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Program Information

With a mission to serve all people, we have developed admission pathways that expand access to medical education and support future physicians committed to serving underserved communities and regions with the greatest healthcare needs. Through unique certificate programs, medical students can enhance their learning experience and develop practical skills leading into residency. Learn more about programs offered at the college.

MD/OMFS Program Partnership (Henry Ford Health)

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine partners with Henry Ford Health to support a combined Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) residency program for individuals who have already completed a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.

Students are enrolled in the MD program at MSU College of Human Medicine and begin their training on the East Lansing campus, where they complete three semesters of foundational medical education. Prior to transitioning to Henry Ford Health for clinical training, students are required to successfully complete the USMLE Step 1 examination, demonstrating readiness for the next phase of medical and surgical education.

Following this milestone, trainees move to Henry Ford Health for their core clinical clerkships (MD program) and residency-based surgical training. The program provides comprehensive exposure to the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery within a high-volume, tertiary care environment. Training occurs primarily at Henry Ford Hospital and includes interdisciplinary collaboration across specialties such as trauma, anesthesia, ENT, neurosurgery, and general surgery, preparing residents to manage complex patient populations.

This integrated curriculum combines medical education, surgical training, and specialty-specific experience to develop skilled, ethical, and adaptable surgeons equipped for leadership in the field.

For additional information about the program structure and curriculum, please visit:

Contact Information

For questions about the MD/OMFS program, please contact Christina Hines, Residency Program Coordinator, at chines6@hfhs.org

Early Assurance Programs

The Early Assurance Programs at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine offer pathways to admission for students at partner institutions who demonstrate strong academic preparation and a commitment to serving medically underserved communities.

Eligible students typically apply during their junior year of undergraduate study, though application during the senior year is also permitted. Students who apply as seniors will experience a gap year between undergraduate graduation and matriculation to medical school.

Applicants must meet defined eligibility criteria and demonstrate experiences or attributes consistent with the program’s mission. Preference is given to applicants who:

  • Graduated from a low-income high school (as defined by the U.S. Department of Education)
  • Graduated from a high school in an underserved (Health Professional Shortage Area) urban or rural community
  • Are first-generation college graduates
  • Are eligible for or have received a Pell Grant or institutional need-based financial aid
  • Have demonstrated interest in or familiarity with high-need medical service areas or specialties

Applicants complete a comprehensive application process similar to the AMCAS primary application, including submission of all MSU CHM secondary application questions and required letters of evaluation. Following an initial holistic review, selected applicants are invited to interview. Early Assurance applicants participate in the same interview process used for the traditional MD admissions pathway.

Applicants who are recommended for admission by the Admissions Committee receive a conditional acceptance. Conditions of acceptance include meeting defined academic benchmarks prior to matriculation, including achieving a minimum MCAT score threshold.

Applicants are evaluated based on academic readiness, sustained engagement in service and leadership, and demonstrated alignment with MSU CHM’s mission to improve health in underserved communities across the state of Michigan. Preference is given to applicants who have experience with or a demonstrated commitment to underserved populations. 

Partner Institutions & Program Details

Alma College
Aquinas College
Bay College (in partnership with LSSU, NMU, MTU)
Bay Mills Community College (in partnership with LSSU)
Calvin University
Grand Rapids Community College (in partnership with GVSU, MSU)
Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
Hope College
Kettering University
Lake Superior State University (LSSU)
Lawrence Technological University
Michigan State University (MSU)
Mott Community College (in partnership with MSU, UM-Flint)
Northern Michigan University (NMU)
Northwestern Michigan College (in partnership with MSU)
Oakland Community College (in partnership with MSU)
Saginaw Valley State University
University of Detroit Mercy
University of Michigan – Dearborn
University of Michigan – Flint
Xavier University of Louisiana 

Application Opens: November 23, 2026

Application Deadline: January 31, 2027 (11:59 PM)

Contact Information

Students should work closely with their institution's pre-health advising team to learn more about Early Assurance Program eligibility and expectations.

For general questions about MSU College of Human Medicine’s Early Assurance Programs, please contact the MSU CHM Office of Admissions at: msu.mdadmissions@msu.edu

Advanced Baccalaureate Learning Experience (ABLE)

The Advanced Baccalaureate Learning Experience (ABLE) is a one-year postbaccalaureate pathway designed for applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate strong potential for success in medical school but may benefit from additional academic preparation prior to matriculation.

ABLE is not a traditional postbaccalaureate program. Rather, it serves as a conditional pathway to admission to the MSU College of Human Medicine M.D. program.

Applicants are considered for ABLE through the standard MD admissions process. Individuals apply to the College of Human Medicine via AMCAS and complete all required application components, including interviews for regular admission. There is no separate ABLE application.

Following the interview process, the Admissions Committee may refer select applicants to the ABLE Selection Committee. Candidates are typically those who demonstrate clear promise for a career in medicine and alignment with the College’s mission, but whose academic preparation—particularly in the sciences—would benefit from additional development before entering the M.D. curriculum.

The ABLE Selection Committee reviews referred applicants and makes final decisions for admission to the ABLE program. Students admitted to the ABLE program complete a structured preparatory experience designed to strengthen academic readiness and support a successful transition into medical school. Students who successfully complete the ABLE program are admitted to the MSU College of Human Medicine M.D. program.

ABLE Curriculum

Summer Institute. The ABLE Summer Institute is a four-week residential education program at Michigan State University during the month of July. The Summer Institute includes seminars, classes, labs, and other educational activities.

ABLE 1-Year Curriculum. Following the Summer Institute, ABLE program students are enrolled in a series of upper-division (300-400 level) undergraduate science courses and medical school courses across the fall and spring semesters to develop their foundational knowledge in biomedical sciences.

Fall Semester

  • Human Anatomy
  • Biochemistry I
  • Neuroscience I
  • Physiology I

Spring Semester

  • Biochemistry II
  • Neuroscience II
  • Physiology II
  • Health Equity in Public Health

Longitudinal Experiences (Throughout the Year)

  • Academic advising and individualized learning support
  • Structured tutoring and faculty mentoring
  • Clinical or community engagement experiences (where applicable)
  • Workshops focused on resilience, wellness, and professional identity

 

Contact Information

For questions about the ABLE program, please contact Dr. Wanda Lipscomb, the ABLE program director, at lipscom3@msu.edu

Pre-Medical Pathway Programs

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine offers a range of pre-medical pathway programs designed for undergraduate students who are exploring a career in medicine and seeking to strengthen their preparation for the medical school application process.

These programs provide structured opportunities for students to learn more about the medical profession, assess their readiness for a career in medicine, and build the experiential and professional competencies needed to become competitive applicants. Through advising, exposure to clinical and service experiences, and guided preparation, students gain insight into both the expectations of medical training and the values central to the College’s mission.

Each program has distinct eligibility criteria, application processes, and timelines. Collectively, these programs reflect the College’s commitment to supporting aspiring physicians at multiple points along the pathway to medicine and developing a workforce prepared to meet the needs of Michigan communities and beyond.

Medical Careers Gateway Program

The Medical Careers Gateway Program is a collaborative initiative between Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) and Michigan State University Colleges of Human (MSU CHM) and Osteopathic Medicine (MSU COM) designed to support the development of a physician workforce interested in serving currently underserved populations and communities in Michigan.

This program focuses on increasing awareness of medical careers and creating structured pathways for GRCC students to explore and prepare for a future in medicine.

Through the Medical Careers Gateway Program, students receive targeted support to strengthen their preparation for medical school, including:

  • Opportunities to learn about the medical profession and assess readiness for a career in medicine
  • Connections with MSU CHM and COM students and admissions counselors who provide ongoing mentorship and guidance

The program is grounded in a shared commitment by GRCC and MSU to reduce barriers to medical education, strengthen community partnerships, and prepare future physicians to serve medically underserved populations.

Contact Information

For questions about the Medical Careers Gateway Program, please contact the MSU CHM Office of Admissions at: msu.mdadmissions@msu.edu

Rural Premedical Internship Program

The Rural Premedical Internship Program (RPIPE) is a summer pathway program designed for premedical students interested in exploring careers in rural medicine and preparing for the medial school application process.

RPIPE provides a flexible, largely self-directed experience that allows students to gain exposure to rural healthcare settings while strengthening key components of a competitive medical school application.

Through the program, students engage in a combination of clinical exposure, community engagement, and guided professional development, including:

  • Approximately 40 hours of shadowing with rural primary care physicians
  • Participation in service activities within rural communities
  • Small group sessions focused on rural health topics, medical school admissions, and interview preparation
  • Opportunities to develop and receive feedback on reflective writing and interview skills

RPIPE is designed for undergraduate students who have completed at least two years of study and are interested in learning more about rural health care delivery and the role of physicians in rural communities. Selection is competitive, with preference given to students from rural backgrounds or those committed to practicing in rural or underserved areas.

This program reflects MSU College of Human Medicine’s longstanding commitment to improving health in rural communities by supporting the development of future physicians prepared to serve these regions.

Lear more about program structure, eligibility, and application details on the Rural Premedical Internship Program webpage.

Contact Information

For questions about the Rural Premedical Internship Program, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Lyons at guerre21@msu.edu

West Michigan Pathways Program

The West Michigan Pathways Program is an in-person initiative based at the Secchia Center in Grand Rapids that provides undergraduate students with structured exposure to careers in medicine and preparation for the medical school application process.

Open to students from Aquinas College, Calvin University, Grand Valley State University, and Hope College, the program is designed for students who are exploring a career in medicine and seeking to strengthen their readiness for medical training.

Students apply to participate in the program, and selection is based on a holistic review of academic achievement, community engagement, and demonstrated readiness for a career in medicine.

The program includes a series of sessions throughout the academic year, offering opportunities to:

  • Learn about the roles, responsibilities, and pathways within the medical profession
  • Participate in experiential activities such as suture clinics, ultrasound demonstrations, and other clinical skills sessions
  • Receive guidance on building a competitive medical school application, including academic preparation, experiences, and professional development

Through this structured, in-person experience, students gain insight into the expectations of medical education, develop foundational skills, and build connections with peers, faculty, and current medical students.

The West Michigan Pathways Program reflects MSU College of Human Medicine’s commitment to supporting regional students and strengthening pathways into medicine for those dedicated to serving Michigan communities.

Contact Information

For questions about the West Michigan Pathways Program, please contact Molly Monet at monetmol@msu.edu