Manhattanville University Launches Partnership with Medical School for 6 -Year Degree Program

PURCHASE, NY – February 3, 2026 – Manhattanville University and Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) today announced a new Accelerated Pathway to MD (APMD) agreement that enables qualified students to earn both a bachelor’s degree from Manhattanville and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from WAUSM in as few as six years.

The pathway integrates Manhattanville’s pre-health preparation and advising with WAUSM’s progressive MD curriculum, small-class mentorship, and U.S.-based clinical clerkships – streamlining the journey to medical school while maintaining academic excellence.

“Manhattanville’s preparation, advising structure, and commitment to social mobility pair seamlessly with WAUSM’s commitment to train outstanding patient-centered physicians,” said Dr. Paula Wales, Provost and Chief Operating Officer at WAUSM. “Together, we’re offering a faster, supportive route to the MD that keeps rigor – and clinically focused training – front and center.”

Through this partnership, highly motivated students begin their academic journey at Manhattanville, progressing through their undergraduate studies with the guidance of the Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee (PHPAC) and dedicated pre-health advisors. This structured support ensures students stay on track with prerequisites, timelines, and medical school preparation.

When students transition to WAUSM, they step into a truly personalized medical education experience. Small class sizes and a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio mean every student gets the attention and mentorship they need to thrive. Learning is active and hands-on, with early career advising that helps students explore specialties and plan for residency success. WAUSM’s curriculum is designed for real-world readiness, culminating in U.S.-based clinical clerkships at respected partner hospitals.

“This APMD agreement turns aspiration into a clear, achievable plan,” said Christine Dehne, Provost & Executive Vice President at Manhattanville “With Manhattanville’s robust pre-health advising and WAUSM’s student-centered medical training, future physicians can move confidently from our campus into clinical learning, two years sooner than the traditional path.”

Manhattanville is recognized for its strong liberal arts foundation, personalized education, and commitment to preparing ethical, socially responsible leaders in a global community. It offers small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and a vibrant campus culture that emphasizes experiential learning, internships, and career readiness. The university is also known for its diverse academic programs, including robust pre-health advising and pathways for students pursuing medical, dental, and other health professions.

WAUSM is committed to shaping the future of medicine through personalized education and exceptional support that empowers every student to succeed. That commitment delivers results: WAUSM students consistently excel - in WAUSM’s annual reporting, as of July 1, 2025, the first-time USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 pass rate was 100%.

About Manhattanville University

Manhattanville University (formerly Manhattanville College) is a private liberal arts institution dedicated to academic excellence, purposeful education, and social responsibility. “U.S. News and World Report” ranks Manhattanville among the Top Performers of Social Mobility in Regional Universities North. The university has been recognized among the best colleges in The Princeton Review for close to 20 years. Located 30 miles from New York City on a 100-acre suburban campus in the heart of Westchester County, Manhattanville enables easy access to entertainment offerings, educational resources, and business opportunities for its diverse student body. The university serves more than 1,400 undergraduate students and nearly 1,000 graduate students from more than 44 countries and 33 states. Founded in 1841, the university offers more than 75 undergraduate and graduate areas of study in the arts and sciences, education, nursing and health sciences, business, and creative writing, as well as continuing and executive education programs. Graduate students can choose from over 70 graduate and certificate programs. Extracurricular offerings include more than 45 clubs and activities, and 23 NCAA Division III teams. For more information, visit mville.edu

About Western Atlantic University School of Medicine

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

New Partnership Between WAUSM and Manhattanville Opens the Door to Faster Medical School Access