Why Should I Choose BS/DO?

If you know you want to become a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) and enter an exciting and valuable career, then this program is for you. Elmira College’s Early Acceptance Program with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine lets you apply to EC and medical school at the same time. And, because your seat in the graduate program is already reserved, you can focus on your undergraduate studies without the stress of finding a medical school. You also won’t need to take the MCAT or complete additional graduate school applications. Instead, you can focus on your academic success. You also have the flexibility to choose from two options: an accelerated 2+4 option or the more traditional 4+4 track.

Accelerated 6-Year BS/DO Program (2+4)

This unique six-year accelerated program will reduce the time you spend in college, saving you money and allowing you to start your career more quickly. You’ll spend your first two years at Elmira College completing your general education requirements and taking courses toward a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology. In your third year, you’ll complete your BS degree and start your DO work while dual enrolled at EC and LECOM. Your final three years will be dedicated to earning your DO at LECOM.

Traditional BS/DO Program (4+4)

The traditional 4+4 EAP option means you’ll complete your undergraduate degree at EC in the normal four years. Provided you maintain the required GPA and other requirements, you’ll enter LECOM’s DO program in July following your EC graduation. You’ll complete your DO work in four years at LECOM.

What Can I Do With a DO?

Doctors are in high demand and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they are among the highest wage earners in the country. There are also areas where they are in critical need, such as New York. As an osteopathic doctor, you'll be able to do all the things a medical doctor (MD) can. You can become a general practitioner, a surgeon, or specialize in areas like dermatology. As a DO, you'll learn a holistic and preventive approach to medicine, including the Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment (OMT), a touch-based method that manipulates a patient’s joints, soft tissue, and muscles.

How do I Apply to a BS/DO Early Acceptance Program?

Ready to get started? You should start the application process to both EC and LECOM at the same time.

  • Complete an application to Elmira College. Whether you’re completing the EC application or the Common App, you can select BS/DO as your intended program of study. Once EC receives your application, our Health Sciences Admissions Counselor will reach out to confirm your interest and eligibility.

  • Complete a LECOM Early Acceptance Program Inquiry. This form is NOT the LECOM application but a request for a username and password in order to complete the application. You should indicate your preferred EAP option on this form. The EAP options are only open to high school seniors and EC undergraduate students who can participate in it for two or more consecutive years while attending EC full time.

  • Complete an application with LECOM. In addition to meeting EC’s admissions requirements, you must also meet LECOM’s entrance requirements upon graduation from EC. Within a few days of submitting your EAP inquiry, you will receive an email with a username, password and instructions for completing the LECOM online application. When you receive that email, complete the online LECOM application. The 2+4 BS/DO option is not currently listed on the LECOM application. Once you have submitted your application, email Dustin Cassell, Director of Preprofessional Program Admissions, at dcassell@lecom.edu, to indicate your interest in the 2+4 BS/DO. Only one application per student is accepted for the Early Acceptance Program.

Once you’ve submitted both applications, the Admissions teams at Elmira College and LECOM will review your application and contact you about next steps. If you are accepted to the programs, the LECOM staff will schedule a LECOM interview.

EC’s Pre-Health Advisor and Professor of Biology, Dr. Lynn Gillie, is available to answer your questions about advising, choosing an academic path, curriculum requirements, and other academic-related questions. She may be reached at (607) 735-1859 or lgillie@cpe-xj.net.


Overall Admittance and Matriculation

  • Students must be 20 years of age at the start of their LECOM residence (year three)
  • Annual progress review by EC pre-health professions advisor
  • Maintain minimum 3.5 overall GPA and 3.3 GPA in sciences at EC to continue in the program

2+4 BS/DO Program Admission Requirements

  • US citizen or permanent resident
  • Must not have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher; designed for those entering college as freshmen
  • Minimum high school GPA of 3.7 unweighted
  • Minimum SAT of 1340 or ACT of 28 on a single exam
  • Successful LECOM medical school interview
  • Waived: No MCAT required, no AACOMAS application required
  • Students must be 20 years of age at the start of their LECOM residence (year three)

4+4 BS/DO Program Admission Requirements

  • US citizen or permanent resident
  • Must be a rising high school senior, a high school senior, a high school graduate, or a college student with less than 65 earned undergraduate credit hours
  • Minimum high school GPA of 3.5
  • Minimum SAT of 1240 or ACT of 26 on a single exam
  • Successful LECOM medical school interview
  • Waived: No MCAT required, no AACOMAS application required

Ready to apply? Let our Office of Admissions help you through the process.

Undergraduate Admissions

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