ACSOM and Saint Mary’s University Launch New Medical School Pathway for Canadian Students

American Canadian School of Medicine announces its third Canadian university pathway, creating a new route from undergraduate science study to medical education.

We, at ACSOM, are proud to announce a new Medical School Pathway Program with Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, expanding opportunities for qualified Canadian students pursuing a career in medicine. The new partnership establishes a structured academic pathway for eligible students in the Saint Mary’s Bachelor of Science in Biology program to pursue accelerated admission to ACSOM’s Doctor of Medicine program.

This new agreement marks an important milestone for ACSOM in Canada, with Saint Mary’s University becoming ACSOM’s third Canadian university pathway partner, joining the University of Waterloo Pathway Program and the University of Windsor pathway.

• Students complete their first three years of undergraduate study at Saint Mary’s University before beginning medical studies at ACSOM.
• Students who successfully complete their first year at ACSOM receive credits toward their Saint Mary’s degree.
• This structure allows eligible students to graduate with a Bachelor of Science from Saint Mary’s while continuing toward their MD.
• Qualified students may apply to ACSOM through the pathway without writing the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT.
• Students admitted through the pathway receive a scholarship worth at least 25 percent of standard ACSOM tuition.
• During the first three years of the agreement, ACSOM will reserve up to 50 seats each year for qualified Saint Mary’s pathway students.

Together, these pathway partnerships reflect ACSOM’s continued commitment to creating more accessible, clearly defined routes into medical education for qualified Canadian students.

“The American Canadian School of Medicine is committed to creating new opportunities for qualified Canadian students to pursue medical education,” said Dr. Andrew Padmos, Executive Vice-President for Canada at ACSOM, in Saint Mary’s University’s announcement. “Our partnership with Saint Mary’s University creates a new pathway for students to pursue their medical aspirations while building on the strong academic foundation they receive through Saint Mary’s science programming. We look forward to welcoming qualified Saint Mary’s students to ACSOM and supporting their development as future physicians.”

The pathway connects Saint Mary’s students to an MD program shaped by a rigorous, North America-modeled curriculum, personalized mentorship, and hands-on clinical training in accredited U.S. teaching hospitals. ACSOM holds provisional ACCM accreditation and full IAAR accreditation, underscoring its commitment to internationally recognized standards in medical education. Learn more about ACSOM accreditation.

The Saint Mary’s partnership strengthens ACSOM’s growing network of university relationships in Canada and advances its mission to expand access to high-quality medical education for aspiring physicians. Students ready to take the next step can apply to ACSOM here.