Primary Care Pathway

TCOM-Rural Osteopathic Medical Education (ROME) Pathway: Weatherford College

The Primary Care Pathway Program (PCPP) is an accelerated medical education partnership between Weatherford College and the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) at UNT Health Science Center. Designed as a structured 2+1+4 pathway, PCPP allows motivated students to complete their undergraduate and medical education in just seven year, one year ahead of the traditional timeline. This innovative model reduces both the time and overall cost associated with becoming a physician while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The program is specifically designed for first time in college students entering directly after high school who reside in the local rural Texas communities. Students complete two years at Weatherford College, one year at UNT Health Science Center, and then transition into four years of medical school at TCOM, all while participating in clinically oriented summer experiences that emphasize rural and community-based healthcare.

Throughout the program, students receive comprehensive academic advising, structured mentorship, and guided preparation for medical school. Those who successfully meet all academic and program benchmarks that include high GPA standards, completion of prerequisite coursework, and co-curricular requirements, may earn an early interview opportunity with TCOM and can be considered for acceptance without the requirement of an MCAT score. With a strong focus on developing primary care physicians for Texas communities, particularly rural areas, PCPP offers a clearly defined, supportive pathway for high-achieving students who begin their college journey as first-year students and are committed to returning to serve their home communities through medicine.

Weatherford College, Pre-Med Student Eligibility:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at the time of medical school application
• Be a Texas resident as defined by Rule §21.24 of the Texas Administrative Code
• Meet one of the following residency requirements:
  • Have a primary residence within the Weatherford College District Service Area
  • Have a primary residence in designated local participating counties
  • Have a primary residence in a rural Texas area (as defined by the “Am I Rural?” tool at ruralhealthinfo.org)
• Be a first-time-in-college student admitted to Weatherford College for the fall term immediately following high school graduation
  (Students who completed dual credit coursework in high school remain eligible.)

PCPP Student Minimum Requirements at Weatherford College:

• Meet TSI requirements for Math and Science courses
• Complete the required curriculum to earn an Associates of Arts with a grade of “B” or better (including dual credit)
• Complete the SAT and ACT by March of the first year at Weatherford College
• 3.75 overall GPA; 3.75 GPA in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics and Math courses
• Participate in the Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) process and completion of co-curricular experiences during the first two years at WC
• Submit a completed application to the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service, TMDSAS during year 2 at WC
• Submit a completed secondary admissions application to UNTHSC-TCOM during year 2
• During year 2, apply for transfer admission to UNTHSC in Fort Worth
• All deadlines must be met

WC Associate Degrees

• Associate of Arts

Courses marked with asterisk (*) may be completed through Advanced Placement (AP) credit or dual credit enrollment.  

Students in this program must earn their Associate of Arts Degree prior to their enrollment at UNT Health Fort Worth.

Bachelor's Degree

• Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
  UNT Health Fort Worth

Graduate Degree

• Doctor of Osteopathy
  Texas College of Ostepathic Medicine

Career Options