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program description

EMDP2 FY-25 Application cycle is closed

EMDP2 FY-26 Application cycle will begin in 2025
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EMDP2 Program Description

The Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program (EMDP2) program is a two-year, full-time education program for enlisted members of the military to prepare for medical school applications. It is intended for motivated service members who show academic promise and whose experiences and goals align with the mission of their military services and the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine. Selectees are assigned to USU (requires a permanent change of station to Bethesda, MD) and placed in a supportive academic setting for a two-year period. 

EMDP2 includes premedical coursework, Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) preparation, clinical experience, mentoring, and pre-health career advising. Our current civilian partner institution, George Mason University (GMU), provides the coursework, MCAT preparation courses, and pre-health advising on a contract basis. These services are currently provided at GMU’s Science and Technology Campus (Manassas) in an exclusive cohort structure. USU coordinates the clinical component, which is completed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, and Malcolm Grow Medical Center at Andrews Air Force Base.

EMDP2, Program Description, flyer

EMDP2 Information Briefing Video

 

Program Outline

The EMDP2 is a two-year academic program.  EMDP2 students PCS to USU from their current duty station.  While in the program, students' full-time military duty is to excel in the EMDP2.  Students maintain their military training obligations and responsibilities while in the program.

EMDP2's first year prepares students to succeed on the MCAT exam while ensuring they fulfill the coursework prerequisites for applying to most medical schools.  The program's second year focuses on advanced medical and biological coursework to ensure student preparedness for matriculation into medical school. 

Students are taught in at our civilian partner institution, currently George Mason University (GMU), in a cohort system. For the entirety of the two-year program, students will have classes with only their cohort of 24-26 EMDP2 students.
 

EMDP2 Information Briefing - Program Two-Year Timeline

 

The EMDP2's first year is designed to prepare students from any academic and career background to take the MCAT exam. The curriculum starts with fundamental coursework and expands into a full pre-medical curriculum. This design ensures students can adjust from enlisted service to full-time scientific academics.  During year one, students can access a team of dedicated EMDP2 tutors.  These tutors are focused on ensuring students understand the material and assisting them in MCAT preparation/studying.  The curriculum design and additional educational resources support students from any academic background, medical or non-medical, to excel in EMDP2.

Students typically take the MCAT and begin medical school applications near the end of EMDP2 year one. 

Upon completing EMDP2 year one, students are awarded a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Pre-Medicine from GMU.

EMDP2 Information Briefing - Program Timeline - Year One

 

The EMDP2's second year is designed to expand the student's understanding of medical and biological concepts.  EMDP2 students are given every tool available to maximize clinical and academic exposure to medical sciences.  Coursework covers anatomy, microbiology, neurology, genetics, etc., to ensure EMDP2 students are well-prepared to matriculate into medical school. 

Upon completing EMDP2 year two, students are awarded a Graduate Certificate in Cell and Molecular Biology from GMU. 

EMDP2 students may seek approval to take six additional courses to fulfill the GMU requirements for a Master of Science in Biology.  These courses are not funded through EMDP2, but students may use tuition assistance, financial aid, GI Bill, or self-pay as individually eligible and appropriate. 

EMDP2 Information Briefing - Program Timeline - Year Two

 

After completing the second year, gaining acceptance into a medical school, and fulfilling requirements for commissioning, students will have successfully completed the EMDP2. They will then matriculate into medical school at USU or a civilian school and earn a commission.

Civilian Partner Institution: GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

George Mason University (GMU) facilitates the EMDP2's academic program to include coursework, tutoring, MCAT preparation, EMDP2-exclusive learning spaces, and other resources to support students' path to medical school.  USU and GMU work collaboratively to provide military and academic leadership.

EMDP2 students are enrolled in GMU full-time and have complete access to all GMU campus resources (libraries, fitness facilities, student affairs, counseling center, campus events, etc.).

Learn more about GMU's campus, resources, and relationship with EMDP2 and USU here.
While GMU does have full-time EMDP2 staff, they are in no way involved in EMDP2 applications, selections, or prospective inquiries.  All EMDP2 questions should be directed to the USU EMDP2 team.