University of New England

Special Programs

3-4 Program of the Medical Biology-Medical Sciences Track

Students in the medical sciences track of the medical biology major may qualify to apply for early admission to the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM). This accelerated program is referred to as the Medical Biology "3-4 Program."

This 3-4 Program is a modification of the medical sciences track of the medical biology major, which enables qualified students to complete both an undergraduate B.S. degree and doctor of osteopathic medicine in only seven years.

This 3-4 Program requires that students maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 overall and a GPA of 3.00 in all science courses. Enrollment in the 3-4 Program does not guarantee admission to UNECOM. It is the student’s responsibility, with consultation from his or her advisor, to plan for timely completion of the degree program. Because of the accelerated nature of this program, students must take their MCAT admissions test in the spring semester of their sophomore year (one year earlier than other pre-med students). Upon successful completion of the CAS graduation requirements and the first year of UNECOM courses, the student is awarded a B.S. degree in medical biology. Students not successful in their first year at UNECOM will have appropriate prorated credit applied towards graduation from CAS. For additional curriculum information about the 3-4 Program, refer to Catalog.

3-2 Program of Medical Biology-Pre-Physician Assistant Track

This five-year educational program is designed to combine a biological sciences baccalaureate degree, master of science degree and physician assistant certificate.

The program has two components. Students begin by completing the required courses for a medical biology-pre-physician assistant baccalaureate degree. See the undergraduate college catalog for specific courses in the curriculum. Students are expected to earn and maintain a current certificate in Basic Life Support. During the first three years of study, students must obtain at least 250 hours of direct patient experience (paid or volunteer) in a health / human services setting.

In the second phase, students will begin their application for admission into the Master's Physician Assistant Program. In order to be eligible for a guaranteed interview for admission into the University of New England PA program, by December 1st of their 3rd year, students must submit a completed application, have maintained a natural sciences GPA (any biology, biochemistry, chemistry or physics courses) of 3.30 and an overall GPA of 3.0. Transfer students should note that grade point calculations for this purpose are based on all course work taken regardless of where the credits were earned.

Enrollment in the 3-2 Program of medical biology-pre-physician assistant track does not guarantee admission into UNE's Master's Physician Assistant Program. In the event a student does not proceed into the Master's Physician Assistant Program, it is the student’s responsibility to plan for timely completion of the medical biology-pre-physician assistant track baccalaureate program.

Students admitted into the graduate PA program receive a bachelor's degree upon successfully completing the first year of graduate studies. After successful completion of the second year of PA education, a Physician Assistant Certificate and master of science degree will be awarded. Students should consult their academic advisor and see the college catalogs for additional information regarding the programs. Website.

Maine Access to Medical Education Program

The Maine Access to Medical Education Program provides Maine residents with preferred access seats to three participating medical schools – University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dartmouth Medical School, and University of Vermont College of Medicine.  Applications packets are automatically sent to Maine residents applying to any of the three participating schools. 

Applications are also available on the FAME website www.famemaine.com.