by-case basis if they have completed most pathway requirements and can fulfill the remainder within the required timeline.
The pathway builds on UA Little Rock’s strong STEM programs and commitment to preparing students for careers in health care through undergraduate research, faculty mentoring, and experiential learning. Students considering the pathway can find additional details about pre-health advising, course planning, and more through UA Little Rock’s health careers webpage.
“Strong partnerships create strong opportunities,” said Dr. Anindya Ghosh, associate dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (DCSTEM). “This collaboration positions UA Little Rock and NYITCOM at A-State to welcome and support talented students by offering a seamless pathway to medical school while preparing the next generation of physicians to serve Arkansas communities.”
Eligible students will officially apply for admission to NYITCOM at A-State their junior year at UA Little Rock, and students who meet all pathway requirements may receive conditional admission without the traditional Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The pathway instead places greater emphasis on students’ academic performance over time, recognizing sustained success in rigorous science coursework while removing a barrier that can be costly for many aspiring physicians.
“We are excited to partner with NYITCOM at A-State to provide our students with an outstanding pathway to medical school while showcasing the strength of UA Little Rock’s STEM programs,” said Dr. Tansel Karabacak, dean of DCSTEM. “This partnership creates new opportunities for aspiring physicians, strengthens undergraduate research and mentoring, and supports our shared commitment to developing the highly skilled healthcare workforce that Arkansas needs for the future.”
The pathway provides students with a clearly structured roadmap to medical school, along with comprehensive support from the beginning of their undergraduate studies through the completion of their D.O. degree. Participants benefit from early and ongoing engagement with NYITCOM at A-State faculty, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of what to expect in medical school. By progressing through the program as a cohort, students form a close-knit community, facing challenges together, supporting one another, and establishing lasting connections. This built-in support network helps ensure their success throughout the pathway and beyond.
The pathway is also designed to help address the state’s growing need for physicians. By allowing students to complete both their undergraduate and medical education in Arkansas, the program works to educate and retain more physicians to serve communities across the state.
“Our graduates who are from Arkansas hometowns stay in state more than 60% of the time, regardless of where they attend residency,” Speights said. “For those who are from Arkansas and complete their residency in Arkansas, that number rises to above 95%. That data shows the importance of building strong relationships with our local undergraduate institutions like UA Little Rock, (and) we are so grateful to them for partnering with us.”
The first cohort of the new Pre-Med/Doctor of Osteopathic (D.O.) Medicine Pathway Program is expected to begin in Spring 2027. Applications are now open for the Spring 2027 semester and are available to DCSTEM students pursuing a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree, excluding seniors.