Florida Poly–OCOM to launch accelerated pathway to medical degree

In a bold move to address physician shortages and expand access to high-quality medical training, Florida Polytechnic University and the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) announced a new program that will allow students to earn both Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degrees in just six years.

The program will create a direct and seamless pathway from undergraduate STEM education at Florida Poly to professional medical training at OCOM. 

Dr. Kiran C. Patel, OCOM’s Founder, and Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly’s President, signed an agreement to move forward with the effort on July 22. Designed for high-achieving students, the initiative is limited to 20 students per year and requires a minimum SAT score of 1390, ACT score of 31, and GPA of 3.5. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) will not be required.

“This is a transformative opportunity for students who want to become physicians and are eager to begin serving their communities,” Stephenson said. “By combining rigorous STEM education with a clear, accelerated track to medical school, we are reimagining what’s possible in health education and responding to a critical need for more doctors across Florida and beyond. This agreement also reflects Florida Poly’s 25|30 Strategic Plan’s commitment to build capacity through enhanced partnership development, strengthening our role as a driver of innovation and impact.”

The 6-Year BS/DO program is a cornerstone of the recently formed partnership between the two institutions, formalized during a signing ceremony held in May at OCOM’s campus in Winter Garden, Florida. 

Students in the joint degree initiative will spend the first two years at Florida Poly completing foundational science and math coursework before transitioning to OCOM for four years of study focused on osteopathic medicine. 

“This 6-Year BS/DO pathway is a transformative step in medical education,” said Patel, OCOM Founder, philanthropist, and cardiologist. “It creates a clear and accelerated route for talented students, particularly those entering college with an associate degree and exceptional academic standing, to become physicians sooner. Just as important, this program significantly reduces the overall cost of education by eliminating two full years of tuition and living expenses. Together, Florida Poly and OCOM are providing a smarter, faster, and more financially sustainable path to a medical degree for the next generation of doctors.”

Osteopathic medicine is a distinct branch of medical practice that emphasizes a holistic, whole-person approach to healthcare. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians who provide care with mindful attention to the patient’s lifestyle, environment, and emotional well-being, alongside physical symptoms.

Florida Poly & OCOM

Dr. Kiran C. Patel (left), Founder of Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Dr. Devin Stephenson, President of Florida Polytechnic University, signed an agreement on Tuesday, July 22, to create a 6-Year BS/DO program, offering a fast-track route to a medical degree.

Details on how to apply will be available soon, as final program elements are being completed.