Troy University and the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Monday afternoon that will guarantee TROY students who meet the criteria an interview for admission consideration into ACOM.
The MOU allows any TROY student that scores a 498 or higher on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and has a 3.0 GPA to be given priority status. Priority interview status allows applicants an earlier interview date compared to the normal applicant pool.
In addition, ACOM will provide in-person recruitment and advisement sessions on the Troy Campus, including mock interviews.
“When you begin as a teaching institution, then add public service and now to be on the threshold of becoming a research university…that’s the maturity of an institution. That’s what we see at TROY,” said TROY Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. “This partnership has great meaning to our students and to the state of Alabama. We treasure this relationship and look forward to doing greater things with ACOM in the future.”
More than 20 TROY students have graduated from ACOM, and over 20 students are currently enrolled. Dr. Hawkins said he would love to see that number double as a result of this partnership.
“I am truly excited to note the possibilities this MOU offers our students,” added Dr. Govind Menon, Interim Dean of TROY’s College of Arts and Sciences. “This MOU is the first step in what I hope is a long list of collaborative efforts between ACOM and Troy University.”
ACOM admits just 200 medical students each year with thousands more applying. This partnership will give Troy University students coveted facetime with ACOM admissions personnel.
“This memorandum reflects the friendship and mutual respect of our institutions. It builds on our shared goal of advancing higher education in Alabama, and also to serve the healthcare needs of our communities,” said ACOM Dean and Chief Academic Officer Dr. James Jones. “I’m confident that this MOU not only reflects the ongoing collaboration of our two institutions, but will also give us a strong platform for future collaborations and initiatives.”
Admissions offers will be extended to applicants who have a minimum MCAT score of 500; a cumulative GPA of 3.0, with repeated and withdrawn coursework considered; ACOM prerequisite courses GPA of 3.2 or higher, with repeated and withdrawn coursework considered; timely and satisfactory completion of all ACOM student admission application requirements; and satisfactory in-person interview and approval of the Admissions Committee.
“We are excited about this opportunity to provide Troy University students an avenue to pursue their dream of becoming a physician,” said Dr. Christina Kennedy, ACOM Director of Community Partnerships. “This agreement allows us to strengthen our relationship with Troy University, and it opens a door for us to recruit some of Troy University’s brightest students to ACOM, while streamlining the admissions process.”
Students who do not meet the criteria will be reconsidered if they complete the Masters of Biomedical Sciences at TROY.
The MOU will remain in effect for three years and will automatically renew for successive three-year terms unless cancelled by either institution.
For more information, contact Dr. Jacqueline Jones, Chair of TROY’s Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, at jdjones@troy.edu or Kennedy at ckennedy@acom.edu, with a copy to preynolds@acom.edu.
