The Journey to Medicine, Accelerated: Bachelor’s + MD

Caldwell, NJ & Freeport, Grand Bahama – December 4, 2025 – Caldwell University (CU) and Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) are excited to announce a strategic partnership that offers students a fast-track to becoming physicians through a new Accelerated Pathway to MD (APMD).

This innovative pathway enables qualified students to earn their Bachelor’s degree from Caldwell and their Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from WAUSM in as few as six years by combining enrollment in continuous consecutive terms.

Students who enroll in the pathway begin their undergraduate coursework at Caldwell, then transition to WAUSM, receiving dual credit for approved coursework, a key feature that shortens the traditional timeline without compromising academic rigor.

Students benefit from a clear, structured pathway to medical school that keeps them moving toward their goal without unnecessary delays. Throughout their time at CU and WAUSM, they receive personalized advising and academic support from both institutions to ensure success. By meeting the progression standards set by both CU and WAUSM, students maintain their accelerated status and stay on track to complete both degrees in just six years – an achievement that combines efficiency with excellence.

Benefits

• Accelerated Timeline: Complete both degrees in as few as six years, reducing time and cost compared to traditional pathways.
• Streamlined Admissions: Students secure conditional acceptance to WAUSM while completing their undergraduate degree, eliminating uncertainty and multiple application cycles.
• Dual Credit Advantage: Approved WAUSM coursework counts toward both degrees, ensuring efficiency without compromising academic rigor.
• Personalized Support: Students benefit from dedicated advising teams at both institutions to guide them through each stage of the program.
• Early Exposure to Medical Education: Participants begin engaging with medical concepts sooner, building confidence and readiness for clinical training.

“This partnership gives highly motivated students an extraordinary advantage,” said Dr. George Abaunza, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “By combining dual-credit opportunities with a clear six-year pathway, we’re helping future physicians achieve their goals faster while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.”

Dr. Paula Wales, WAUSM’s Provost and Chief Operating Officer, shared similar enthusiasm, saying: “Our collaboration with Caldwell University creates a seamless academic experience for students who are committed to medicine. The ability to complete both degrees in six years is transformative, and the dual-credit structure ensures efficiency without sacrificing quality.”

The APMD is designed for high school graduates who meet admission requirements for both CU and WAUSM. This partnership reflects both institutions’ dedication to innovation, academic excellence, and student success.

For more information, visit www.caldwell.edu/wausm.

About Caldwell University

Located just 22 miles from Manhattan and ranked consistently in the Top 100 Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report, Caldwell University has been recognized as a leader in providing a transformative, outcomes-driven education to a diverse student body that is balanced between commuter and resident students. Located on a 70-acre residential campus in the heart of Caldwell, NJ, the University offers modern programs and advanced campus technology that demonstrate its continued dedication to remaining competitive in a modern, global economy.

About Western Atlantic University School of Medicine
Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) provides opportunities for deserving U.S., Bahamian, Canadian, and candidates worldwide to become outstanding, patient-centered MDs. For more information, visit wausm.education.