Enlisted to Physician Preparatory Program for Military
Enlisted to Medical Degree Program (EMDP2)
Enlisted military members across the Armed Forces now have the opportunity to prepare for future careers as uniformed physicians thanks to the Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program (EMDP2). This program offers the opportunity for enlisted military personnel to start on their paths to becoming a physician.
If you are…
- an enlisted service member of our Armed Forces
- even remotely interested in the medical field
- looking for a way to advance your career
Then this program may be of interest to you.
What is EMDP2?
The Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program, or EMDP2, is headquartered at the Uniformed Services University (USU) of the Health Sciences’ F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine. The program was designed to give promising enlisted service members interested in becoming military physicians a pathway to medical school.
The 2-year program is a partnership of USU, George Mason University, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Marine Corps. This program enables highly qualified enlisted service members to complete the preparatory coursework for application to medical school while maintaining an active duty status. Students maintain their current pay and benefits while going to school full time.
What Does the EMDP2 Program Consist Of?
Program components include full-time coursework in a traditional classroom setting (in the Washington, D.C. area), structured pre-health advising, formal Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) preparation, dedicated faculty and peer mentoring at USU, and integrated clinical exposure.
Following successful completion of the program, graduates will apply for acceptance to the USU medical school and/or civilian medical schools (admission to medical school is not guaranteed).
The EMDP2 program has been accepting applicants since 2014 and the program is expected to continue accepting applicants annually.
Who Can Apply?
This program is only open to active duty enlisted service members who have obtained a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. college or university.
Interested service members must apply through their respective service:
Navy Guidelines: NAVADMIN 172/17and BUMED INSTRUCTION 1500.31
Marine Guidelines: MARADMIN 494/17and BUMED INSTRUCTION 1500.31
Criteria/Requirements for Admission
EMDP2 candidates will be “service members who demonstrate integrity, are passionate about service in harm’s way, and are dedicated to becoming future clinicians, leaders and scholars of the nation’s medical force.”
Candidates must possess a baccalaureate or masters degree from an accredited academic institution, with a minimum 3.2 grade point average (GPA).
EMDP2 Application Information
Here are some important documents you’ll need to apply for this great program:
- EMDP2 Application Tutorial
- EMDP2 Information Briefing
- Application Announcement
- Pre-Application Checklist
- EMDP2 Application Form
- Application Guidelines
If you have a questions about the program, contact the EMDP2 Office at this email address: emdp2@usuhs.edu.
Online Information Sessions
The Uniformed Services University offers online information sessions on the new EMDP2 application process. Registration is prioritized for military members and Department of Defense civilian employees (including military contractors). There is a limit of one session per person. Additional sessions may be provided based on applicant demand. Register here for an online information session!
Make the Move
Opportunities like this one are not easy to find. I remember being a young enlisted soldier with two years in the Army, wondering what opportunities were out there. I had the chance to attend the West Point Prep School, but I turned it down for a lady. As a warrant officer, I could have applied to fly helicopters, but I sat on my application between each deployment to Iraq. By the time I was motivated to do something, I was a senior NCO staring down retirement!
Take my advice. If becoming a doctor or a nurse interests you, jump at this as soon as you can!
You have the information, now make your move. Good luck!
(Image courtesy of the Uniformed Services University)
Branch Education Programs
- Army Education Programs
- Marine Corps Education Programs
- Navy Education Programs
- Air Force Education Benefits Programs
- Coast Guard Education Programs
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About the author
Lori Waddell serves as Co-director of an emergency response COAD in Montana, a freelance writer, and an Air Force Key Spouse. She is passionate about empowering communities and individuals through knowledge and resources. She currently lives in Montana with her husband and two children.