Academic Affiliations

Affiliations are special agreements between Elmhurst University and other educational organizations that allow students to receive special consideration or early admission to various health care programs or tracks.

These opportunities are designed for students who are certain about a particular career path and who meet the criteria to apply.

Students interested in chiropractic medicine may apply for early admission to National University of Health Sciences through the Advanced Scholars Program. Elmhurst students must major in health science technology and complete all Elmhurst University Integrated Curriculum and National’s prerequisite courses prior to beginning at National. In addition to completing all required courses and other admission criteria, applicants must have a 3.5 GPA.

Students also are expected to maintain a visible profile in volunteer and clinical activities while still participating in selected experiences offered through health professions advising. If accepted, they will begin the doctor of chiropractic (DC) at National during their senior year. Successful completion of coursework during the first year at National will count toward a student’s bachelor’s degree at Elmhurst.

This agreement would allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and DC in approximately 6.5 years; rather than 7.5 years. Please note a very limited amount of undergraduate transfer credit (including dual credit from high school) is allowed for this affiliation and must be approved by the health professions adviser and National. Any student considering applying should speak with an adviser about their eligibility.

National has more information about their tuition rates and fees on their website.

National’s Illinois Campus
200 E. Roosevelt Road
Lombard, IL 60148

Students interested in chiropractic medicine may apply for early admission to Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU). Elmhurst students must major in health science technology and complete all Elmhurst University Integrated Curriculum and NWHSU’s prerequisite courses prior to beginning at NWHSU.

In addition to completing all required courses and other admission criteria, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Students also are expected to maintain a visible profile in volunteer and clinical activities while still participating in selected experiences. Students have two options when applying to NWHSU; including the 3 years + 3.5 years track or the 4 years + 3.5 years track. Applicants would apply after their sophomore or junior year at Elmhurst based on the track.

If accepted, they would begin the doctor of chiropractic (DC) at NWHSU during their senior year or after graduation depending on their track. For the 3 + 3.5 track, successful completion of coursework during the first year at NWHSU would count toward a student’s bachelor’s degree at Elmhurst. The 3 + 3.5 track would allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and DC in approximately 6.5 years; rather than 7.5 years. The 4 + 3.5 track gives students more time at the undergraduate level to learn about chiropractic medicine, take classes, and participate in various activities at Elmhurst. Please note a very limited amount of undergraduate transfer credit (including dual credit from high school) is allowed for this affiliation and must be approved by the health professions adviser and NWHSU. Any student considering applying should speak with an adviser about their eligibility.

NWHSU has more information about their tuition rates and fees on their website.

NWHSU
2501 W. 84th Street
Bloomington, MN 55431

Elmhurst is partnered with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) for an early admission program (EAP). This opportunity allows high school seniors to apply for early admission to the LECOM School of Dental Medicine. The EAP gives students the opportunity to secure a seat in dental school years in advance of the traditional process. Accepted students complete four years of undergraduate studies at Elmhurst prior to beginning four years of dental school at LECOM. Current Elmhurst students may also be eligible to apply depending on their credentials and year in school. Interested students should speak with an adviser for more details.

Applicants submit separate applications to Elmhurst and LECOM as seniors in high school. Applications for the EAP will be available on the LECOM portal from July 15-April 1 during one’s senior year of high school. Video interviews will be offered by LECOM to a select group of EAP applicants. LECOM will determine which applicants are accepted into the EAP. Those students who are accepted into the EAP and plan to attend Elmhurst for undergrad, must provide their Elmhurst University e-mail address to LECOM in order to receive their official EAP acceptance letter. Acceptance to Elmhurst University does not guarantee admission to the LECOM EAP or vice versa.

EAP applicants must have a minimum cumulative, high school GPA of 3.5 (unweighted) along with a composite ACT score of 26 or composite SAT score of 1240 or higher. Students not having these scores or GPA can check out additional combinations on the LECOM website using their Academic Index Score (AIS) system.

Transfer students are not eligible for the LECOM EAP at Elmhurst. Dual credit from high school and AP credit must be reviewed by the health professions advisor to determine if it will be accepted as LECOM has restrictions on what is allowed.

Elmhurst students in the EAP must earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology. LECOM has additional information about the early acceptance program and their dental school tuition/fees on their website. LECOM’s dental school is located at:

LECOM School of Dental Medicine
4800 Lakewood Ranch Blvd
Bradenton, FL 34211

Students interested in the DMS track pursue a major in health science technology and participate in selected experiences and activities offered through health professions advising. Applications to this track of the HST major are typically submitted during the junior year, and if accepted, students spend three years at Elmhurst University and take the final phase of coursework and clinical experience at Northwestern Memorial Hospital (18 months). Successful completion of the courses and clinical training at NMH leads to a bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst University.

Transfer students are eligible to apply for this affiliation provided they attend Elmhurst full-time for 1.5 years (3 fall/spring semesters) prior to beginning at the hospital (if accepted by the hospital). Most transfer students attend Elmhurst for two years full-time prior to beginning at the hospital due to course sequencing and application timeline.

Prior to practice, students must pass the national certification exam after completing the academic curriculum. Students are able to complete four years at Elmhurst University and then apply to Northwestern Memorial Hospital after graduation as well.

To qualify for the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) track, you must be a U.S. citizen, pursue a biology major, and participate in selected activities and experiences offered through health professions advising. Application to the MLS track typically occurs during the junior year, and if accepted, students complete the final phase of coursework and clinical training at Hines VA Hospital (11 months). Successful completion of the courses and clinical training at Hines leads to a bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst University. Prior to practice, students must pass the national certification exam after completing the academic curriculum.

Transfer students are eligible to apply for this affiliation provided they attend Elmhurst full-time for 1.5 years (3 fall/spring semesters) prior to beginning at the hospital (if accepted by the hospital). Most transfer students attend Elmhurst for two years full-time prior to beginning at the hospital due to course sequencing and application timeline.

To qualify for the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) track, you must pursue a biology major and participate in selected activities and experiences offered through health professions advising. Application to the MLS track typically occurs during the junior year, and if accepted, students complete the final phase of coursework and clinical experience at NorthShore University HealthSystem (11 months). Successful completion of the courses and clinical training at NorthShore leads to a bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst University. Prior to practice, students must pass the national certification exam after completing the academic curriculum.

Transfer students are eligible to apply for this affiliation provided they attend Elmhurst full-time for 1.5 years (3 fall/spring semesters) prior to beginning at the hospital (if accepted by the hospital). Most transfer students attend Elmhurst for two years full-time prior to beginning at the hospital due to course sequencing and application timeline.

Students interested in pursuing a D.O. degree can apply to A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Missouri for the Still Scholars Program to earn a seat in their early admission process. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents and successfully complete a portion of the prerequisite courses by the end of the sophomore year (minimum of 4 semesters of college). In addition, they must consistently be active in volunteering/clinical experiences in health care  prior to and after being accepted to ATSU. All prerequisites must be taken after high school graduation. Transfer students should speak with the health professions advisor to determine if they may be eligible to apply.

Those accepted do not need to take the MCAT and must complete any remaining prerequisites courses along with activities sponsored by ATSU. Accepted students must complete junior and senior years (full-time) at Elmhurst and earn a bachelor’s degree. Upon graduation, students matriculate to A.T. Still for the D.O. program (four years + residency).

A.T. Still University
800 W. Jefferson St.
Kirksville, MO 63501

Elmhurst is partnered with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) for an early admission program (EAP). This opportunity allows high school seniors to apply for early admission to the LECOM medical program. Those accepted into the EAP must fulfill certain academic requirements while enrolled at Elmhurst to hold their seat at LECOM, and if those requirements are met, they will not need to take the MCAT. Current Elmhurst students may also be eligible to apply depending on their credentials and year in school. Interested students should speak with an adviser for more details.

Applicants submit separate applications to Elmhurst and LECOM as seniors in high school. Applications for the EAP will be available on the LECOM portal from July 15-April 1 during one’s senior year of high school. Video interviews will be offered by LECOM to a select group of EAP applicants. LECOM will determine which applicants are accepted into the EAP. Those students who are accepted into the EAP and plan to attend Elmhurst for undergrad, must provide their Elmhurst University e-mail address to LECOM in order to receive the official EAP acceptance letter. Acceptance to Elmhurst University does not guarantee admission to the LECOM EAP or vice versa.

EAP applicants must have a minimum cumulative, high school GPA of 3.5 (unweighted) along with a composite ACT score of 26 or composite SAT score of 1240 or higher. Students not having these scores or GPA can check out additional combinations on the LECOM website using their Academic Index Score (AIS) system.

Transfer students are not eligible for the LECOM EAP at Elmhurst. Dual credit from high school and AP credit must be reviewed by the health professions advisor to determine if it will be accepted as LECOM has restrictions on what is allowed.

Elmhurst students in the EAP must earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology. LECOM has additional information about the early acceptance program and their tuition/fees on their website. LECOM has medical campuses at the following locations:

LECOM Erie Campus
1858 West Grandview Boulevard
Erie, PA 16509-1025

LECOM at Seton Hill
20 Seton Hill Drive
Greensburg, PA 15601

LECOM Bradenton Campus
5000 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard
Bradenton, FL 34211-4909

LECOM Elmira Campus
250 W. Clinton Street
Elmira, NY 14901

Students interested in the NMT track must pursue a major in health science technology and participate in selected experiences and activities offered through health professions advising. Applications to this track are typically submitted during the junior year, and if accepted, students spend three years at Elmhurst University and take the final phase of coursework and clinical experience at Northwestern Memorial Hospital (13 months). Successful completion of the courses and clinical training at NMH leads to a bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst University. Prior to practice, students must pass the national certification exam after completing the academic curriculum. Students are able to complete four years at Elmhurst University and then apply to Northwestern Memorial Hospital after graduation as well.

Transfer students are eligible to apply for this affiliation provided they attend Elmhurst full-time for 1.5 years (3 fall/spring semesters) prior to beginning at the hospital (if accepted by the hospital). Most transfer students attend Elmhurst for two years full-time prior to beginning at the hospital due to course sequencing and application timeline.

The Dual Acceptance Program (DAP) is an early acceptance track for select high school seniors (track 1) and first-year Elmhurst students (track 2). The program provides students who are motivated to become optometrists with a clear path to achieving their goal directly out of high school or early in their undergraduate studies. Students admitted to the DAP are required to complete their prerequisite requirements and obtain their bachelor’s degree at Elmhurst University, and then transition into Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Optometry to begin the Doctor of Optometry (OD) program.

Track 1 candidates apply to Elmhurst University and Midwestern University as seniors in high school. There is a separate application for Midwestern that is due by March 1. Applicants must have a minimum composite ACT score of 26 or composite SAT of 1250. They must also have a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale. Track 2 applicants apply at the end of the spring term of their first year at Elmhurst. They must have cumulative and science GPAs of 3.4 or higher and also have earned a composite score of 26 on the ACT or 1250 on the SAT to apply.

If accepted to both schools, students complete their prerequisite requirements at Elmhurst University and then matriculate to Midwestern University after graduation to begin a four-year OD program. Transfer students are not eligible for the DAP. Transfer/dual credit is not allowed for prerequisite courses for this program, but AP credit is. Students can have any major at Elmhurst and must earn cumulative and science GPAs of 3.40 or higher to remain in the DAP. Students will work with their academic advisors to determine fourth-year courses for the major and prerequisite requirements.

While at Elmhurst, students are expected to participate in selected activities and experiences offered through health professions advising and be in good standing with the University. Applicants not accepted to Midwestern can still be admitted to Elmhurst University and apply to Midwestern and/or any other optometry program during the traditional cycle of their undergraduate years. For more information on the requirements and details on how to apply, see the websites below.

Midwestern University
555 31st Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515

The dual acceptance program (DAP) is a special opportunity for students who have decided to pursue a career in pharmacy and would like to streamline the process to a doctor of pharmacy program. There are two tracks for the program.

Track 1: Candidates apply to Elmhurst University and Midwestern University as seniors in high school. There is a separate application for Midwestern that is due by Nov. 1 for early decision or Feb. 15 for the standard deadline. Applicants must have a minimum weighted cumulative high school grade point average of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale. ACT/SAT scores are optional.

Track 2: Students who have enrolled at Elmhurst University can still apply for the DAP. Eligible students must complete two semesters of full-time coursework (12 or more semester hours each fall and spring term) at Elmhurst and earn a minimum grade point average of 3.00 with no grades below a C. These students must apply for the DAP by June 6 after their first year at Elmhurst.

If accepted to both schools for either track, students complete their prerequisite requirements over two years at Elmhurst University and then matriculate to Midwestern University, Chicago College of Pharmacy to begin the doctor of pharmacy program. (Students do not earn a degree from Elmhurst through this program.) Transfer students are not eligible for this program. Dual credit from high school would need to be reviewed on a case by case basis by the health professions advisor to determine if it would be allowed. AP credit is accepted.

While at Elmhurst, students are expected to participate in selected activities and experiences offered through health professions advising and be in good standing with the University. Applicants not accepted to Midwestern can still be admitted to Elmhurst University and apply to Midwestern and/or any other pharmacy program during the traditional cycle of their undergraduate years. For more information on the requirements and details on how to apply, see the websites below.

Midwestern University
555 31st Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515

Students interested in a career in pharmacy can apply for this 3+3 direct enrollment program (DEP) during their first-year at Elmhurst after completing at least one biology or chemistry prerequisite course with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at the time of application. Those offered an interview will meet with representatives from Roosevelt before a decision is made on their acceptance into the DEP.

Students can elect to pursue a major in health science technology or biochemistry. All courses for Roosevelt’s pharmacy program, the major, and the Elmhurst University Integrated Curriculum must be completed within three academic years (by June 1st for the year of matriculation). Students must earn a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a minimum 2.75 math/science GPA with grades of C or better (C- is not considered sufficient) for each pharmacy prerequisite course. Accepted applicants must maintain full-time status (12 semester hours or more) each term at Elmhurst while in the DEP.

Transfer students are not eligible for this program. Courses must be taken at Elmhurst, and AP credit may be considered to meet some requirements. Science and speech courses are required to be onsite (rather than online). Those accepted into the DEP will NOT have to take the PCAT. The DEP is designed so students will be at Elmhurst for three years prior to beginning Roosevelt’s three-year pharmacy program (3+3). Successful completion of the first year of courses at Roosevelt will lead to earning a bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst.

Roosevelt University
1400 N. Roosevelt Blvd.
Schaumburg, IL 60173

Elmhurst is partnered with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) for an early admission program (EAP). This opportunity allows high school seniors to apply for early admission to the LECOM School of Podiatric Medicine. The EAP gives students the opportunity to secure a seat in podiatry school years in advance of the traditional process. Accepted students complete four years of undergraduate studies at Elmhurst prior to beginning four years of podiatry school at LECOM. Current Elmhurst students may also be eligible to apply depending on their credentials and year in school. Interested students should speak with an adviser for more details.

Applicants submit separate applications to Elmhurst and LECOM as seniors in high school. The EAP podiatry application will be available from July 15-April 1 during one’s senior year of high school. Video interviews will be offered by LECOM to a select group of EAP applicants. LECOM will determine which applicants are accepted into the EAP. Those students who are accepted into the EAP and plan to attend Elmhurst for undergrad, must provide their Elmhurst University e-mail address to LECOM in order to receive their official EAP acceptance letter. Acceptance to Elmhurst University does not guarantee admission to the LECOM EAP or vice versa.

EAP applicants must have a minimum cumulative, high school GPA of 3.5 (unweighted) along with a composite ACT score of 21 or composite SAT score of 1100 or higher. Transfer students are not eligible for the LECOM EAP at Elmhurst. Dual credit from high school and AP credit must be reviewed by the health professions advisor to determine if it will be accepted as LECOM has restrictions on what is allowed.

Elmhurst students in the EAP must earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology. LECOM has additional information about the early acceptance program and their podiatry school tuition/fees on their website. LECOM’s podiatry school is located at:

LECOM School of Podiatry Medicine
1858 West Grandview Blvd.
Erie, PA 16509

Students interested in the radiation therapy track must pursue a major in health science technology and participate in selected experiences and activities offered through health professions advising. Applications to this track are typically submitted during the junior year, and if accepted, students spend three years at Elmhurst University and take the final phase of coursework and clinical experience at Northwestern Memorial Hospital (14 months). Successful completion of the courses and clinical training at NMH leads to earning a bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst University.

Transfer students are eligible to apply for this affiliation provided they attend Elmhurst full-time for 1.5 years (3 fall/spring semesters) prior to beginning at the hospital (if accepted by the hospital). Most transfer students attend Elmhurst for two years full-time prior to beginning at the hospital due to course sequencing and application timeline.

Prior to practice, students must pass the national certification exam after completing the academic curriculum. Students are able to complete four years at Elmhurst University and then apply to Northwestern Memorial Hospital after graduation as well.

Students interested in respiratory care may apply for early admission to Rush University College of Health Sciences for a 3+2 agreement. Elmhurst students must major in health science technology and complete all Elmhurst University Integrated Curriculum and Rush prerequisite courses prior to beginning at Rush. In addition to completing all required courses and other admission criteria, applicants must have cumulative and prerequisite GPAs of 3.0 or higher to apply. Elmhurst students must apply to Rush by March 1 of a given application year to be considered for the following fall term. Not all applicants will be accepted to Rush for the 3+2 track. Those not accepted can apply through the traditional admission process.

Students also are expected to maintain a visible profile in volunteer and clinical activities while still participating in selected experiences offered through health professions advising. If accepted, they will begin the Master of Science in Respiratory Care at Rush during their senior year. Successful completion of coursework during the first year at Rush will count toward a student’s bachelor’s degree at Elmhurst.

This agreement would allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and Master of Science in Respiratory Care in approximately 5 years; rather than 6 years. Please note that transfer students are not eligible for this program and transfer credit is not allowed for this program. Dual credit from high school would need to be reviewed on a case by case basis by the health professions advisor to determine if it would be allowed. AP credit is allowed with the exception of Rush prerequisite courses. Any student considering applying should speak with an adviser about their eligibility and additional requirements.

Rush University
600 S. Paulina St.
Chicago, Illinois 60612

Pre-veterinary students at Elmhurst University can apply for admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at UIUC through this affiliation agreement at the end of their first year of college after completing three science courses (A-F grading). Applicants must pursue a biology major and complete the necessary prerequisite courses and experiences to apply. Along with other requirements, students must earn a 3.5 cumulative GPA and 3.5 science GPA to be eligible to apply. If accepted, students must finish outstanding course requirements and maintain a visible profile in volunteer and clinical activities while still participating in selected experiences offered through health professions advising.

Accepted students will have the option of completing three or four years (3+4 or 4+4 track) at Elmhurst prior to matriculating to the DVM program at UIUC (four years). Those selecting the three year track (3+4 track) will still earn a bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst upon successful completion of the first year of the DVM program at UIUC. Additional details about the requirements can be obtained from an adviser. Please note that transfer students are not eligible for this program and transfer credit is not allowed for this program. Dual credit from high school would need to be reviewed on a case by case basis by the health professions advisor to determine if it would be allowed. AP credit is accepted.

The College of Veterinary Medicine
3305 Veterinary Medicine
Basic Sciences Building
2001 South Lincoln Avenue
Urbana, IL 61802

All students must meet with the health professions adviser to learn more about the criteria for eligible applicants and details to apply for all of these programs. Some affiliations do not allow transfer credit from other institutions. Ultimately, the student is responsible for making sure all requirements are met to apply for these or any other program. Please note Elmhurst University and the faculty/staff in health professions advising cannot guarantee admission to a particular program. Once admitted to Elmhurst University, students must apply for each of these programs separately at the appropriate time in their academic progression.

Erica Ashauer

Director, Pre-Professional Advising, Health Professions Advising & Pre-Law Advising
Russell G. Weigand Center for Professional Excellence

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