Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine
Reviewed: 6/19/24
Interested in osteopathic medicine? Keep reading for the best schools in the US.
Applying to medical school to become a medical doctor is an extensive and sometimes complicated process, regardless of whether you’re pursuing a DO or an MD. What is a doctor of osteopathic medicine, you may ask? And what are the best osteopathic medical schools?
Keep reading to learn about osteopathic medicine, how it differs from allopathic medicine, and what is required to get into the best osteopathic medical schools in the country.
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What Is Osteopathic Medicine?
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) defines osteopathic medicine as “emphasizing the interrelated unity of all systems in the body, each working with the other to heal in times of illness.” Doctors of osteopathic medicine (commonly referred to as DOs) are licensed physicians in the same way that medical doctors (MDs) are, but they take an alternate approach to patient care.
MDs typically look to treat patients with medicine. DOs, on the other hand, look beyond a patient’s symptoms to identify any other factors that may impact a patient’s well-being. This can include considering their physical environment, lifestyle, or other existing elements. In addition to pharmaceuticals and surgical procedures, DOs also recognize other holistic advantages that could benefit patients.
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Osteopathic vs. Allopathic Medical Schools
Osteopathic doctors receive the same training as allopathic doctors. However, there are additional lessons and subjects offered at osteopathic medical schools. Allopathic medical schools offer students a traditional medical curriculum, whereas osteopathic medical schools offer lessons in areas like touch-based diagnoses.
DOs typically focus on OMM or osteopathic manipulative medicine. Osteopathic manipulative medicine is a philosophy and tool that DOs use in their practice, and it centers around the knowledge and understanding of how a patient’s body can influence their emotional or spiritual nature. A DO uses palpation and manipulation to provide patient-specific care.
Both osteopathic and allopathic programs allow premedical students to study to be doctors, but their academic credentials are different in some areas. Ultimately, whether you are studying to become an MD or a DO, you will be a physician either way.
When it comes to choosing whether you want to take an osteopathic or allopathic route to become a doctor, it all comes down to your preferences. Both programs teach you to heal people and ensure they stay well. However, Dr. Robert A. Cain, the president and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), says that going into osteopathic medicine allows for trained physicians to treat each patient as a whole person, as opposed to treating one specific injury, illness, or ailment they may have—as an allopathic doctor would do.
Nakia, Senior General Surgery Resident at New York-Presbyterian/Queens - Weill Cornell, shares these key insights:
"The main consideration is how you want to practice medicine and how you want to view the human body. Both MD and DO use a lot of deductive reasoning and look at symptoms to be able to get to an answer, but with the DO you have an extra toolbox, like an extra tool in your toolbox, to be able to use osteopathic manipulative medicine."
"If you're very adamant about getting into a particular specialty, and you may know where an area you would practice, a good thing is to look at the residents who are currently there at that residency and see whether or not they were DO or MD, and from which programs, to get an idea of where they kind of look
How Hard Is It to Get Into Osteopathic Medical Schools?
Getting into osteopathic medical schools can be quite challenging due to the competitive nature of the application process. Prospective students typically need to demonstrate a strong academic record, including high grades in prerequisite courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as a competitive score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Additionally, applicants must showcase their commitment to the osteopathic approach to medicine, which emphasizes a holistic view of patient care and a focus on preventive medicine. This may involve relevant volunteer work, shadowing experiences, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate a passion for serving others and a genuine interest in osteopathic medicine.
With a limited number of seats available and a high volume of qualified applicants, gaining acceptance to osteopathic medical schools requires dedication, perseverance, and a well-rounded application portfolio.
All Osteopathic Medical Schools in the USA
This table of osteopathic medical schools offers a concise yet comprehensive snapshot of schools across the USA, highlighting crucial statistics such as average GPA, average MCAT scores, and acceptance rates. These metrics serve as a guide, aiding prospective students in the ranking of DO schools that best fit their needs as future osteopathic doctors.
School
Acceptance Rate
Avg. MCAT
Avg. GPA
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
4%
504.3
3.38
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
7.5%
507
3.53
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
7.2%
501
3.5
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
9%
504
3.69
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University
11%
496
3.7
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine
N/A
506
3.4
Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
4%
507
3.6
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
2.7%
508
3.6
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
6%
495
3.45
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
14%
506
3.6
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
9.1%
507
3.63
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
6.1%
503
3.2
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
4.2%
503
3.4
Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
9%
501
3.4
Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
6.5%
504
3.71
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
5.5%
506
3.6
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
6%
505
3.5
Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine
N/A
503
3.42
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
75.8%
511
3.97
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
7%
510
3.68
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
52.7%
519
3.81
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
5%
503
3.6
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
4.4%
505
3.5
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
9.4%
506
3.55
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
3.9%
506
3.67
Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
N/A
506
3.28
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
2.7%
509
3.53
University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
60%
503
3.6
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
5%
504
3.57
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
60%
507.8
3.81
University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
16%
499
3.4
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
14%
505
3.6
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
9%
502
3.54
Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
14%
508
3.66
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university
Eight semester hours of Biology with labs
Eight semester hours of Physics with labs
Eight semester hours of Inorganic (General) Chemistry with labs
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry with labs
Six semester hours of English Composition and/or Literature
Official exam scores from the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
Admissions Statistics:ACOM’s most recent class consists of 205 accepted students, 52% female and 48% male. The average GPA is 3.38, and the average MCAT score is 504.3. The acceptance rate is approximately 4%.
2. Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University (AZCOM)
Completion of a bachelor’s degree at a regionally accredited college/university prior to matriculation
Competitive scores on the MCAT
Two letters of recommendation
Admissions Statistics:AZCOM’s most recent class consists of 254 accepted students, 46% male and 54% female. The average GPA is 3.53, and the average MCAT score is 507.
3. Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM)
Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents
Eight semester hours of General Biology
Eight semester hours of Physics
Eight semester hours of General or Inorganic Chemistry
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry
Six semester hours of English
Applicants must have a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA overall and a minimum 2.8 minimum science GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
Official MCAT scores
A bachelor’s of art or science degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association recommended
Primary AACOMAS application and secondary ATSU-KCOM application
Two letters of recommendation from professionals (one from a science faculty member or health professions advisor, one from a licensed physician—DO or MD)
Significant clinical shadowing or experience
Significant leadership experience and service to the underserved
Admissions Statistics:Each incoming class at ATSU-KOM does not top 170 students to optimize learning. The average cumulative GPA of incoming students is 3.69, and the average MCAT score of incoming students is 504. The acceptance rate is approximately 9%.
5. Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University
A high school diploma and completion of a baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education
Eight semester hours of Biology with labs
Eight semester hours of General or Inorganic Chemistry with labs
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry with labs
Eight semester hours of Physics with labs
Three semester hours of science elective courses
Six semester hours of English
One letter of recommendation from a physician (DO or MD)
One pre-medical committee letter OR two academic letters written by science professors, scientific research advisors, or an equivalent
Cumulative science GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
A score of 496 or higher, with no subsections lower than the 15th percentile, on the MCAT
Admissions Statistics: The latest incoming class at Burrell consisted of 162 matriculated students. The mean GPA was 3.7, and the mean MCAT score was 496. The acceptance rate is approximately 11%.
6. California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM)
Completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
A score of 500 or higher, with no subsections lower than the 15th percentile, on the MCAT
Two to three letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Three semester hours of Behavioral Sciences
Eight semester hours of Biology
Four semester hours of Inorganic or General Chemistry
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry
Eight semester hours of Physics
Six semester hours of English
Admissions Statistics: The latest incoming class at CHSU-COM consists of 160 students. The average undergraduate GPA was 3.4, and the average MCAT score was 506.
7. Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM)
Eight semester hours of Biological Sciences with labs
Six to eight semester hours of Physics
Eight semester hours of General or Inorganic Chemistry with labs
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry with labs
Six additional semester hours in upper hard science courses
A valid MCAT score
Admissions Statistics:The latest incoming class at CUSOM consists of 150 students. The average cumulative GPA was 3.6, and the average MCAT score was 507.
8. Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University (CCOM)
Minimum cumulative and science GPAs over 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to matriculation
Competitive test scores on the MCAT
Two letters of recommendation
Admissions Statistics: The latest incoming class at CCOM consists of 254 students. The average overall GPA was 3.6, and the average composite MCAT score was 508.
9. Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU)
Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Science GPA and cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher
Eight semester hours of Biology/Zoology
Eight semester hours of General Chemistry
Four semester hours of Organic Chemistry
Three semester hours of Biochemistry
Eight semester hours of Physics
Six semester hours of English, English Composition, Speech, or Literature
Letter of recommendation from a healthcare provider
Competitive test scores on the MCAT
Must be a legal permanent resident of the US
Must complete a criminal background check and drug screen
Admissions Statistics: The most recent incoming class at DMU consists of 228 students. The average cumulative GPA was 3.45, and the average MCAT score was 495.
Completion of a bachelor’s degree in an accredited college or university
Science GPA and cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher
Eight semester hours of Biological Sciences with Laboratory
Six to eight semester hours of Physics
Eight semester hours of Inorganic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry with laboratory
Six semester hours of English
Six additional semester hours of Science
MCAT score within the 50th percentile
One letter of recommendation from a science faculty member (Ph.D.) or a pre-medical/pre-health advisor
Must be a legal permanent resident of the US
Admissions Statistics:This year, ICOM is approved for a class size of 150 students. Applicants must have achieved at least a 3.6 cumulative GPA. A competitive MCAT score of 506 which should be in the 50th percentile, with no individual section below the 35th percentile.
11. Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU)
Completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
Minimum science GPA of 2.7
Eight semester hours of Biology with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Inorganic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry with laboratory
Four semester hours of Physics with laboratory
Six semester hours of English
Six semester hours of Behavioral Sciences
Competitive MCAT scores in the 50th percentile or higher
Admissions Statistics:The average cumulative GPA for LECOM’s most recent incoming class was 3.2. The average MCAT score was 503. Their acceptance rate is approximately 6.1%.
13. Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM)
Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
A minimum science GPA of 3.0 and a cumulative GPA of 3.0
A minimum of 499 scores on the MCAT
Three to five semester hours of Biochemistry or Cellular Biology
Eight to ten semester hours of Biological Sciences with Laboratory
Six to ten semester hours of English
Eight to ten semester hours of Inorganic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight to ten semester hours of Organic Chemistry with laboratory
Four to five semester hours of Physics with laboratory
Four additional semester hours of Science
Admissions Statistics:The last graduating class at LUCOM consisted of 151 students. The average science GPA was 3.4, and the average MCAT score was 503.
14. Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM)
Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a United States Department of Education (USDE) recognized accrediting body
Eight semester hours of Biology with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Inorganic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Physics with laboratory
Six semester hours of English
Competitive MCAT score (no more than three years old)
Admissions Statistics: The most recent incoming class at LMU-DCOM had an average science GPA of 3.4 and an average MCAT score of 501. Their acceptance rate is approximately 9%.
15. Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM)
Completion of a baccalaureate degree in a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting body
A minimum 3.10 cumulative GPA
A minimum MCAT score of 494
Eight semester hours of Biology/Zoology with laboratory
Three semester hours of Biochemistry
Eight semester hours of Inorganic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Physics with laboratory
Six semester hours of Behavioral Sciences
Six semester hours of English
Admissions Statistics:The latest incoming class at MU-COM consists of 162 students. The average total GPA is 3.71, and the average MCAT score is 504. Their acceptance rate is approximately 6.5%.
16. Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM)
Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Eight semester hours of Biology
16 semester hours of Chemistry
Six semester hours of English
Competitive MCAT score
Three evaluation letters
Admissions Statistics: MSUCOM’s latest incoming class consisted of 400 students. The average GPA for each entering class has consistently been 3.5 to 3.7. The average MCAT score for recent entering classes is between 505 and 507.
17. New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM)
Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education
Six semester hours of English
Eight semester hours of Biology/Zoology with laboratory
Eight semesters of General Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Physics with laboratory
Competitive MCAT score
Three letters of recommendation
Admissions Statistics:The average GPA for successful NYITCOM candidates is 3.5, and the average MCAT score is 505. Their acceptance rate is approximately 6%.
Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Eight semester hours of Biological Sciences with Laboratory
Eight semester hours of General Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Physics with laboratory
Six semester hours of English/Humanities
Three semester hours of Biochemistry
Minimum science and cumulative GPA of 3.0
Competitive MCAT score
Letters of recommendation
Admissions Statistics:NSU’s student body is 54 percent male and 46 percent female. Accepted applicants have an average GPA of 3.97 and an average MCAT score of 511. Their acceptance rate is approximately 75.8%.
20. Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited US institution
US citizenship
Six semester hours of English
Six semester hours of Behavioral Sciences
Eight semester hours of Biology/Zoology
Eight semester hours of General Chemistry
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry
Eight semester hours of Physics
Admissions Statistics:Heritage’s most recent entering class had an average science GPA of 3.59 and an average overall GPA of 3.68. The average MCAT score was 510. Their acceptance rate is approximately 7%.
21. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU-COM)
Completion of a baccalaureate degree at a regionally accredited college or university
Two semesters of English
Two semesters of Biology with laboratory
Two semesters of Physics
Two semesters of General Chemistry
Two semesters of Organic Chemistry
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.6
Minimum MCAT score of 500
Admissions Statistics:The average accepted GPA of OSU-COM is 3.81, and the average accepted MCAT score is 519. Their acceptance rate is approximately 52.7%.
22. Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNWU-COM)
Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Six semester hours of English Composition/Literature
Eight semester hours of General Chemistry
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry
Eight semester hours of Physics
12 semester hours of Biological Sciences
Competitive MCAT score
Admissions Statistics:PNWU’s most recent class profile consists of 138 students. This class’s average cumulative GPA was 3.6. The average MCAT score was 503. Their acceptance rate is approximately 5%.
23. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)
Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Eight semester hours of Biology with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Physics with laboratory
16 semester hours of Chemistry with laboratory
Six semester hours of English Composition and Literature
Competitive MCAT score
US citizenship or permanent resident status
Admissions Statistics:PCOMg’s latest incoming class consists of 270 students. This class had an average science GPA of 3.5 and an average cumulative GPA of 3.5. The average MCAT score was 505.
24. Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVU)
Admissions Statistics:RVU’s latest incoming class consists of 120 students. The average science GPA was 3.48, and the average cumulative GPA was 3.55. The average MCAT score was 506.
25. Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM)
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Inorganic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Physics with laboratory
Six semester hours of college-level Mathematics
Six semester hours of Behavioral Sciences
Three semester hours of English Composition
Admissions Statistics:RowanSOM’s most recent entering class had a science GPA of 3.6, a cumulative GPA of 3.67, and an average score of 506 on the MCAT. Their acceptance rate is approximately 3.9%.
26. Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU)
Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Competitive MCAT score
CASPer exam results
Eight semester hours of Biology with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Inorganic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Physics with laboratory
Six semester hours of English
Three semester hours of Mathematics/Computer Science
Six semester hours of Behavioral Sciences
Admissions Statistics:The most recent entering class at Touro consists of students whose average science GPA was 3.56 and the average cumulative GPA was 3.53. The average MCAT score was 509.
28. University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM)
Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Eight semester hours of Biology with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Inorganic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Physics with laboratory
Six semester hours of English Composition or Literature
Competitive MCAT score
Three letters of recommendation
Admissions Statistics: UIWSOM’s most recent entering class had an average science GPA of 3.5, an average cumulative GPA of 3.6, and an average MCAT score of 503. The acceptance rate is approximately 60%.
29. University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM)
Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a US regionally accredited college or university
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8
Minimum science GPA of 2.8
Eight semester hours of General Biology with laboratory
Eight semester hours of General Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Physics with laboratory
Four semester hours of Organic Chemistry with laboratory
Three semester hours of Biochemistry
Six semester hours of Behavioral Science
M minimum score of 490 on the MCAT
Three letters of evaluation
Personal statement
Admissions Statistics:UNE COM’s latest entering class consists of 165 students. The average cumulative GPA was 3.57, and the average MCAT score was 504.
30. University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited US college or university
12 semester hours of Biology with laboratory
Six semester hours of Chemistry with laboratory
Six semester hours of Organic Chemistry with laboratory
Six semester hours of Physics with laboratory
Three semester hours of Statistics
Three semester hours of English
Competitive MCAT scores
Admissions Statistics:TCOM’s latest entering class consists of 234 students. The average cumulative GPA was 3.81, and the average MCAT score was 507.8. The acceptance rate is approximately 60%.
31. University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM)
Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a US regionally accredited college or university
Competitive MCAT score
Six semester hours of English Composition and Literature
Eight semester hours of General Chemistry
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry
Eight semester hours of Physics
12 semester hours of Biological Sciences
Letters of recommendation
Admissions Statistics:KYCOM’s latest entering class had an average science GPA of 3.4 and an average cumulative GPA of 3.4. The average MCAT score was 499. The acceptance rate is approximately 16%.
32. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)
Must be a US citizen or permanent resident of the US
Admissions Statistics: The most recent class that entered WVSOM consists of 200 students. The average science GPA of this class is 3.54, and the average MCAT composite score is 502. The acceptance rate is approximately 9%.
34. Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (Western)
Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited US institution or its equivalent abroad
Six semester hours of College English
Six semester hours of Behavioral Sciences
Eight semester hours of Biological Sciences with Laboratory
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Inorganic Chemistry with laboratory
Eight semester hours of Physics with laboratory
Competitive MCAT scores
Two letters of recommendation
Proof of legal US residency
Admissions Statistics:The most recent class that entered WesternU was comprised of 335 students. Their average cumulative GPA is 3.66, and their average MCAT score is 508. The acceptance rate is approximately 14%.
35. William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM)
Six semester hours of English Composition and Literature
Eight semester hours of General Chemistry
Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry
Eight semester hours of Physics
Eight semester hours of Biological Sciences
Competitive MCAT score
Admissions Statistics:The most recent class that entered was 404 students. The Admissions Committee WCUCOM looks for a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above and an MCAT score of 500 or above. The acceptance rate is approximately 5%.
Best Osteopathic Medical Schools
That is a long, long list of osteopathic medical schools and a lot of information. So, how do you choose which osteopathic medical school is the best one? There is a multitude of different factors to look at, but luckily, U.S. News has released a list of the best medical schools, six of which are osteopathic medical schools:
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Nova Southeastern University Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (Patel)
All of the admissions statistics and requirements you need to know about the six best osteopathic medical schools in the U.S. are listed above.
Tips for Getting Accepted into Osteopathic Medical Schools
As you prepare to apply for your preferred osteopathic medical school, here are a few tips to give you the best chances at admission.
Seek Help From an Admissions Counselor
If your really have no idea where to start, or need help to hone your application, an admissions councelor can help. Admissions counselors offer invaluable advice on preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), securing strong letters of recommendation, and preparing for interviews.
By providing personalized feedback and support, they help applicants present their best selves, significantly enhancing their chances of acceptance into medical school. Inspira Advantage’s expert admissions counselors are here to help you every step of the way towards admittance.
Take a look at what one of our students had to say about working with Inspira Advantage:
“Through this program, I’ve really been able to open a lot of doors, and really step into the career that I’ve always imagined for myself, which is really nice to have access to.” -Maggie, Accepted to Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine
Apply as Early as You Possibly Can
Applying early to any medical school automatically gives you an advantage, as most medical schools utilize a rolling admission process. This means that the earlier your application is received, the earlier it is reviewed. This also means you are avoiding rejection of your application simply due to overflow issues.
Need Clinical Exposure? Shadow a DO!
If clinical exposure is an area you want to improve on your resume, look for opportunities where you can shadow or work beneath a DO in your area. Not only will this be great practice for when you enter osteopathic medical school, but admissions officers will notice that you already have some experience in osteopathic medicine.
Try to Get a Letter of Recommendation From a Do Instead of an MD
Although any strong letter of recommendation will be a great addition to your resume, admissions officers will also notice if a DO has written your letter of recommendation as opposed to an MD. Showing that you have acted on your interest in osteopathic medicine already will be appealing to admissions officers.
Do Everything You Can to Tell Your Story
Applying to medical school can be a challenging process! So, share your journey with admissions officers. Highlight your achievements, but don’t be afraid to talk about your struggles.
Talk about what motivates you and what really makes you passionate about osteopathic medicine. A great time to do this is while writing your personal statement. Giving admissions officers a sense of who you are also lets them see who you could be as an osteopathic medical doctor.
FAQs
Here are a few common questions about Osteopathic Medical Schools.
1. How Do I Know If Osteopathic Medical School Is Really for Me?
If you are unsure about osteopathic medical school versus allopathic medical school, talk to students already enrolled in DO programs or osteopathic doctors. Ask about their experiences and what they gained at an osteopathic medical school that they would not have at an allopathic medical school.
2. Are Osteopathic Medical Schools More Challenging to Get into Than Allopathic Medical Schools?
Both DO and MD programs are highly competitive. However, osteopathic medical schools typically have lower MCAT scores and GPA requirements than allopathic medical schools. Osteopathic medical schools also have higher acceptance rates than allopathic medical schools.
3. Does It Take Longer to Become a Do Compared to an MD?
Both DO and MD programs require four years of medical school and follow almost the same medical training.
4. Can a DO Be a Surgeon?
DOs and MDs receive the same exact license: both doctors can diagnose patients, treat patients, prescribe medication, and perform surgery. A DO can also specialize in any medical field, just like an MD.
5. Can I Still Apply to Osteopathic Medical Schools If I Am Not a US Resident?
Most, if not all, osteopathic medical schools list in their admissions requirements that applicants must be permanent residents of the US. If you do not find this in an osteopathic medical school’s admissions requirements, inquire within the school to clarify.
6. Do DOs Make Less Than MDs?
No, there is no difference in salary between an MD and a DO.
Final Thoughts
Applying to medical school is no easy feat, and it can definitely be challenging when you’re new to osteopathic medical schools. How are you supposed to choose the best osteopathic medical school when there are almost 40 of them?
If you put in the work to do your research, tailor your experiences, organize your documents, and proofread your application more than once, you are a shoo-in to become an osteopathic medical doctor!
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