Pathways to Practice
Mailing Address
Pathways to Practice
2121 Euclid Avenue, CH 342
Cleveland, OH 44115
Campus Location
College of Health
2112 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44115
Phone: 216.802.3193
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
The OU Heritage Early Assurance (EA) track is a collaborative agreement between Cleveland State University (CSU) and the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM). This partnership provides qualified CSU undergraduate students with provisional early acceptance into medical school at OU-HCOM, allowing them to secure a seat while completing their undergraduate degree at CSU.
Here's How it Works:
Early Acceptance:
Students apply during their sophomore year for the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM) Early Assurance Program. Those accepted receive provisional early acceptance into medical school while completing their degree at Cleveland State University (CSU).Academic Requirements:
To remain eligible, students must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.50 and a science GPA of 3.40 until graduation.- Experiential Learning:
Students gain real-world experience through job shadowing, physician mentorship, and completion of the Urban Health Certificate, which helps strengthen their preparation for medical school.
Advising and Support:
Each student is paired with a Pathways to Practice (P2P) advisor and has access to MCAT preparation resources and science tutoring through the Tutoring and Academic Success Center (TASC).- Direct Path to Medical School:
Students who meet all academic and program requirements are guaranteed direct entry into OU-HCOM after graduation.
Schedule a meeting with Program Manager Toni Speed at a.l.speed@csuohio.edu to ensure you’re on track to apply.
Admission and Program Information
To apply, students must meet ALL of the following:
- Be an Ohio resident
- Be a current CSU sophomore student
- Have graduated from an Ohio high school
- Minimum overall and science GPA of 3.5
- Have completed Biology I & II and General Chemistry I and II with a grade of "C" or better
- Plan to pursue a Bachelor’s degree (science major strongly encouraged)
OU-HCOM Matriculation Requirements
Early Assurance students must remain on track to successfully complete a bachelor’s degree at Cleveland State University and fulfill all OU-HCOM academic and program requirements to matriculate.
Students must complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better, including:
- 8 credit hours Biology with labs
- 8 credit hours General Chemistry with labs
- 8 credit hours Organic Chemistry with labs
- 8 credit hours Physics with labs
- 6 credit hours English
- 6 credit hours Behavioral Sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology, etc.)
In addition, students must:
- Maintain an overall GPA of 3.70 or higher
- Maintain a science GPA of 3.60 or higher
- Complete the mock MCAT and earn a minimum score of 500
(two attempts permitted) - Complete required:
- Clinical/shadowing hours
- Community service hours
- Extracurricular activities
- Participation in OU-HCOM EAP programming (e.g., Leadership & Service Seminar Series)
Students must also remain in regular contact with their CSU pre-professional advisor and meet all OU-HCOM progress check-ins and documentation requirements.
Information regarding OU-HCOM matriculation requirements is provided for student convenience. Final and most current requirements can be found on the OU-HCOM website.
Urban Health Certificate Courses:
MCAT Prep:
- HSC 427 -Professional Development I (1 credits) ( 1st year Fall)
- HSC 429 - Professional Development II (1 credits) (1st year Spring)
Urban Health Seminar:
- HSC 434/534 Urban Health I (1 credit) (1st year Fall)
- HSC 461/561 Urban Health II (1 credit) (1st year Spring)
- HSC 463/563 Urban Health III (3 credits) (2nd year Fall)
- HSC 465/565 Urban Health IV (3 credits) (2nd year Spring)
Clinical Science Courses:
- HSC 422 or 520 Physiology for the Clinical Sciences (4 credits) (2nd year)
- HSC 475/575 Human Gross Anatomy (3 credits) (2nd year) AND
- HSC 457/557 Human Gross Anatomy Lab (3 credit dissection lab)
Total Credits: 18-20 credit hours
Timeline if you earn a 500 or greater on the MCAT |
4 years at CSU+ 4 Year DO Program at OU Heritage= Your path to become a doctor! |
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Gross Anatomy
- Physiology
An official MCAT score is not required for early acceptance, however students are required to take a Mock MCAT that is administered by OU-HCOM:
| Attempt | Timing | Details |
|---|
| First Mock MCAT | March of CSU EAP Year 1 (usually junior spring) | Administered by OU-HCOM |
| Second Mock MCAT (if needed) | June of CSU EAP Year 1 | Only required if student doesn’t meet score on first attempt |
Steps to Apply
Meet with a P2P advisor to determine eligibility: Schedule a Meeting with a P2P advisor
To apply to OU-HCOM Early Acceptance Program, students must first submit a Fresh Pathways or n application along with required documents:
If you are a current CSU Sophomore click here for Fresh Pathways Application and information
Once you met with a P2P advisor, submit a OU-HCOM Early Acceptance Application along with all required supporting documents listed on LECOM's website. Deadline to apply is January 12th.
Candidates will be contacted by OU-HCOM if selected for an interview. OU-HCOM will conduct their interviews and notify students if offered early acceptance.
Mailing Address
Pathways to Practice
2121 Euclid Avenue, CH 342
Cleveland, OH 44115
Campus Location
College of Health
2112 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44115
Phone: 216.802.3193