Northwestern Michigan College President Tim Nelson and Michigan State University President Lou Anna Simon were on-hand Wednesday afternoon to sign an agreement that gives pre-med students at NMC a leg up in achieving admission to MSU's College of Human Medicine. The Early Assurance Program (EAP) agreement means NMC students who transfer to MSU as undergradate pre-med students will have an opportunity to be granted an "enhanced opportunity" for admission to MSU's medical school.

“Michigan State is committed to bringing well-qualified premedical students from Northwestern Michigan College to our university and the College of Human Medicine,” Simon says. “This is a long-term vision for enhancing health care in this community and beyond. Local students may wish to return home for MSU clinical education at Munson Medical Center, and possibly one day to practice in Traverse City.”

Preference for EAP admission will be given to former NMC students who meet one or more of the following criteria: first generation college student; graduate of a low-income high school as defined by the U.S. Department of Education; eligible for, or a recipient of, an undergraduate PELL or institutional need-based grant; graduate from an underserved (health professional shortage) urban or rural area; demonstrates interest in a high-need medical specialty or practicing in a medically underserved community.

NMC President Tim Nelson says the college is dedicated not only to providing learners with "pathways to success" but also to finding new ways to meet the needs of the industries in the community, including health care.

“This agreement with Michigan State University achieves both of those goals while solidifying NMC as a choice partner in the changing landscape of higher education," adds Nelson.

Nationally, admission to medical school is highly competitive.This year, MSU College of Human Medicine received 6,845 applicants for 190 seats available for first-year students starting this fall, including 18 students entering through EAP.