UNE, Des Moines University create new path to podiatric medicine

By AI, Created 5:31 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – The University of New England and Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences have formed a new partnership that gives eligible UNE students a clearer route into DMU’s Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program. The agreement adds guaranteed interview opportunities for qualifying students and expands access to podiatric medical education.

Why it matters: - The partnership creates a more direct pipeline for UNE students into podiatric medicine. - Eligible students gain clearer admissions visibility and a guaranteed interview opportunity, which can reduce uncertainty in the application process. - The agreement expands access to a health care career field with demand for trained clinicians.

What happened: - The University of New England and Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences announced a new partnership on May 12, 2026. - The agreement gives students in UNE’s College of Professional Studies Online Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health and Master of Biomedical Science programs a pathway to DMU’s Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree. - As of April 1, eligible UNE students who meet established academic benchmarks receive a guaranteed interview opportunity with DMU’s DPM program.

The details: - UNE students must meet specified GPA thresholds and prerequisite coursework requirements to receive an interview invitation. - Students must also satisfy DMU’s admissions criteria. - Beth Taylor-Nolan, dean of UNE Online, said academic partnerships help create clearer pathways, greater access and more opportunity for students entering health care. - Kevin Smith, DPM, dean of the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at DMU, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to supportive pathways for students pursuing health care leadership. - DMU says the agreement will help expand access to podiatric medical education and support students preparing for patient care careers.

Between the lines: - The deal links an online pre-health pipeline at UNE with a professional doctorate at DMU, which can make the transition from preparatory study to medical training more predictable. - Both schools framed the partnership as mission-aligned, suggesting the agreement is meant to strengthen recruitment as well as student progression. - The focus on podiatric medicine points to a targeted workforce strategy rather than a broad multi-program affiliation.

What’s next: - Eligible UNE students will continue moving through the new interview pathway under DMU’s admissions standards. - Prospective students can find more information about UNE at UNE and about DMU’s academic programs and admissions requirements at DMU. - The partnership may serve as a model for additional pathway agreements if both schools choose to expand similar collaborations.

The bottom line: - UNE and DMU are turning a traditional admissions hurdle into a clearer pathway for students interested in podiatric medicine.