The Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) has published its data for the 2025 application cycle, offering a snapshot of the pipeline for future healthcare professionals. As the numbers show, while there is growth in key areas, challenges persist in others. These figures, against the backdrop of well-documented shortages across healthcare professions, underscore the critical importance of tracking and responding to application trends.
The number of dental school applications in Texas grew to 1,268 in 2025, an 8% increase from the previous year. This trend mirrors national growth patterns reported by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), where interest in dentistry has rebounded post-pandemic. The rise is encouraging in a state where access to dental care remains inconsistent, particularly in rural counties.
Medical school applications increased by 5%, with 6,827 students applying through TMDSAS. This recovery aligns with national trends reported by the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), highlighting continued enthusiasm for medical careers. However, this growth comes as Texas faces significant shortages of primary care physicians, particularly in rural areas, where over 185 counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) for primary care (Health Resources & Services Administration [HRSA], 2023).
Applications to veterinary schools saw a slight 1% decline to 1,342, showcasing remarkable stability in a field of growing importance. The steady numbers reflect a continued interest in veterinary medicine, a profession critical to Texas's agricultural backbone and pet-loving communities.
This plateau aligns with national trends reported by the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). It highlights the opportunity to address financial and workload challenges that may deter applicants while emphasizing the essential and fulfilling role veterinarians play. For those inspired to care for animals and support vital industries, veterinary medicine remains an incredibly impactful career choice.
Podiatry applications stand at 90 for the 2025 cycle, reflecting a 24% decrease from the previous year. While this figure calls attention to the current challenges facing the field, it also highlights an incredible opportunity. With the application deadline for podiatric schools still open until March 2025, there is ample time to encourage more prospective students to consider this specialized and impactful career.
The data underscores the importance of raising awareness about the critical role podiatrists play in preventive care, diabetic foot health, and sports medicine. With the right outreach and resources, this decline in applications can be transformed into an opportunity to inspire the next generation of podiatrists, ensuring healthier outcomes for underserved communities across Texas.
The TMDSAS application trends cannot be viewed in isolation. They must be understood within the broader context of Texas’s healthcare shortages:
These shortages, highlighted in publications such as JAMA Network Open and reports from state health agencies, illustrate a pressing need to strengthen the healthcare pipeline (Basu et al., 2021).
Behind every application is a potential healthcare provider, a professional who might address Texas’s growing needs. The rise in dental and medical school applications is a promising sign, but the declines in veterinary and podiatry applications are concerning. These gaps, if left unaddressed, can intensify existing disparities and leave critical needs unmet in the state’s healthcare landscape.
TMDSAS’s role in providing transparent data is invaluable for policymakers, educators, and healthcare advocates. The numbers tell a clear story: Texas must act to recruit, train, and retain healthcare professionals in all disciplines.
Sources:
The Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) has published its data for the 2025 application cycle, offering a snapshot of the pipeline for future healthcare professionals.
Dr. Jennifer Bloom to Deliver Keynote at 2025 TAAHP Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Entry Year 2023 cohort has set an impressive standard for MCAT performance, underscoring their commitment to becoming the next generation of healthcare leaders in Texas.
