(CNN) At least 69 students at New York University's medical school want to graduate three months early to help in the fight against the novel coronavirus.

NYU's Grossman School of Medicine announced Wednesday it's planning to allow senior students to graduate early in response to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's "directive to get more physicians into the health system more quickly," the school said in a statement.

Steven B. Abramson, an executive vice dean at the medical school, said the university asked about 122 students who are set to graduate this year whether they would be willing to start their internship at New York hospitals in April instead of waiting until July.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 69 students had volunteered to graduate, Abramson said.

"It is awe-inspiring and just says a lot about our students and their dedication to take care of people who are sick and to be part of a team of doctors taking care of these patients," he said.

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