Southeast Missouri State University 1873

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Pathway to a Healthcare Career 

Through the Southeast Missouri State University - Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) partnership, students have the opportunity to pursue professional degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine, and podiatric medicine. The LECOM Early Acceptance Program (EAP) allows qualified students to be given a provisional letter of acceptance, or a reserved seat, to one of LECOM’s professional schools upon completion of a successful interview. Application to the EAP can occur as early as your senior year in high school and up until the start of the third year at SEMO. This seamless pathway provides students with direct access to advanced medical education and hands-on training, turning their goals of a healthcare career into reality right in their community. 

Access Early Acceptance

  • a medical student at SEMO works with a bag of IV Fluids

    Medical Program

    Ready to get started on your Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) at the nation’s largest medical school? The DO program takes a total-person approach to healthcare.

  • a chemistry instructor stands at the head of the class and describes a formula

    Pharmacy Program

    Start your journey toward a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Our partnership with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine helps you with early acceptance to LECOM's School of Pharmacy offering three pathways to the PharmD degree.

  • a dental student works on a patient's teeth

    Dental Program

    Get started at SEMO and finish your Doctor of Dental Medicine degree with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. You'll complete four years with us, and after meeting all requirements successfully, you'll move on to LECOM to complete your D.M.D. degree! 

  • a group of SEMO students inspect a patient's feet

    Podiatric Medicine Program

    Get a head start on your podiatry career. Begin at SEMO and gain early acceptance to the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine's School of Podiatric Medicine.

Mercy Southeast Partnership

Turn your goal of a healthcare career into a reality right in your community. Mercy Southeast hosts clinical rotations for LECOM medical students in the near future. You can earn a degree from SEMO, gain early acceptance to LECOM then do your clinical rotations at Mercy Southeast.

Eligibility Requirements 

To qualify for the SEMO-LECOM Early Acceptance Program, students must meet the following criteria: 

  • Academic Requirements: Maintain a minimum GPA as required by LECOM and complete designated prerequisite courses. 
  • Testing Requirements: Certain programs may require exams such as the MCAT, PCAT, or DAT. 
  • Other Requirements: Fulfill additional requirements, such as a personal statement or character references, as outlined by LECOM.

How to Apply 

Students interested in the SEMO-LECOM Early Acceptance Program should follow these steps: 

  • Meet with a SEMO Academic Advisor
    • Schedule an appointment to review program requirements and confirm eligibility. 
  • Submit the Early Acceptance Program Application
    • Complete the application and provide all required materials by the deadline. 
  • Participate in the Selection Process
    • As part of the application process, students may be asked to participate in an interview or other assessments by LECOM representatives.
 For specific dates and deadlines, contact your SEMO advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

The EAP allows students to apply to LECOM’s programs in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine, and podiatric medicine while still at SEMO, securing a place in one of LECOM’s professional schools early in their undergraduate career. 
Training at Mercy Southeast offers students the chance to develop their skills in a teaching hospital, learning from experienced healthcare professionals in a community-focused environment. 
LECOM is committed to making medical education accessible for all students, especially first-generation college attendees, by offering one of the lowest private medical college tuition rates and financial aid options for 89% of its students. 

More Healthcare Programs at SEMO

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