The Commission on Higher Education has said medical schools can admit students who have not taken the National Medical Admission Test, but subject to their regular admission requirements.

This is only for academic year 2020-2021 “because the Center for Educational Measurement failed to administer the NMAT last March 2020 due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and the imposition of enhanced community quarantine in Luzon and many areas in the country,” said CHED officials.

“The Commission, in its en banc meeting on June 30, 2020, responded to the call of many students who want to pursue their medical education but were not able to take the NMAT which is required for admission to a medical school due to the current health crisis,” CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III said.

NMAT is a standardized test designed to upgrade the selection of applicants seeking admission to Philippine medical schools. Historically, it has been used to screen qualified candidates aspiring for a medical degree as it can be a good predictor of aptitude to withstand the rigors of the medical program.

Currently, there are 56 higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country authorized to offer the doctor of medicine program.

According to De Vera, the CHED decision was prompted by the concerns expressed by parents and students on how to proceed with the medical program without the required NMAT.

Based on the data gathered from the CEM, there are about 9,000 registered applicants to the NMAT.

With the various HEIs set to open classes starting this August, the CHED decision should settle the concerns of students, parents and the HEIs offering medical education.