Only three days remain for students wishing to study the Bachelor of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) in 2009 to start their application process.

All prospective students must register to sit the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT) with on-time applications closing on Friday 6 June at 5pm.

UMAT is an aptitude test designed to assess general attributes and abilities gained through prior experience and learning. It focuses on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, understanding people and abstract non-verbal reasoning.

These abilities are considered important to the study and later practices of professionals in the health sciences sector.

Chair of the JMP Admissions Committee Professor Dimity Pond said UMAT was the first in a three step process for people wanting to study medicine.

"To be eligible for entry into the JMP students are assessed in three ways - UMAT results, the Universities Admissions Index (UAI) and an interview.

"While UMAT is an important first step, it is necessary also to apply directly to the University and lodge an application through the Universities Admissions Centre in the coming months.

"Staff at the University of Newcastle are available to answer questions on the admissions procedure through the Enquiry Centre on 02 4921 5000 and full details are also available on the JMP website at www.newcastle.edu.au/jmp."

The JMP is jointly offered by the University of Newcastle and the University of New England, in partnership with Hunter New England Health and Northern Sydney Central Coast Health.

The curriculum is identical at both universities and is based on the highly successful University of Newcastle Bachelor of Medicine.

In 2009 there will be 160 Commonwealth Supported Places available within the JMP - 100 at the University of Newcastle and 60 at the University of New England.

On-time applications for UMAT close this week. Late applications will be accepted until 20 June and will attract a late fee.