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.
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 be impacting a patient’s well-being.
This can include considering factors like their physical environment, lifestyle, or other existing elements. In addition to pharmaceuticals and surgical procedures, DOs also recognize other holistic advantages that could be beneficial to patients.
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 on 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 that patient-specific care.
Both osteopathic and allopathic programs allow premedical students to study to be doctors, the academic credentials are just 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.
“The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine will provide quality, learner-centered osteopathic education, research, and service, while promoting graduate medical education, with emphasis on patient-centered, team-based primary care to serve the medically underserved areas of Alabama, the Tri-State area and the nation.”
ACOM is the first osteopathic medical school in Alabama, founded in 2010. The college’s core values are “InSPIRED: Integrity, Service, Passion, Innovation, Respect, Excellence, and Diversity.” ACOM strives to exhibit a culture of success and professionalism.
ACOM’s most recent class consists of 205 accepted students, 54% female and 46% male. The average GPA is 3.45, and the average MCAT score is 504. The acceptance rate is approximately 4%.
Approximately $55K (~$27K per term).
“Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine educates students to exhibit professionalism, provide patient care, and serve their communities in order to become qualified osteopathic physicians.”
AZCOM prioritizes healthcare education and refers to it as “who they are.” They pride themselves on extensive immersive experiences in science, clinical rotations, and forming a strong, compassionate bond with all patients.
AZCOM’s most recent class consists of 254 accepted students, 56% male and 44% female. The average GPA is 3.48, and the average MCAT score is 506.
Approximately $73K.
“The mission of the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM) is to educate and train compassionate osteopathic physicians, skilled in the science of patient-centered osteopathic medical care, dedicated to the ethical and social principles of the osteopathic profession, committed to lifelong learning, and focused on service to the underserved. This mission will be accomplished at the undergraduate and graduate medical education levels through excellence in teaching, research, service, and scholarly activity.”
ARCOM is a 102,000 square foot institution located in the second-largest city in Arkansas. ARCOM’s goal is for all medical students to be educated and trained to be compassionate osteopathic physicians.
ARCOM accepts a class of 150 students each year. The acceptance rate is approximately 7.5%.
Approximately $43K (~$21.5K per term).
“The mission of A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine is to educate and train students to become highly competent osteopathic physicians and healthcare leaders. ATSU-KCOM is committed to providing a quality osteopathic medical education in a research environment that prepares students for graduate medical training and clinical service.”
Osteopathic medicine was developed by Andrew Taylor Still, the founder and namesake of the university, in 1892. ATSU-KCOM prioritizes whole person healthcare, with a holistic approach, and serving the underserved. Instead of treating a specific symptom or ailment, ATSU-KCOM trains their osteopathic physicians to treat their patients wholly.
Each incoming class at ATSU-KOM does not top 170 students to optimize learning. The average cumulative GPA of incoming students is 3.66, and the average MCAT score of incoming students is 504. The acceptance rate is approximately 3.7%.
Approximately $57K (~$27K per term).
“Para la gente y el futuro: For the people and the future, the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University is dedicated to improving the health of the Southwestern United States and its border with Northern Mexico through culturally respectful undergraduate, graduate, and continuing osteopathic medical education, research and its support of clinical service to the community.”
Burrell is the only medical school in the US with a mission focused on healthcare in the Southwest and its border with Northern Mexico. Their primary focus as an institution is to prepare students to address the health needs of diverse populations, with a particular emphasis on Hispanic and Native American populations.
The latest incoming class at Burrell consisted of 162 matriculated students. The mean GPA was 3.66, and the mean MCAT score was 501. The acceptance rate is approximately 2.8%.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $57K (~$28K per term)
“To graduate exceptional Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine by: 1. Inspiring a diverse student body to commit to careers that serve our region, with a focus on recruiting students from the Central Valley; 2. Developing compassionate, highly trained, intellectually curious, adaptive leaders capable of meeting the healthcare needs of the future through a performance-based education; 3. Empowering people to teach, serve, research, innovate, and practice collaboratively in areas of skill and expertise in disciplines related to osteopathic medicine.”
CHSU-COM has made it a priority to recruit, train, and retain physicians to serve the local community and, most significantly, the underserved population within it. CHSU was founded in 2012 and is the first institution of its kind in the Central Valley. In addition to the osteopathic medical school, CHSU also has a college of pharmacy.
The latest incoming class at CHSU-COM consists of 79 students. The average undergraduate GPA was 3.4, and the average MCAT score was 505.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $54K (~$27K per term).
“The mission of the Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is to educate and prepare community-based osteopathic physicians in a Christian environment to care for the rural and underserved populations in North Carolina, the Southeastern United States and the nation.”
CUSOM values teamwork, leadership, professionalism, integrity, diversity, and the ethical treatment of all humanity. They prioritize making a significant impact on the health and well-being of North Carolina, the nation, and the world.
The latest incoming class at CUSOM consists of 162 students. The average cumulative GPA was 3.6, and the average MCAT score was 505.
Approximately $54K (~$27K per term).
“The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) educates osteopathic physicians to provide compassionate, quality care, promote the practice of osteopathic medicine and lifelong learning, research and service.”
CCOM prides itself on being an established leader with a powerful vision for the future. Modern, 21st-century healthcare practice is the approach all students follow. Faculty mentors are dedicated to preparing their future colleagues for whole-patient care.
The latest incoming class at CCOM consists of 254 students. The average overall GPA was 3.48, and the average composite MCAT score was 506.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $73K (~$36K per term).
“To improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.”
DMU’s core values include “accountability, collaboration, honesty, inclusiveness, and wellness”. Founded in 1898, this institution comprises three colleges that offer nine different graduate degree programs. DMU is proud to create a unique opportunity for every student to pursue knowledge and innovation in their medical careers.
The most recent incoming class at DMU consists of 221 students. The average cumulative GPA was 3.65, and the average MCAT score was 508.
Approximately $55K (~$27K per term).
“The mission of the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine is to train osteopathic physicians prepared for caring for persons in Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and beyond.”
ICOM is Idaho’s first medical school, and they are proud to serve their state and beyond. ICOM is an institution dedicated to training high-quality osteopathic physicians to treat those in the Mountain West region.
Each year, ICOM is approved for a class size of 150 students. Applicants must have achieved at least a 3.2 science and cumulative GPA. A competitive MCAT score should be in the 50th percentile, with no individual section below the 35th percentile.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $52K (~$26K per term).
“Kansas City University is a community of professionals committed to excellence in education, research, patient care, and community service while improving the well-being of the communities we serve.”
KCU is an institution that prides itself on offering a student-centered experience so that future physicians can make their dreams a reality. Founded in 1916, KCU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine is the largest medical school in Missouri.
KCU’s latest incoming class consists of 270 students. The average cumulative GPA was 3.63, and the average MCAT score was 507.
Approximately $48K (~$24K).
“The mission of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine is to prepare students to become osteopathic physicians, pharmacy practitioners, and dentists through programs of excellence in education, research, clinical care, and community service to enhance the quality of life through improved health for all humanity. Serving as a guiding light and cornerstone in medical education and true to the core principles of its founders, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine has expanded its reach to include exceptional programs in graduate studies designed to provide scholars superlative education in the respective areas of study. The professional programs are dedicated to serve all students through innovative curriculum and the development of postdoctoral education and interprofessional experiences.”
LECOM is the nation’s largest medical college and the only academic health center in the osteopathic profession. Founded in 1992, LECOM also has multiple campuses in Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida.
The average cumulative GPA for LECOM’s most recent incoming class was 3.5. The average MCAT score was 503. Their acceptance rate is approximately 6.7%.
Approximately $72K (~$36K per term).
“Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine exists to educate osteopathic physicians in a Christian environment. LUCOM prepares physicians who dedicate themselves to excellence in osteopathic medicine through service toward their fellow man, lifelong learning, and the advancement of medical knowledge. Instilling the Christian values of integrity and professionalism, LUCOM trains physicians who will provide ethical, compassionate, competent and patient-centered osteopathic medical care.”
"Distinctively Christian and distinctively world class,” LUCOM is proud to offer state-of-the-art facilities and enriching research opportunities to its student doctors. Although this institution is relatively young, as it opened its doors in 2014, it is the second osteopathic college located in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The last graduating class at LUCOM consisted of 600 students. The average science GPA was 3.4, and the average MCAT score was 503.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $47K (~$23K per term).
“To prepare outstanding osteopathic physicians who are committed to the premise that the cornerstone of meaningful existence is service to humanity.”
LMU-DCOM opened its doors in Harrogate, Tennessee, on August 1st, 2007. LMU-DCOM offers programs in Harrogate and Knoxville, and is entirely committed to meeting the community’s healthcare needs and beyond.
The most recent incoming class at LMU-DCOM had an average science GPA of 4.3 and an average MCAT score of 501. Their acceptance rate is approximately 9%.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $51K (~$25K per term).
“The Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine is a Catholic medical institution built on the inspired vision and values of our Franciscan heritage, and dedicated to preparing osteopathic physicians who are committed to the complete healing of individuals’ bodies, minds, and spirits. This institution is committed to serving the people of Indiana and to developing osteopathic physicians through research, service, and teaching.”
MU-COM opened their osteopathic medical school in 2013 because a whole person approach is what this Indiana-based institution is all about, and that is exactly what they want to teach their students. Dubbed the “Life-Sciences Hub of the United States,” MU-COM is a family-friendly community and faith-based campus that welcomes all student doctors.
The latest incoming class at MU-COM consists of 156 students. The average total GPA is 3.65, and the average MCAT score is 504. Their acceptance rate is approximately 6.5%.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $50K (~$25K per term).
“Providing world-class, osteopathic, student-centered graduate and medical education and research in order to foster community access to patient-centered medical care.”
Located in the scenic state of Michigan, MSUCOM is committed to providing world-class, osteopathic education to all its student doctors. It has three locations: East Lansing, Detroit, and Clinton Township. MSUCOM has a network of teaching hospitals throughout Michigan that provide its students with an immersive medical education.
MSUCOM’s latest incoming class consisted of 1,219 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.
Approximately $65K (~$32K per term).
“The New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) is committed to training osteopathic physicians for a lifetime of learning and practice, based upon the integration of evidence-based knowledge, critical thinking, and the tenets of osteopathic principles and practice. We are also committed to preparing osteopathic physicians for careers in health care, including that in the inner city and rural communities, as well as to the scholarly pursuit of new knowledge concerning health and disease. We provide a continuum of educational experiences to NYITCOM students, extending through the clinical and post-graduate years of training. This continuum provides the future osteopathic physician with the foundation necessary to maintain competence and compassion, as well as the ability to better serve society through research, teaching, and leadership.”
NYITCOM is committed to providing the most enriching osteopathic medical education to its students and is spread across two campuses: one located in Old Westbury, NY (founded in 1977) and the other in Jonesboro, AR (founded in 2016). Both campuses contain state-of-the-art medical and training facilities for their student doctors.
The average GPA for accepted students is 3.6, and the average MCAT score is 505. Their acceptance rate is approximately 6%.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $59K (~$29K per term).
“To empower our students with the essential personal and professional skills needed to be competent, confident, and compassionate osteopathic physicians who are dedicated to meeting healthcare challenges of the communities in which they serve.”
The Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine provides a unique program to train excellent future osteopathic physicians. One of its goals as an institution is to maximize student potential. Located just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, Noorda’s campus is state-of-the-art and allows its medical students to learn and grow as DOs.
Noorda is approved for a class size of 180 students every year.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $53K (~$26K per term).
“The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine is dedicated to student-centered osteopathic medical education to produce exemplary osteopathic physicians known for competent and compassionate care.”
NSU is located in the Health Professions Division, and it is the first osteopathic college established in the southeastern United States. Since its foundation in 1979, NSU is proud to offer a remarkable training experience for all the students enrolled on its DO program.
NSU’s student body is 54 percent male and 46 percent female. Accepted applicants have an average GPA of 3.6 and an average MCAT score of 505. Their acceptance rate is approximately 10%.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $61K (~$30K per term).
“The Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM) educates physicians committed to practice in Ohio, emphasizes primary care, engages in focused research, and embraces both Appalachian and urban communities. Integral to this mission, the OU-HCOM community commits itself to: providing a clinically integrated, learning-centered, osteopathic medical education continuum for students, interns, residents, and fellows; embracing diversity and public service; and improving the health and well-being of underserved populations.”
Now a nationally recognized leader in osteopathic education, OU-HCOM was created due to Ohio’s shortage of family physicians. The institution’s priority is to serve the chronically underserved and train osteopathic physicians to carry out this vital work.
Heritage’s most recent entering class had an average science GPA of 3.59 and an average overall GPA of 3.75. The average MCAT score was 505. Their acceptance rate is approximately 7%.
Approximately $51K (~$25K per term).
"Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences educates and trains osteopathic physicians, research scientists, and other healthcare professionals, with an emphasis on serving rural and underserved Oklahoma.”
OSU-COM’s goal as a medical institution is to train osteopathic physicians to serve rural and underserved populations. Their small class sizes allow students to form strong, personal relationships with faculty and grow as doctors at their own pace.
The average accepted GPA is 3.6, and the average accepted MCAT score is 500. Their acceptance rate is approximately 5%.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $53K (~$26K per term).
“Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNWU-COM) educates and trains students to become osteopathic physicians that provide research-driven quality care to communities of the Northwest, particularly in rural and medically underserved populations.”
PNWU-COM’s goal as a medical institution is to recruit student doctors from communities in the Pacific Northwest region or other rural or medically underserved areas in the US. Offering an outstanding osteopathic medical education, PNWU-COM focuses heavily on whole-person healthcare and strives to train a new generation of osteopathic doctors to work in medically underserved and rural communities.
PNWU’s most recent class profile consists of 144 students. This class’s average cumulative GPA was 3.4. The average MCAT score was 503. Their acceptance rate is approximately 7%.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $56K (~$28K per term).
“PCOM is dedicated to the education of students in medicine, health and behavioral sciences. The College fosters the growth of the osteopathic profession by training physicians through programs of study guided by training physicians through programs of study guided by osteopathic medical tradition, concept, and practice.”
Located in urban Philadelphia, PCOM’s campus is just a short walk away from the historic city. PCOM’s curriculum prioritizes its students’ intellectual growth through a mixture of teaching, practice, and research. PCOM encourages growth in all areas, and an excellent osteopathic medical education is guaranteed.
PCOM’s latest incoming class consists of 270 students. This class had an average science GPA of 3.4 and an average cumulative GPA of 3.5. The average MCAT score was 505.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $51K (~$25K per term).
“To educate and inspire students to become highly competent osteopathic physicians and lifelong learners prepared to meet the diverse health care needs of tomorrow through innovative education, relevant research, and compassionate service.”
Founded in 2006, RVU has pledged to train capable osteopathic physicians and prepare them to understand, meet, and serve the diverse needs of its patients. RVU aims to train its students to be able to enter any type of medical specialty upon graduation.
RVU’s latest incoming class consists of 162 students. The average science GPA was 3.48, and the average cumulative GPA was 3.55. The average MCAT score was 506.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $56K (~$28K per term).
“Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine prepares future physicians and scientists who are committed to improving health in New Jersey and throughout the nation. To advance our mission we:
RowanSOM is located just outside of central Philadelphia, two hours from NYC, and one hour from Jersey Shore. RowanSOM prides itself on being a leader in academics, research, funding, and student diversity. This institution offers its students an accredited four-year program to a degree in osteopathic medicine.
RowanSOM’s most recent entering class had a science GPA of 3.6, a cumulative GPA of 3.6, and an average score of 506 on the MCAT. Their acceptance rate is approximately 3.8%.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $66K (~$33K per term).
“The mission of the Sam Houston State University (SHSU) College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) is to prepare students for the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine with an emphasis toward primary care and rural practice, to develop culturally aware, diverse and compassionate physicians, who follow osteopathic principles, that are prepared for graduate medical education, and will serve the people of Texas with professionalism and patient-centered care. A significant part of the mission of the COM is to increase the physician workforce in the eastern region of Texas and to increase access to primary care. The COM will accomplish this by recruiting qualified applicants from areas to which they would likely want to return and establish their practice.”
The SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine is only one of three colleges of osteopathic medicine in Texas. This 107,000-square-foot institution is located in Conroe, Texas, and boasts state-of-the-art facilities and technologies.
Producing competent osteopathic physicians is one of SHSU’s primary goals. This institution is firm in its belief that the services DOs provide are a necessity to millions of Texans’ quality of life.
The current average GPA for enrolled SHSU-COM students is 3.62, and the current average MCAT score is 504.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $55,000 (~$27K per term).
"The Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine is committed to training osteopathic physicians, with a particular emphasis on practicing medicine in underserved communities, and to increasing the number of underrepresented minorities in medicine. We value and support public service, research, graduate medical education, and osteopathic clinical service in the community that will strive to improve health outcomes for those we serve. We will work to educate students through the use of the latest innovative education techniques using summative and formative measures so as to graduate qualified osteopathic physicians.”
Touro’s primary goal as an institution is to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in medicine, and to train osteopathic physicians who are committed to serving underserved communities. Touro promises an innovative curriculum and hands-on, real-life experience to its student doctors. It is designed this way as, when they become future osteopathic physicians, they can focus on whole-patient healthcare and meeting their patients’ needs.
The most recent entering class at Touro consists of 135 students. The average science GPA was 3.44, and the average cumulative GPA was 3.50. The average MCAT score was 507.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $57K (~$28K per term).
“The mission of the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine flows from the mission of the university and the founding call of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. UIWSOM’s mission is to empower all members of the medical education community to achieve academic, professional, and personal success and develop a commitment to lifelong learning through excellence in learner-centered, patient-focused education, justice-based research, and meaningful partnerships of osteopathic clinical service across the spectrum of undergraduate, graduate and continuing medical education. The development and application of osteopathic principles of medicine across four years of physician training will promote culturally, linguistically, and community-responsive care for all patients to enhance patient safety and improve patient outcomes.”
UIWSOM values the ethical, compassionate, and altruistic practice of osteopathic medicine. As an institution, its mission is to teach and bring healthcare to where it is needed most while practicing in faith.
UIWSOM’s most recent entering class had an average science GPA of 3.46, an average cumulative GPA of 3.57, and an average MCAT score of 503. The acceptance rate is approximately 75%.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $55K (~$27K per term).
“The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM) fosters the development of health care leaders across the continuum in undergraduate, graduate, and continuing medical education to advance exceptional osteopathic health care locally and globally through practice, research, scholarship, education, and community health.”
UNE COM is an institution committed to serving the people of New England. With a stunning oceanside campus and seven Centers of Excellence, UNE COM provides a rigorous educational environment that allows students to learn and grow as osteopathic physicians. UNE COM is known for its excellence in primary care, osteopathic medicine, and geriatric education.
UNE COM’s latest entering class consists of 165 students. The average cumulative GPA was 3.5, and the average MCAT score was 503.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $56K (~$28K per term).
“Create solutions for a healthier community by preparing tomorrow’s patient-centered physicians and scientists and advancing the continuum of medical knowledge, discovery, and osteopathic health care.”
TCOM is a Texas-based institution dedicated to education, research, patient care, and service. Located in suburban Fort Worth, Texas, TCOM was founded in 1970 and graduates one of the highest percentages of primary care physicians in the US.
TCOM’s latest entering class consists of 230 students. The average cumulative GPA was 3.71, and the average MCAT score was 507. The acceptance rate is approximately 11.6%.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $28K (~$14K per term).
“The mission of the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) is to provide men and women with an osteopathic medical education that emphasizes primary care, encourages research, promotes lifelong scholarly activity and produces graduates who are committed to serving the healthcare needs of communities in rural Kentucky and other Appalachian regions.”
Ranked seventh among all DO and MD schools for primary care, KYCOM prides itself on educating osteopathic physicians to serve underserved and rural areas. KYCOM’s Faculty and staff provide a supportive and uplifting learning environment for students to grow and flourish as osteopathic physicians.
KYCOM’s latest entering class had an average science GPA of 3.4 and an average cumulative GPA of 3.5. The average MCAT score was 500. The acceptance rate is approximately 6%.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $47K (~$23K per term).
“The MISSION of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is to prepare globally-minded, community-focused physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations and promote research to improve health.”
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine is an accredited university with four campuses in Virginia, Alabama, Louisiana, and South Carolina. The institution is dedicated to recruiting student doctors that align with their mission and goals to serve their underserved and rural communities in the Southeast.
The most recent incoming class had an average GPA of 3.62
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $46K (~$23K per term).
“The mission of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) is to educate students from diverse backgrounds as lifelong learners in osteopathic medicine and complementary health related programs; to support and develop graduate medical education training; to advance scientific knowledge through academic, clinical and basic science research; and to promote patient-centered, evidence based medicine. WVSOM is dedicated to serve, first and foremost, the state of West Virginia and the health care needs of its residents, emphasizing primary care in rural areas.”
WVSOM has been a nationally recognized leader in primary care, and family rural medicine for twenty years in a row. With a state-of-the-art, immersive, whole-patient-focused osteopathic medical education, WVSOM cares about its students growing into doctors dedicated to caring for those in their community.
The most recent entering class at WVSOM consists of 200 students. The average science GPA of this class is 3.54, and the average MCAT composite score is 501. The acceptance rate is approximately 9%.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $52K (~$26K per term).
“The Mission of the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) is to prepare students to become technically competent, culturally sensitive, professional and compassionate physicians who are prepared for graduate medical education, who are lifelong learners and will serve society by providing comprehensive, patient-centered health care with the distinctive osteopathic philosophy. This is accomplished through excellence in curriculum, translational research, service, and osteopathic clinical practice, and the enhancement of osteopathic graduate medical education.”
WesternU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine is dedicated to serving and helping those in the Western region of the US and educating osteopathic physicians that are confident, capable, and compassionate.. The institution is proud to offer a wide variety of opportunities to its student doctors in all medical specialties.
The most recent entering class at WesternU consists of 330 students. Their average cumulative GPA is 3.67, and their average MCAT score is 509. The acceptance rate is approximately 14%.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $59K (~$29K per term).
“The mission of the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM) is to prepare men and women to become osteopathic physicians through an emphasis on primary care, lifelong learning, research, and scholarly activities, service, including osteopathic clinical service, and graduate medical education. Using a community-based training model, the COM will educate and train graduates who are committed to serving the healthcare needs of all individuals, with special attention directed to the medically underserved and diverse populations of the state, region, nation and across the globe.”
WCUCOM is a small institution located in rural Mississippi that is proud to offer a rigorous osteopathic medical education to its student doctors. With a small campus and class size, WUCOM’s students are promised an individualized, personal education, and relationship with peers and staff.
WCUCOM encourages its graduates to practice medicine in the underserved Gulf South US.
The most recent entering class consists of 404 students. The Admissions Committee looks for a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above and an MCAT score of 500 or above. The acceptance rate is approximately 5%.
The most recent academic year tuition rate was approximately $44K (~$22K per term).
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-and six on the list are osteopathic medical schools:
All of the admissions statistics and requirements you need to know about the six best osteopathic medical schools in the US are listed above.
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 your application being rejected simply due to overflow issues.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Both DO and MD programs require four years of medical school and follow almost the same medical training.
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.
Most, if not all, osteopathic medical schools list in their admissions requirements that applicants must be a permanent resident of the US. If you do not find this in an osteopathic medical school’s admissions requirements, inquire within the school to clarify.
No, there is no difference in salary between an MD and a DO.
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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