Enlisted soldiers wanted for medical school

CPT Richard Riley — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 15:10:55 -0500

Article in Army Times: Applications are being accepted for a special program that provides an academic helping hand to Regular Army enlisted soldiers who want to attend medical school.

The Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program, or EMPD2, is a two-year, post-baccalaureate regimen of study to prepare soldiers for the Medical College Admission Test, and to meet course requirements for medical school attendance.

Found here: http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/enlisted/2014/11/23/enlisted-soldiers-wanted-medical-school-applications-accepted-empd2/19179277/?sf33985633=1

Similar discussion about 5 months ago here: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/enlisted-to-medical-degree-program-milper-message

Applications being accepted for the Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 23 at 2014 3:15 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 15:15:26 -0500

You beat me posting this CPT Richard Riley. Great opportunity for young enlisted folks looking for a change of venue. Thanks for sharing!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2014 11:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 23:30:33 -0500

I've been doing a lot of research into this program. It looks like there are still several tweaks that will have to be made as it continues, but it's definitely looking like a fantastic opportunity!

One of the strangest requirements that was included for the second class of applicants is an SAT or ACT score current within 3 years. I can't imagine why those with a 4 year degree would have a college admissions test score current within 3 years.

As a reservist, I would personally like to see this program open up to Soldiers outside of active army. I don't know the history of the AMEDD Enlisted Commissioning Program, but I know it's currently open to active, NG, and reserve component Soldiers. I'm not expecting any changes to the EMDP2 requirements soon; however, if these programs are comparable in any way then I'd hope it will at least be considered as an option for NG and reserve component.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Dec 19 at 2014 3:43 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 15:43:36 -0500

With all the additional stipulations of this program, I don't know how anyone can find it enticing.

1. You have to already completed a bachelor's degree (so it’s likely you still have your unused GI Bill)
2. You have to apply for USUHS with the option of applying for the HPSP (incurring a multi-year service obligation), in addition to the service obligation from residency and fellowship training
3. If you have already completed ANY pre-medical classes, you will still be required to attend the full two years
4. If at any point in the above process you fail, you will revert to your enlisted status and serve out whatever obligation you have (basically making your progress null).

CONCLUSION: You will owe the Army countless years of service (2 to complete the program, 3 minimum after the program, 4 for Medical school, plus residency/fellowship obligations, a minimum of 9 years?). If you fail to meet the standards you will service your remaining obligation at your previous enlisted rank.

I honestly want to attend medical school, but I see no point in using the funds from this program to incur a ridiculous service obligation when I have my GI Bill. I don't know what I want to do 3, 5 or 9 years from now, so I am not going to make a commitment for that amount of time when my goals may change. You know what else you can do to get ready for your MCAT while Active Duty Enlisted? Take your pre-medical courses at a local college using Tuition Assistance! If you used your undergraduate TA already, you can still use TA to complete your classes under a certificate program. Then use your GI Bill for medical school. Paid for, and no additional obligations required!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2020 7:36 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 19:36:39 -0500

I'm finishing EMDP2 in May 2020. Hit me up if you have questions