PennWest University has partnered with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) to expand pathways for students pursuing careers in the health professions, including early admission opportunities and reduced tuition for select graduate programs. 

Through LECOM’s Early Acceptance Programs (EAP), qualified PennWest undergraduates may secure early admission into professional degree programs while completing their bachelor’s degrees — creating a more seamless and accelerated path to clinical practice. 

Available programs through the partnership include the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) and Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.). 

In addition, a separate agreement with the LECOM School of Health Services Administration provides PennWest students, faculty and employees with a 15% tuition discount on select graduate and doctoral programs in health administration. 

Together, the partnerships are designed to strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals in Pennsylvania. By creating earlier entry points, reducing financial barriers and aligning academic pathways with high-demand fields, PennWest is helping prepare graduates to enter and remain in the state’s healthcare workforce. 

“This gives our students a more straightforward path into professional programs and helps them plan earlier for what comes next,” said Dr. Bob Mehalik, associate provost and graduate dean. “At the same time, it reflects our responsibility as a public university to help meet Pennsylvania’s growing demand for healthcare professionals — especially in the communities we serve.”