This year marks the highest number of applications in the Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service's 57-year history, surpassing 10,000 for the first time.
As the Entry Year 2026 (EY 26) cycle closes, TMDSAS reports nearly 10,300 applications—an 8.5% increase compared to the previous year. Thousands of aspiring healthcare professionals across Texas and beyond submitted applications to medical, dental, veterinary, and podiatric programs— signaling a surge of interest in Texas’ health professions programs and an exciting future for the state’s healthcare workforce.
These data reveal continued growth in several critical fields — even as challenges persist in others (see EY 25 Application Trends). As Texas continues to face healthcare shortages, these application trends warrant close attention (Source: Texas Department of State Health Services).
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The most dramatic growth this cycle came from dentistry, with applications climbing 22.6% from the previous year.
This surge underscores growing enthusiasm for oral health professions and the essential
role dentists play in preventive care, public health, and community well-being across
Texas.
Texas continues to face shortages and gaps in dental care, and while the Texas Supply and Demand Dental Projections from the DSHS indicate that workforce growth may eventually outpace demand by 2036,
current shortages—particularly in rural and underserved regions—still limit access
to care for many Texans. As access to dental care remains a challenge in many communities,
this wave of new applicants is encouraging—reflecting a growing commitment to strengthening
the state’s oral health infrastructure.
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Veterinary medicine also saw notable expansion, with applications rising 13.7%.
The veterinary field, critical to Texas’s agricultural economy and companion animal health, continues to attract new applicants at a robust pace. This trend suggests interest in animal health careers remains strong and may help support future workforce needs in both rural and urban settings.
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For EY 26, 7,220 applications were received via TMDSAS for Texas medical schools—marking a 5.8% increase from the previous cycle.
This rise reflects the continued strength of interest in medical school among Texas applicants, and it corresponds with national data showing increased first-time medical-school applicants and record-high enrollment in U.S. medical schools. (According to AAMC data, first-time applicants rose about 2.3% for 2024–25.) Still, even as application volume grows, gaps in physician supply remain, especially in rural and underserved regions across Texas. (Source: Texas Department of State Health Services)
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Data current as of Oct 17 |
Applications to the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine — the only podiatric medical school in Texas — are currently 24% lower than at this point last year.
However, there remains time for new applicants before the final March deadline. Targeted outreach and awareness efforts could help moderate the downturn, as interest continues to build around the podiatrist’s critical role in preventive and diabetic care. TMDSAS, TXHES, and UTRGV remain committed to expanding visibility for this vital healthcare specialty.
The EY 26 application totals represent the largest number of TMDSAS applications ever received, underscoring the growing trust and enthusiasm among future healthcare professionals choosing to study—and serve—in Texas.
Overall, EY 26 shows both promise and perspective: exciting gains in key areas alongside opportunities for targeted investment, outreach, and coordination across institutions and policymakers.
While applications alone don’t guarantee matriculation or long-term workforce stability, it remains essential for Texas to strengthen applicant support—through advising, mentorship, and financial aid—to help applicants succeed and meet the state’s evolving healthcare needs.
TXHES has launched the Nursing Advisory Council, bringing together 30 leaders from across Texas to help design a centralized, student-centered nursing application service with the goal of completing a feasibility study and implementation plan as directed by House Bill 2851.
The meeting focused on improving programming, communications, and outreach to prospective Texas health professions applicants and planning for a big year ahead.
TMDSAS application submissions see major growth across medical, dental, and veterinary fields—signaling strong momentum for Texas’s future healthcare workforce.
