October 15, 2025
Trine University and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) will partner to provide Trine students with pathways to doctoral degrees and careers in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and podiatry.
“There is strong demand for many healthcare careers, and Trine University equips our graduates to earn advanced degrees to lead, succeed and serve in these vital fields,” said Samuel Drerup, Ph.D., dean of Trine University’s Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences. “We’re excited to expand the pathways available to our students and to provide well-trained Trine graduates to the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine who will go on to help meet critical healthcare needs across the nation.”
LECOM President John M. Ferretti, D.O., stated, “LECOM is delighted to announce our partnership with Trine University in offering an early acceptance program for students. This collaboration represents our commitment to fostering educational opportunities and providing a seamless pathway for aspiring healthcare professionals. Together, we aim to empower students to pursue their academic passions and embark on a rewarding journey towards a successful healthcare career.”
Students admitted to Trine’s Bachelor of Science in biology beginning in fall 2026 will have the opportunity to apply for early acceptance into the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree programs at LECOM.
Trine students accepted into LECOM’s College School of Pharmacy will complete three years at Trine, with the successful completion of their first year in the Pharm.D. program finishing their bachelor’s degree. LECOM will reserve spots for up to five Trine University early acceptance students in its Pharm.D. program each year. Students will have the choice of studying at LECOM’s Erie, Pennsylvania, or Bradenton, Florida, campus.
Pharm.D. students can complete the program in three years at Erie. Bradenton and the online campus have a four-year program.
LECOM’s College of Medicine will reserve spots for up to five Trine early acceptance graduates into the D.O. program. Students may complete the program at LECOM’s campus in Erie, Bradenton, Jacksonville, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, or Elmira, New York, depending on space available.
The School of Dental Medicine at LECOM will reserve spots for up to five Trine early acceptance graduates into the D.M.D. program on its Bradenton campus.
LECOM’s School of Podiatric Medicine, located on the Erie campus, will reserve spots for up to two Trine early acceptance graduates into the D.P.M. program.
About LECOM
The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is part of the nation’s only osteopathic Academic Health Center and is the largest and one of the most affordable medical colleges in the United States. Founded in 1992, LECOM offers innovative, student-centered pathways to degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine, podiatry, and health services administration. With campuses in Erie and Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Bradenton and Jacksonville, Florida; and Elmira, New York, LECOM is committed to excellence in education, research, and community service—preparing the next generation of highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.
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