Aspiring Medical Professionals (AMP) Pathway
Bakersfield College is proud to announce the Aspiring Medical Professionals (AMP) Pathway, a first-of-its-kind linkage program developed in partnership with Western University of Health Sciences and California Health Sciences University's College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM).
The AMP Pathway creates a clear, locally rooted route from Bakersfield College into medical school and, ultimately, healthcare careers here in Kern County.
Program Overview
Kern County faces a significant shortage of physicians and healthcare professionals. The AMP Pathway is BC's direct response to that challenge.
Through intentional partnerships with WesternU, CHSU-COM, Kern Medical, and Adventist Health, the AMP Pathway connects students to graduate medical programs and clinical training opportunities without leaving the Central Valley. The program reduces barriers to medical education, strengthens the regional healthcare workforce, and creates opportunities for students to build careers in the communities they come from.
Students begin the pathway by completing BC's Bachelor of Science in Research Laboratory Technology (RTEC), then choose one of two graduate tracks: the Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS) program at WesternU, or the Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program at CHSU-COM. Clinical training and residency opportunities are supported locally through Kern Medical and Adventist Health.
How It Works
The AMP Pathway follows a structured progression from BC to graduate medical education.
Step 1: Enroll at Bakersfield College
Begin the Bachelor of Science in Research Laboratory Technology (RTEC) and complete lower division coursework.
Step 2: Apply to Your Pathway
During the fall semester of your junior year, apply to either the CHSU-COM Linkage Program or the WesternU MSMS Linkage Program. Complete upper division RTEC coursework alongside program-specific requirements.
Step 3: Graduate with Your RTEC Bachelor's Degree
Students on the CHSU-COM track receive a guaranteed interview for acceptance into the DO program. Students on the WesternU track are eligible for one of five reserved seats in the MSMS program.
Step 4: Enter Graduate Medical Education
Matriculate into either the Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine at CHSU-COM or the 12-month Master of Science in Medical Sciences at WesternU.
Step 5: Train and Practice in Kern County
CHSU-COM students will complete residency locally then begin practicing as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in Kern County. WesternU MSMS students will complete clinical training locally, then serve as medical scientists in Kern County. Students in this pathway may continue into additional WesternU graduate medical programs (DO, DDM, DPM, DPT, OD, PA, or PharmD) to practice as a medical professional.
