Admissions
Connect with an Admissions Representative
Do you have questions you would like to ask an admissions representative or interested in a campus tour? Schedule an appointment today.
Application Information
Priority Application Deadline: June 1
Formal application review for the MSB program will begin in the spring. Admission will be offered on a rolling basis starting in February. The priority application deadline is June 1.
The Arkansas Colleges of Health Education is committed to the admission and matriculation of all qualified students and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. The College will expect that minimal technical standards be met by all applicants and students as set forth herein.
Application Process
STEP 1: SUBMIT PostbacCAS APPLICATION
The official PostbacCAS application is available online HERE. The PostbacCAS application deadline for MSB applicants is June 1, but is subject to change annually.
STEP 2: INTERVIEW
Competitive applicants who have met all admissions requirements and Technical Standards for Admission and Continued Enrollment will be invited for a virtual interview with a faculty member and member of the local community.
STEP 3: ADMISSIONS DECISION
The ACHE MSB program operates on a rolling admission basis and begins offering seats after the first interview date. Generally, you will receive your decision approximately 2 weeks from your interview. Upon notification of acceptance you will have a set date as to when you must pay the deposit to secure your seat and complete matriculation requirements.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you have an application to ARCOM verified for the current cycle, please email admissions.msb@achehealth.edu to learn about an expedited application review.
MSB-to-ARCOM Linkage Program
A structured, supportive pathway from the Master of Science in Biomedicine (MSB) to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program at ARCOM.
Program Highlights
- Seamless pathway to ARCOM for qualified MSB students.
- **No MCAT retake required** when applying to ARCOM through this linkage.
- Clear academic benchmarks with personalized faculty support.
- Guaranteed interview for eligible MSB graduates.
Guaranteed Acceptance: Eligibility Criteria
- **Fall Semester GPA:** Minimum 3.2 GPA by the end of the fall semester.
- **Cumulative GPA:** Minimum 3.0 overall GPA upon successful completion of the MSB program.
- **Professional Conduct:** Remain in good academic and conduct standing.
- **Recommendations:** One letter from the MSB Program Director and one letter from an MSB faculty member.
- **Admissions Requirements:** Meet all other ARCOM admissions requirements, including a verified AACOMAS application.
Students who meet the fall GPA threshold (3.2) but finish the MSB program with a final GPA below 3.0 will undergo a full review by the ARCOM Admissions Committee.
Guaranteed Interview Option
MSB graduates who complete the program with at least a **3.0 cumulative GPA** and remain in good standing are **guaranteed an interview** with ARCOM—even if they do not qualify for guaranteed acceptance.
How to Apply via the Linkage
- Complete the MSB program requirements while maintaining academic thresholds.
- Request recommendation letters from the MSB Program Director and an MSB faculty member.
- Submit a verified AACOMAS application to ARCOM and indicate the MSB linkage pathway.
- Prepare for the interview process and follow ARCOM’s admissions communications.
FAQs
- **Do I need to retake the MCAT?** No, MSB linkage applicants are not required to retake the MCAT.
- **Can I still apply if I don’t meet the guaranteed criteria?** Yes, students are encouraged to apply via ARCOM’s regular admissions process.
- **How is the program evaluated?** MSB and ARCOM leaders review outcomes annually to maintain academic excellence and student success.
- How many students matriculate into ARCOM per year from the MSB: 25-30 students per year matriculate from the MSB program to ARCOM. The MSB program enrolled approximately 35-50 students a year.
Contact Information
MSB Program Inquiries: msb@achehealth.edu | ARCOM Admissions: admissions.arcom@achehealth.edu
Admissions Requirements
- Completed application in PostbacCAS
- Two letters of reference from a science faculty member or other approved source
- Official transcripts from each college/university attended
- Personal statement
- MCAT or other nationally normed, standardized, post-graduate, medical professional exam (DAT, GRE, etc.). Scores are valid three years from the test date.
- Pre-requisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
Each applicant is reviewed using a holistic process applied to the full application file following the interview. Successful applicants will have promising academic performance along with grit and determination, and a passion for serving underserved communities, which is consistent with the mission of ACHE.
These pre-requisites must be taken for credit and passed at an accredited college or university:
| Discipline | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Biological Science | 8 semester hours |
| Biochemistry | 3 semester hours |
| Inorganic Chemistry with Laboratory (8 hours of general/college chemistry will fulfill this requirement) | 8 semester hours |
| Organic Chemistry with Laboratory | 8 semester hours |
| Physics with Laboratory | 8 semester hours |
| Additional Science Electives* | 4 semester hours |
| English Composition and Literature | 6 semester hours |
*Faculty recommend life science such as anatomy.