Earning the title of a doctor is a difficult and lengthy process. After all, people’s health and lives are on the line. It takes four years of a pre-med course and another four years in med school. That’s a whole lot of studying! Some doctors spend an additional two to six to specialize in a field.

On top of years of lectures and internships, they have to take the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) and the Philippine Physician Licensure Examination! 

Clearly, it takes a lot of hard work, patience, and being goal-oriented to pursue medicine. Still, many people dream of becoming a doctor. Having the “Dr.” prefix or an “M.D.” beside your name is honorable wherever you are. Everyone recognizes and respects the hard work that doctors go through to become the healers of society. 

Beyond the title, being a doctor is a fulfilling, humbling, and meaningful job. Seeing patients and their families happy and healthy makes the years of studying worthwhile.

Now, becoming a doctor can be a little faster through UP’s INTARMED Program. Just the thought of becoming a doctor faster is appealing! But don’t get too excited, it still isn’t quick and easy.

What Is INTARMED?

The Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine (INTARMED) program is offered by the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM) in Manila. It is a seven-year-program to become a doctor, similar to UST’s LEAPMed program.

How It Works: A Sped-Up Timeline

High school graduates who are admitted into INTARMED immediately enter UPCM as Medical Science Students, which serves as their pre-med course. After only two years, they take the NMAT to be admitted into UP’s med school.

How to Get In

Even though it will take less time for INTARMED students to become doctors, UP still makes sure that the INTARMED students are fully capable and equipped to be two years ahead. 

The first step to joining the INTARMED is by taking the UPCAT. This alone can be very challenging. The UPCAT is a five-hour-long test of everything you’ve learned in high school, from Filipino, English, Science, and Math! 

The UPCAT is notorious for its high competition and right-minus-wrong grading system. To prepare for the UPCAT, many students enroll in college entrance review programs during the summer before their senior year.

While applying to UP, students must check the option to apply for the INTARMED program. Of all the students who check this option, only the Top 20 male and Top 20 female passers will qualify for INTARMED. 

Maybe right now, qualifying for such a prestigious program only seems like a dream. But it is indeed possible, and we can prove it to you! This year, five of AHEAD’s students passed INTARMED and are now one step closer to their white coats.

Remember, you miss 100% of the opportunities you don’t take. So take that leap! We can help you prepare for what’s ahead.

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