U.S. Military Medical Colleges

The U.S. government recognizes six post-secondary institutions as military colleges. Of those six, which are outlined in Title 10 U.S. Code, Section 2111a, three offer medical programs that specifically relate to military service. Although graduation from other medical colleges can result in a direct commission in the U.S. military, only three are government-endorsed and recognized as military colleges. Texas A&M University, Norwich University and North Georgia State College and University are the three military colleges offering medical programs.

  1. Texas A&M University

    • Graduation from Texas A&M's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is a four-year educational commitment with heavy focus on lab work, biology and social sciences. In addition to veterinary medicine, Texas A&M offers both associate's and bachelor's degrees in nursing. Graduates from one of Texas A&M's baccalaureate programs receive a direct commission to enter active duty military service. Graduates from an associate-degree program also receive a direct commission. However, a graduate with an associate's degree may only enter a reserve component. Graduates enter military service as second lieutenants.

    Norwich University

    • Norwich University's Mathematics and Sciences Department offers bachelor's degrees in nursing, biology, biochemistry and sports medicine. These degrees can be used as premedical disciplines at either Norwich or other accredited medical schools. Graduation from any of these programs with concurrent participation in military programs earns students a direct commission into active duty status as second lieutenants. Students graduating with an associate's degree in these disciplines may only enter a reserve component.

    North Georgia State College and University

    • North Georgia State College and University offers associate's programs in nursing as well as bachelor's programs in biology, chemistry, nursing and physical therapy that can be used as premedical degrees. Students graduating with associate's degrees may only enter a reserve component of the military, while those with bachelor's degrees may enter active duty status. All graduates receive direct commissions into the military at the rank of second lieutenant regardless of branch affiliation.

    Service Obligations

    • Students accepting scholarships from the U.S. military to attend a military college or university incur service obligations. Most service obligations are eight years in duration. For example, students accepting a two-year scholarship are required to serve at least three years in a reserve or active component and five years in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Students who accept a four-year scholarship generally owe the military between four and six years of active duty service and between two and four years of IRR service.