Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program intent to apply due Oct. 2

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ian M. Hoachlander
  • Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
Eligible active-duty enlisted Airmen interested in pursuing a medical degree must submit their intent to apply emails to the Air Force Personnel Center no later than Oct. 2.

The Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program offers active-duty enlisted members an opportunity to complete the preparatory coursework for admission to medical school while maintaining active-duty status and full pay and benefits. The program, which incurs a three-year active-duty service commitment, will include coursework in a traditional classroom setting with structured prehealth advising and formal medical college admission test preparation, with classes slated to begin August 2016.

Airmen selected for the program will transfer on permanent change of station orders to Bethesda, Maryland, where they will attend school full time at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Following successful completion of the 24-month program, graduates will apply for acceptance to the USUHS medical school and/or civilian medical schools. Once accepted for an approved medical school, participants will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the Medical Service Corps. As fourth-year medical students, those lieutenants will be eligible to apply for medical residencies approved by the Air Force Health Professions Education Requirements Board.

The program is open to active-duty enlisted members from all Air Force specialty codes who meet eligibility criteria. Applicants must be younger than 33 as of June 30, 2016, have at least 36 months but no more than 10 years of time-in-service as of Sept. 30, 2015, and have a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline from an accredited institution. For more information about the criteria, go to the myPers Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program page.

Applicants who meet all eligibility criteria must email an intent to apply statement to the Physician Education Branch by Oct. 2. Applicants will be notified by Oct. 23 whether or not they have been released from their career field to compete for selection. Once notified of their eligibility, Airmen must submit their application for the Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program by Dec. 4.

For more information about Air Force personnel programs go to the myPers website. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following the instructions on the Air Force Retirees Services website.