Caldwell University (CU) and Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) have announced a strategic partnership that offers students a fast-track to becoming physicians through a new Accelerated Pathway to MD (APMD).
This innovative pathway enables qualified students to earn their bachelor’s degree from Caldwell and their Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from WAUSM in as few as six years by combining enrollment in continuous consecutive terms.
Students who enroll in the pathway begin their undergraduate coursework at Caldwell, then transition to WAUSM, receiving dual credit for approved coursework, a key feature that shortens the traditional timeline without compromising academic rigor.
Throughout their time at CU and WAUSM, students receive personalized advising and academic support from both institutions to ensure success. By meeting the progression standards set by both CU and WAUSM, students maintain their accelerated status and stay on track to complete both degrees in just six years — an achievement that combines efficiency with excellence.
“Our collaboration with Caldwell University creates a seamless academic experience for students who are committed to medicine,” said Dr. Paula Wales, WAUSM’s provost and chief operating officer. “The ability to complete both degrees in six years is transformative, and the dual-credit structure ensures efficiency without sacrificing quality.”
Additional benefits include:
- Streamlined admissions: Students secure conditional acceptance to WAUSM while completing their undergraduate degree, eliminating uncertainty and multiple application cycles.
- Early exposure to medical education: Participants begin engaging with medical concepts sooner, building confidence and readiness for clinical training.
“This partnership gives highly motivated students an extraordinary advantage,” said Dr. George Abaunza, vice president for academic affairs at Caldwell University. “By combining dual-credit opportunities with a clear six-year pathway, we’re helping future physicians achieve their goals faster while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.”
The APMD is designed for high school graduates who meet admission requirements for both CU and WAUSM. This partnership reflects both institutions’ dedication to innovation, academic excellence and student success.
