The University of New Hampshire (UNH) today announced a partnership with Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) for a new Accelerated Pathway to MD (APMD) beginning in September 2026. This initiative offers eligible high school graduates a direct and structured six-year route from undergraduate studies at UNH to medical training at WAUSM — providing a faster and more affordable pathway for students committed to becoming physicians.
“For students who already know they want to pursue medicine, having a clearly defined pathway can make an enormous difference,” said Jen Riley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at UNH. “This partnership directly connects UNH’s coursework and personalized advising with WAUSM’s MD program, creating an accelerated route that helps talented students move more efficiently from the classroom to the clinic.”
Partnerships like this are critical as UNH helps address the workforce needs of the Granite State. The health care industry is New Hampshire’s fastest-growing employment sector, according to the non-partisan non-profit group New Futures. While the sector is projected to add almost 10,000 jobs to the economy by 2030, the state is not projected to have enough workers to meet demand. Medical employers frequently contract with short-term workers from out of state to meet current needs.
“We’re excited to offer a new accessible and affordable way for eligible students aspiring to enter the medical field,” said Sherine Elsawa, associate professor and chair of UNH’s department of molecular, cellular, and biomedical sciences. “This new accelerated pathway will only strengthen UNH’s already comprehensive pre-med path with a strong foundation in the sciences, personalized advising, and hands-on learning opportunities.”
The collaboration builds on UNH’s strong academic environment, which is supported by cutting-edge facilities, pre-professional mentoring and advising, and hands-on learning — all reflected in UNH’s proven 71% medical school acceptance rate, well above the 44% national average. Comprehensive science programs and research-driven degree programs help round out a solid foundation for aspiring medical students.
WAUSM offers an innovative, student-centered model of medical education and recognized accreditation. The university’s excellence is highlighted by a 100% match rate among WAUSM’s first group of students to enter the 2026 residency placement cycle through both the U.S. National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). WAUSM students deliver strong United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) performance outcomes and benefit from personalized support throughout every stage of their medical school journey.
The combined curriculum will significantly reduce the time to residency, allowing students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in as little as six years — enabling them to fill critical medical roles sooner.
“UNH’s dedication to experiential learning and academic excellence makes it an exceptional partner for this next-generation pathway to the MD,” said Dr. Paula Wales, provost and chief operating officer at WAUSM, emphasizing the mission alignment between the two universities. “By combining UNH’s robust undergraduate preparation with WAUSM’s personalized, high-impact medical education model, we are giving students a clear, efficient, and supportive route to becoming physicians. This collaboration is all about ensuring motivated students can move forward with clarity and purpose.”