"EMDP2 prepared me so well, I would smile (amongst groans) when a subject would come up [at medical school] because I knew we had already covered it."

AIR FORCE 2ND LT LAURA BARRERA
CLASS OF 2021

Application window opens May - September 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions

The Program

No - this program is designed to help enlisted members become physicians (MD or DO). It is not intended to lead to degrees in the other health professions. Service members who are interested in pursuing other health professions should speak with their unit career counselor and/or other resources at USUHS.

Classes are held at the current EMDP2 Civilian Partner Institution, George Mason University (GMU).  The EMDP2 Program operates at GMU's Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia.  EMDP2 participants will have command and training commitments at the USUHS campus throughout the program. 

The application period is usually announced in the spring of each year. The application dates will be posted on this website in the Application Section.

No.  The EMDP2 is designed to equip participants to be strong candidates for medical school admission.  The goal of the EMDP2 is to matriculate participants into medical school, which may be USUHS or a civilian school.  EMDP2 applicants must apply at USUHS like all other applicants. 

EMDP2 participants are required to apply to USU and are encouraged to also apply to accredited civilian medical schools. While a majority of EMDP2 graduates choose to attend USU for medical school, some are attending civilian medical schools using the Health Professions Scholarship Program. 

All of the academic costs for EMDP2 (tuition, fees, textbooks, etc.) are paid by USU, and you will continue to receive your military pay and allowance while enrolled in the program. You assume no financial burden for attending EMDP2. 

Eligibility

No. The EMDP2 is not available as an enlistment or reenlistment option. All candidates are required to apply and undergo the standard selection process.

Applicants must be no older than 34 on 1 July in the year of matriculation to the EMDP2.  Waivers are considered for this requirement. 

No, this program is not limited to any specific military occupational specialty.

If you have successfully completed the pre-medical prerequisite courses setting with a grade of B or higher at a U.S. college or university, you may still apply for the EMDP2. If selected, you may either redo the courses, or enroll in some substitute courses during the first year depending on when you previously completed those courses.

This is not a degree completion program. You must have obtained a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. college or university to enroll in the EMDP2 Program.

The academic requirements are not waiverable; however, some of the other requirements are. Check the application announcement for details.

Waiver requests should be prepared in memorandum format, on plain paper, and submitted with your application packet. The waiver request comes from the applicant. 

You are not required to complete Algebra if you’ve completed any course that’s higher than Algebra.

Candidates with foreign undergraduate degrees do not qualify; an undergraduate degree from a U.S. institution is a non-waiverable requirement as this is a medical school requirement.

Equivalency reports issued by U.S. academic evaluation agencies are not an approved substitute for degrees from an accredited U.S. institution. Equivalency reports must be further validated by an accredited U.S. college or university and the candidate must earn a degree.

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply; legal residents or “green card” holders are not eligible. All candidates must be eligible to become commissioned officers at the completion of the program and U.S. citizenship is a non-waiverable requirement.

Standardized test scores must be within five years of the application cycle. Example: Standardized tests for the class matriculating in 2022 must be no taken in January 2017 or later.

If your standardized test score is below the target scores(s), you may submit your application with a waiver request. 

If your GPA falls below the application requirements, you may supplement your GPA with post-baccalaureate or graduate-level coursework. Post-baccalaureate work could improve your undergraduate GPA. Additionally, you will qualify if you complete a graduate degree that meets the minimum GPA requirement. 

Applicants are reviewed on a holistic basis. Your academic and military service records, experiences, letters of recommendation, and your personal statement describing your motivation for becoming a physician are all considered in the selection process. 

 Service

Participation in this program constitutes a PCS to the Washington, DC area. Family member travel will be authorized.

Yes, relocation expenses will be paid by your service.

If accepted into this program, you will remain on active duty in your enlisted rank. You will be assigned to Uniformed Services University and will continue to receive active duty pay and benefits. You will be commissioned upon completion of the program and acceptance to medical school.

The service commitment for EMDP2 is 36 months. There is an additional service commitment for attending medical school.

A service member who does not complete the program will return to his/her respective service for re-assignment based on the needs of the service.