Here is some feedback I've gotten/seen about the program so far (LOTS OF INFORMATION):
If anyone is like me, I am going to need to continue working part-time while I am in school to stay in good standing with my job (looks like that might be scary with this program). I would like to keep building my medical work/physician shadowing hours, so my medical school application will continue to enhance outside of my grades. Honestly, I wish there were a way to void the EMT and Kaplan portion of the program. Not only because not everyone needs it, but because I'm sure it's adding to the hefty price tag. With that being said:
2015-2016
"I've been in the program and been admitted to the DO program as well.
The MBS program is a great opportunity to boost your competitiveness for their DO program as well as other health professions. Some of our classmates who are not pre-med have already been admitted to their respective programs. However it is not a backdoor into UIW DO program. You're not guaranteed admission only an interview. We had to go through the same application process as everyone else. Some of our classmates were waitlisted or rejected so keep that in mind. In all honesty the MBS program is a year long interview for the DO program. It's also a very expensive investment. The cost is approximately $60,000.
I've gain so much from the this program not only academically but personally as well. The faculty and staff invest heavily on the student success. The professors are wonderful and approachable. Since we were the first class there was a lot of kinks to work out but I'm sure things will be more smooth for the following cohorts."
2016-2017
"Cons: The EMT course was a mess. I'm sure all of my classmates agreed. Trying to implement an EMT course in a semester in the short amount of time we have last semester didn't turned out well. Our MCAT course was not really useful because our schedule was so heavy loaded not everyone had enough time to truly study the material. I think most of us study the material during the christmas break. Again, this is my opinion I'm sure other students may have more cons. This is a new program and we're the guinea pigs, of course there's going to be hiccups along the way, but they're trying to help us out the best they can. Lastly, the program is expensive compared to UNTHSC.
Pros: Even though my classmates and I have been together for only one semester, we have really grown close and it feels like family. The faculty and staff are amazing, always helpful and wants us to do well. You'll get a guarantee interview to the school of medicine, ours is coming up in 3 weeks. The faculty and staff are going to teach at the medical school and be your instructors as well, so you'll have access to them."
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"The tuition is high, but you are given living expenses as well. The total price for the degree comes out to be about $67,000. Because of the way they do their semesters, the listed price doesn't include the summer session. The summer session (may-june) is an additional $14,000.
I am currently in the program and have really enjoyed it. The EMT class was definitely a lot of extra work and not organized well but there is going to be changes made next year so that should hopefully be better for incoming students. I would agree with the family feel. Since the class is so small and you see each other every day you definitely get to know everyone around you. While we were "guinea pigs", I still feel that I have gained a really solid foundation for medical school. Yes you are guaranteed an interview at UIWSOM, but you are not guaranteed a spot. MCAT prep is included in the program, they hosted the class weekly on campus for us. You will be very busy but if you manage your time right its doable. It is recommended to not work throughout the program if you don't have to, which is why you are given living expenses. I would recommend the program to anyone considering it!"
2017-2018
"I am currently attending this program. I will let you know now that people who worked while in this program either didn't do well or failed out/dropped out. It is a rigorous program. If you have other options I would recommend attending UNT Health Science Center's MBS program. The issue with this school is that its still developing and has a lot of kinks to iron out. You start fall so your grades wont matriculate till December. Which causes a lot of issues for those who are applying. UNT matriculates Summer and acceptances by December.
Fall semester schedule:
Monday: Human Anatomy 9:00 AM, Health Humanities 10:30 AM, Gross Anatomy Lab 1:00-4:00 PM
Tuesday: Research Methods 8:00 AM, Medical Epidemiology 9:30 AM, Professional Development I 1:30, Biochemistry 2:30
Wednesday: Human Anatomy 9:00 AM, Health Humanities 10:30 AM, Gross Anatomy Lab 1:00-4:00 PM
Thursday: Research Methods 8:00 AM, Medical Epidemiology 9:30 AM, Biochemistry 10:30 AM
Friday: Kaplan course 4:00 PM? (I'm a predent student so I didn't attend MCAT course, required for premed) Tutoring for all courses.
Spring semester schedule:
Monday: Human Anatomy II 9:00 AM, Bioethics 10:30 AM, Gross Anatomy Lab 1:00-4:00 PM (first half of course)
Monday: Neuroanatomy lab 9:00 AM, Bioethics 10:30 AM, Neuroanatomy Lecture 1:00-300 PM (second half of course)
Tuesday: Research Methods II 9:00 AM, Physiology 10:30 AM, Professional Development I 1:30, Microbiopathogenesis 2:30
Wednesday: Human Anatomy II 9:00 AM, Bioethics 10:30 AM, Gross Anatomy Lab 1:00-4:00 PM (first half of course)
Wednesday: Neuroanatomy lab 9:00 AM, Bioethics 10:30 AM, Neuroanatomy Lecture 1:00-300 PM (second half of course)
Thursday: Research Methods II 9:00 AM, Physiology 10:30 AM, Microbiopathogenesis 1:00 PM
Friday: Kaplan course/tutoring"