2019-2020 Student Guide to Osteopathic Medical Colleges - CHOOSEDO.ORG - AACOM
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2019-2020 Student Guide to Osteopathic Medical Colleges
2019-2020 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES
CHOOSEDO.ORG
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Visit ChooseDO.org to access the online version, download a free PDF
copy, and order additional hard copies.
Special Note
The 2019-2020 Student Guide to
About the manufacture of this publication: Osteopathic Medical Colleges is
published annually by AACOM. The
• Environmentally friendly vegetable-based inks were used throughout Student Guide is a collaboration
the print process.
between AACOM and the colleges
• All printing papers used were certified to follow the of osteopathic medicine. AACOM
“Going Green” world environmental initiative. would like to thank everyone who
provided and/or reviewed content.
Although AACOM has attempted
10% Post-Consumer Waste
to verify the accuracy of the data
submitted by the colleges, AACOM
cannot, as such, guarantee the
Copyright ©2019 American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic accuracy of the data and as such the
information in this book is provided
Medicine. All Rights Reserved.
to you “as is.” AACOM assumes no
responsibility and shall not be liable
for damages of any kind whatsoever
based upon your use or reliance
on the information provided in this
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any book. The AACOM Application
form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, Service (AACOMAS) and the
recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without individual colleges are subject to
written permission from the American Association of Colleges of applicable federal, state, and local
Osteopathic Medicine. laws prohibiting discrimination.
Cover photos courtesy of A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic
Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA), Des Moines University College
of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM), Liberty University College of
Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM), Marian University College of Osteopathic
Medicine (MU-COM), New York Institute of Technology College of
Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
(PCOM), Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic
Medicine of the Pacific (Western U/COMP).
2019-2020 Student Guide to Osteopathic Medical Colleges
Choose DO is an effort by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, a
national organization representing osteopathic medical education in the United States.
The information contained in this publication is subject to change throughout the application
cycle. To view the most up-to-date version of this publication, visit ChooseDO.org.
CHOOSEDO.ORG
Facebook “f ” Logo CMYK / .eps Facebook “f ” Logo CMYK / .eps
Photo courtesy of University of New England
College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM)
ii CHOOSE DO A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORS
Photo courtesy of New York Institute of Technology
College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome Letter from AACOM’s President ............................................................. 3 • United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE)
Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine – Admissions Offices and Locations.. 4-5 General Admission Requirements...................................................................... 16-17
Timeline for Premedical Students Applying to Osteopathic Medical • Mean Grade Point Averages for Entering Students
Colleges ........................................................................................................................6-9 • Mean Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Scores for Entering Students
Overview of Osteopathic Medicine ...................................................................10-11 • Letters of Recommendation
• Osteopathic Medicine • Criminal Background Checks and Drug Testing
is a Distinctive Form of Medicine Financial Aid.................................................................................................................... 18
• DOs Work in Partnership with Their Patients and Are Trained to Look Application Deadlines.................................................................................................. 19
at the Whole Person Diversity in Osteopathic Medical Education........................................................ 20
• Fifty-Six Percent of All DOs Choose to Practice in the Primary Care About the AACOM Application Service (AACOMAS).................................21-23
Disciplines of Family Practice, General Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics • Accessing the Application
• Osteopathic Medical Students Learn that Structure Influences Function • Official MCAT Scores
• DOs Conduct Clinical and Basic Science Research to Help Advance • Academic History and Transcripts
the Frontiers of Medicine • SPAM Blocking and Technical Compatibility
• Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine • Application Fees
• What Does a DO Do? • Early Decision Program
• Consider a Career in Osteopathic Medicine • Application Traffic Guidelines
• Osteopathic Medicine in an International Context • Applicant Protocol
• Learning About the Practice of Osteopathic Medicine and Shadowing a DO • AACOMAS Certification and Release Statements
Overview of Osteopathic Medical Education and Accreditation ............ 12-13 • Note to Applicants
• Accreditation The Admissions Interview.................................................................................... 24-25
• Osteopathic Medicine Four-Year Curriculum • Interview Suggestions
Graduate Medical Education..................................................................................... 14 • Interview Resources
• GME Suggested Sources for More Information...................................................... 26-27
• Osteopathic Recognition Individual College Descriptions (see list of colleges on page 29)........... 30-69
• Residency Match
Board Examinations and Licensure......................................................................... 15
• Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensure Exam (COMLEX-USA)
2019-2020 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES 1
Photo courtesy of A.T. Still University School of
Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA)
2 CHOOSE DO A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORS
AACOM
Leading Osteopathic Medical Education
Congratulations on your
decision to pursue a career
in medicine! I wish you
the very best in your pursuit
of a fulfilling career.
PRESIDENT’S LETTER Mission
The American Association of Colleges
Dear Future Physician: of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)
leads and advocates for the osteopathic
CONGRATULATIONS on your decision to pursue a career in medicine! This resource is designed medical education community to improve
to provide aspiring physicians with information about osteopathic medicine, the nation’s the health of the public.
osteopathic medical colleges, applying to osteopathic medical school, and other resources AACOM represents and advances the
you may find helpful as you go through this process. continuum of medical education by
supporting our member institutions as they
Recently, osteopathic medicine’s traditional principles and practices (particularly those focused educate the future physician workforce;
on patient-centered, preventive care) have been recognized as central to the kind of health care increasing awareness of osteopathic
system this country needs. Osteopathic medical schools are educating the very physicians medical education and osteopathic
needed to deliver this kind of care, and enjoy recognition for their excellence and contributions medicine; promoting excellence in medical
to the medical profession. In fact, over the past 10 years the number of students applying to education, policy, research, and service;
osteopathic medical schools has nearly doubled. For the incoming class of 2019, more than and fostering innovation and quality
21,000 aspiring physicians applied to become osteopathic medical students (compared to throughout medical education.
more than 11,000 in 2007-08).
The education received by osteopathic medical (DO) students is rigorous and thorough. About AACOM
Incoming DO students are required to have strong undergraduate science backgrounds, Founded in 1898 to support and assist
excellent Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores, and must meet stringent admissions the nation’s osteopathic medical schools,
criteria. DO students participate in years of classroom, clinical, internship, and residency training AACOM represents all 35 accredited
before they become board-certified physicians, who are able to choose among the full range colleges of osteopathic medicine—
of medical specialties and are licensed to practice medicine in every state in the country and in educating nearly 31,000 future
more than 65 countries abroad. physicians, 25 percent of all U.S. medical
students—at 55 teaching locations in
I hope you will take time to carefully review the resources available for you in this book and on 32 U.S. states, as well as osteopathic
our website as you consider your options for medical education. I wish you the very best in your graduate medical education professionals
pursuit of a fulfilling career in medicine. and trainees at U.S. medical centers,
hospitals, clinics, and health systems.
www.aacom.org
Stephen C. Shannon, DO, MPH
President and CEO
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
2019-2020 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES 3
COLLEGES
Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine – Admissions Offices
The American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA)
accredits 35 colleges of osteopathic medicine offering instruction at 55 locations in 32 states.
Alabama College of Osteopathic Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Medicine (ACOM) (ICOM)
(BCOM)
445 Health Sciences Blvd. 1404 E. Central Dr.
3501 Arrowhead Dr.
Dothan, AL 36303 Meridian, ID 83642
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Toll Free: (855) 364-ACOM (2266) (208) 696-ICOM (4266)
(575) 674-2210
(334) 699-2266 www.idahocom.org
http://bcomnm.org
www.acom.edu
Kansas City University of Medicine and
California Health Sciences University College
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Biosciences College of Osteopathic
of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM)
Midwestern University (AZCOM) Medicine (KCU-COM)
65 N. Clovis Ave.
19555 North 59th Ave. Locations: Kansas City and Joplin, MO
Clovis, CA 93612
Glendale, AZ 85308 1750 Independence Ave.
(559) 712-4200
Toll Free: (888) 247-9277 Kansas City, MO 64106-1453
https://osteopathic.chsu.edu
(623) 572-3229 Toll Free: (877) 425-0247
www.midwestern.edu Campbell University-Jerry M. Wallace (816) 654-7160
School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) www.kcumb.edu
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
4350 US Hwy 421
(ARCOM) Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Lillington, NC 27546
7000 Chad Colley Blvd. (LECOM)
Toll Free: (855) 287-6613
Fort Smith, AR 72916 Locations: Erie and Seton Hill, PA; Elmira, NY
(910) 893-1770
(479) 308-2200 1858 West Grandview Blvd.
https://medicine.campbell.edu
www.acheedu.org/arcom/ Erie, PA 16509
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of (814) 866-6641
A.T. Still University Kirksville College of
Midwestern University (CCOM) www.lecom.edu
Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM)
55 31st St.
800 West Jefferson St. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Kirksville, MO 63501 Bradenton Campus (LECOM Bradenton)
Toll Free: (800) 458-6253
Toll Free: (866) 626-2878 x2237 5000 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
(630) 515-7200
(660) 626-2237 Bradenton, FL 34211-4909
www.midwestern.edu
www.atsu.edu/kcom/ (941) 756-0690
Des Moines University College of www.lecom.edu
A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic
Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM)
Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) Liberty University College of Osteopathic
3200 Grand Ave.
5850 East Still Circle Medicine (LUCOM)
Des Moines, IA 50312
Mesa, AZ 85206 306 Liberty View Lane, CMHS 1007
(515) 271-1499
Toll Free: (866) 626-2878 x2237 Lynchburg, VA 24502
www.dmu.edu/do
www.atsu.edu/ (434) 592-7444
school-of-osteopathic-medicine-arizona www.liberty.edu/lucom
4 CHOOSE DO A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORS
Lincoln Memorial University–DeBusk Toll Free: (866) 329-0521 University of New England College of
College of Osteopathic Medicine (509) 249-7888 Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM)
(LMU-DCOM) www.pnwu.edu 11 Hills Beach Rd.
Locations: Harrogate and Knoxville, TN Biddeford, ME 04005
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic
6965 Cumberland Gap Pkwy. (207) 602-2212
Medicine (PCOM)
Harrogate, TN 37752 www.une.edu/com/admissions
4170 City Ave.
Toll Free: (800) 325-0900 ext. 7090
Philadelphia, PA 19131 University of North Texas Health Science
(423) 869-7090
Toll Free: (800) 999-6998 Center at Fort Worth/Texas College of
www.lmunet.edu/academics/schools/
(215) 871-6700 Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC/TCOM)
debusk-college-of-osteopathic-medicine/
www.pcom.edu 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Marian University College of Osteopathic Ft. Worth, TX 76107-2699
PCOM Georgia
Medicine (MU-COM) Toll Free: (800) 535-TCOM (8266)
625 Old Peachtree Rd., NW.
3200 Cold Spring Rd. (817) 735-2204
Suwanee, GA 30024
Indianapolis, IN 46222 www.unthsc.edu/
Toll Free: (866) 282-4544
(317) 955-6297
(678) 225-7500 University of Pikeville–Kentucky College of
www.marian.edu/osteopathic-medical-school/
www.pcom.edu/campuses/georgia-campus Osteopathic Medicine (UP-KYCOM)
Michigan State University College of 147 Sycamore St.
PCOM South Georgia
Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) Pikeville, KY 41501
2050 Tallokas Rd.
Locations: East Lansing, Detroit, and (606) 218-5406
Moultrie, GA 31768
Clinton Township, MI www.upike.edu/KYCOM
(229) 798-4710
965 Fee Rd.
www.pcom.edu/campuses/georgia-campus/ Edward Via College of Osteopathic
A136 East Fee Hall
Medicine–Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn)
East Lansing, MI 48824 Rocky Vista University College of
910 South Donahue Dr.
(517) 353-7740 Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM)
Auburn, AL 36832
www.com.msu.edu Locations: Parker, CO and Ivins, UT
(334) 442-4050
8401 S. Chambers Rd.
New York Institute of Technology College of www.vcom.edu/auburn
Parker, CO 80134
Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM)
(303) 373-2008 Edward Via College of Osteopathic
Locations: Old Westbury, NY and Jonesboro, AR
www.rvu.edu Medicine–Carolinas Campus
Northern Boulevard, P.O. Box 8000
(VCOM-Carolinas)
Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000
Rowan University School of Osteopathic 350 Howard St.
(516) 686-3997
Medicine (RowanSOM) Spartanburg, SC 29303
http://nyit.edu/medicine
42 E. Laurel Rd., Academic Center (864) 327-9906
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran Stratford, NJ 08084-1501 www.vcom.edu/carolinas
C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (856) 566-7050
Edward Via College of Osteopathic
(NSU-KPCOM) www.rowan.edu/som
Medicine–Virginia Campus (VCOM-Virginia)
Locations: Fort Lauderdale and Clearwater, FL
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine 2265 Kraft Dr.
3200 S. University Dr.
(TouroCOM) Blacksburg, VA 24060
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328
Locations: New York City and Middletown, NY (540) 231-6138
Toll Free: (866) 817-4068
2090 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., Suite 519 www.vcom.edu/virginia
osteopathic.nova.edu/index.html
New York City, NY 10027
West Virginia School of Osteopathic
Ohio University Heritage College of (212) 851-1199, x. 242588
Medicine (WVSOM)
Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM) https://tourocom.touro.edu/
400 North Lee St.
Locations: Athens, Cleveland, Dublin, OH
Touro University College of Osteopathic Lewisburg, WV 24901
102 Grosvenor Hall
Medicine–California (TUCOM-CA) Toll Free: (800) 356-7836 or (888) 276-7836
1 Ohio University
1310 Club Dr. www.wvsom.edu
Athens, OH 45701
Vallejo, CA 94592
Toll Free: (800) 345-1560 Western University of Health Sciences/
CA Toll Free: (888) 880-7336
www.ohio.edu/medicine College of Osteopathic Medicine of the
Outside CA: (888) 887-7336
Pacific (Western U/COMP)
Oklahoma State University Center for Health www.tu.edu
Locations: Pomona, CA and Lebanon, OR
Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Touro University Nevada College of 309 East Second St.
(OSU-COM)
Osteopathic Medicine (TUNCOM) Pomona, CA 91766-1854
Locations: Tulsa, and Tahlequah, OK
874 American Pacific Dr. (909) 469-5335
1111 West 17th St.
Henderson, NV 89014 Lebanon: (541) 259-0200
Tulsa, OK 74107
(702) 777-1750 www.westernu.edu
(918) 561-8324
www.tun.touro.edu
https://health.okstate.edu William Carey University College of
University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM)
Pacific Northwest University of Health
Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) 710 William Carey Pkwy.
Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
7615 Kennedy Hill, Building 2 WCU Box 207
(PNWU-COM)
San Antonio, TX 78235 Hattiesburg, MS 39401
111 University Pkwy, Suite 202
(210) 283-6998 (601) 318-6316
Yakima, WA 98901
www.uiw.edu/som/ www.wmcarey.edu/college/osteopathic-medicine
2019-2020 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES 5
TIMELINE
Timeline for Premedical Students Applying to Osteopathic Medical Colleges
This timeline assumes you plan to start medical school in the summer/fall following your college graduation and that you will complete your
undergraduate education in four years. Recommendations for post-college, however, are included at the bottom of this timeline if you wish to take
a gap year or different undergraduate path. Please consult with your health professions advisor to establish your own personalized schedule.
Premedical Student Checklist
Year One Year Two Year Three Year Four
Pre-College • Review the 2019-2020 Student Guide to Osteopathic Medical
Colleges (https://choosedo.org) to assist with your medical school
• Meet with your high school counselor to discuss pursuing a health
research.
professions career and create an academic plan.
• Begin researching medical schools online. Focus on admissions
• If your high school offers a pre-health track, work with your counselor
requirements and average entering student statistics (average GPA,
to enroll in the courses.
MCAT, etc.).
• Take Advanced Placement (AP) math and science classes to
• Attend recruitment events (https://choosedo.org/events/) and visit
prepare for more difficult college level coursework.
medical school campuses.
• Take elective classes that help develop a background in the health
• Join online mailing lists of programs of interest and start following
professions and strong communication skills.
them on social media.
• Maintain a competitive GPA.
• Get involved in pre-health organizations and extracurricular activities
• Develop strong time-management and study skills.
on campus. Keep records of your experiences.
• Volunteer with health-related organizations (hospitals, the American
• Join or start a Pre-Student Osteopathic Medical Association
Red Cross, nursing homes, hospices, etc.).
(Pre-SOMA) (https://studentdo.org/pre-soma/) chapter at your college.
• Request assistance from your high school counselor, family
• Work to develop a relationship with your science faculty members by
members, or family physicians to schedule job shadowing
visiting during office hours, participating in extracurricular activities, etc.
opportunities.
• Begin to gain clinical experience in health care fields through
• Research health professions career-opportunities through
shadowing, volunteering, employment (CNA, EMT, etc.), and
explorehealthcareers.org (https://explorehealthcareers.org).
internship opportunities. Keep records of your experiences.
• Research and attend summer health programs offered by colleges.
• Look for opportunities to shadow physicians in clinical settings and
• Join or develop a student organization that is geared toward a health
keep records of your experiences. Request assistance through a
professions career.
health professions advisor. Find DOs specifically at doctorsthatdo.org.
• Join or start a local chapter of HOSA (http://www.hosa.org).
• Talk with upperclassmen about how they gained experiences in the
health professions or about their medical school application process.
Year One
• Meet with your university’s health professions advisor to discuss
overall premedical curriculum. If your college does not have a health
Year Two
• Meet with your health professions advisor to discuss current course-
professions advisor, view resources at the National Association of
work and activities, and to begin thinking about preparation for the
Advisors for the Health Professions
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
(https://www.naahp.org/student-resources/find-an-advisor).
• Maintain a competitive GPA and reach out to on-campus academic
• Start taking prerequisite coursework, which typically begins with the
resources, such as the tutoring center, for assistance.
Biology and/or the Inorganic Chemistry sequence.
(See General Admissions Requirements
• Maintain a competitive GPA and reach out to on-campus academic
(https://choosedo.org/general-admission-requirements/) for the
resources, such as the tutoring center, for assistance.
average GPA for entering students).
(See General Admissions Requirements
• Begin researching the cost of applying to medical school. Keep in
https://choosedo.org/general-admission-requirements/ for the
mind that the average applicant to medical school applies to nine
average GPA for entering students.)
colleges.
• Develop strong study skills by forming study groups and using
• Attend recruitment events (https://choosedo.org/events/) and visit
on-campus academic resources.
medical school campuses.
• Learn more about the osteopathic medical profession and philosophy
• Attend health professions fairs in your area to learn more about
by reading books, researching online, etc. Sign up to receive The DO
schools of interest.
(https://thedo.osteopathic.org ) and other health related resources.
6 CHOOSE DO A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORSPhoto courtesy of Western University of Health
Sciences/ College of Osteopathic
Medicine of the Pacific (Western U/COMP)
• Stay involved in pre-health organizations and get involved in • Continue to gain clinical experiences through shadowing,
community service—look for leadership opportunities. volunteering, employment (CNA, EMT, etc.), and internship
• Join or start a Pre-SOMA (https://studentdo.org/pre-soma/) opportunities.
chapter at your college. • Continue to keep records of extracurricular and clinical experiences.
• Determine requirements of evaluations/letters of recommendations
for each program of interest and build relationships with professors,
advisors, and medical professionals. They are future resources for Year Three – Fall
evaluations/letters of recommendation.
• Meet with your health professions advisor about evaluations/letters of
• Work on your communications skills through public speaking courses
recommendation. Inquire about the availability of a pre-health
and leadership opportunities.
committee.
• Look for opportunities to shadow physicians in clinical settings.
• Begin serious preparation for the MCAT exam, which is offered
• Investigate participating in undergraduate research. This can take
between January and September each year. Utilize the Association of
several months to coordinate.
American Medical College (AAMC)’s MCAT prep resources
• Research summer health care opportunities (work, education abroad,
(https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-
internship, etc.).
mcat-exam/prepare-mcat-exam/) for official guidance.
• Continue prerequisite coursework.
• Continue researching medical schools online by reviewing admissions
requirements and average entering student statistics (GPA, MCAT, etc.).
2019-2020 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES 7TIMELINE
Photo courtesy of Marian University College
of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM)
8 CHOOSE DO A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORS• Attend recruitment events (https://choosedo.org/events/) and visit or classes may be filled if you apply close to the deadlines. Submitting
medical school campuses to meet with admissions counselors or materials early and accurately will support timely processing and help
attend an open house. avoid delays. In the 2018 – 2019 cycle the average AACOMAS applicant
• Stay involved in pre-health organizations, volunteer experiences, applied to nine colleges.
and extracurricular activities, especially those that focus on helping • Work with evaluators to submit evaluations/letters of
underserved populations. recommendation.
• Keep in touch with individuals who might write an evaluation/letter of • Order all official transcripts and have them submitted to AACOMAS.
recommendation. • Release MCAT scores to AACOMAS electronically using the AAMC’s
• Pursue and complete research opportunities. MCAT Score Reporting System.
• Set aside time to work on your personal statement. Revisit and rework • Submit secondary application materials upon receipt.
the statement over an extended period. It is highly recommended that • Use the Check Status tab in AACOMAS to monitor your application.
you work with your university’s writing center for assistance. Periodically contact each school to verify your application status.
• Research and plan how you will pay the application fees to apply to • Meet with your health professions advisor or career center to work on
medical school. Keep in mind that the average applicant applies to interview skills. If possible, complete a mock interview.
nine colleges of medicine.
• Continue prerequisite coursework.
• Continue maintaining a competitive GPA and reach out to on-campus Year Four
academic resources, like the tutoring center, for assistance. • If invited, participate in interviews at medical schools.
(See General Admissions Requirements • Complete prerequisite coursework. Continue to include upper-level
(https://choosedo.org/general-admission-requirements/) for the science courses.
average GPA for entering students.) • Maintain a competitive GPA. (See General Admissions Requirements
• Continue researching medical schools online by reviewing (https://choosedo.org/general-admission-requirements/) for the
admissions requirements, average entering student statistics (i.e., average GPA for entering students.)
GPA, MCAT, ideal applicant), and mission and vision statements. • Continue to gain additional clinical and/or research experience.
• Continue to gain clinical experiences through shadowing, • Stay involved in pre-health organizations and volunteer activities.
volunteering, employment (CNA, EMT, scribe, etc.), and internship • Use the Check Status tab in AACOMAS to monitor your application.
opportunities. Periodically contact each school to verify your application status.
Year Three – Spring • Share news of upcoming interviews and acceptances and thank
those who helped along the way—health professions advisors,
• Meet with your health professions advisor to review the details of your professors, physicians, family, and friends.
application. • Complete the AACOMAS Academic Update in early December to
• Take the MCAT exam. submit fall coursework.
• Stay involved in pre-health extracurricular activities. • Consider post-application plans, whether you are accepted or not.
• Contact the individuals who will be writing evaluations/letters of Think about what you will do between the time you are accepted and
recommendation for you. Give them plenty of time (at least four to six begin school, or the steps you will take should you need to reapply.
weeks) to write a quality evaluation/letter of recommendation. • Complete the FAFSA application for financial aid when it becomes
• Research medical schools that interest you. Contact each school to available in the fall.
inquire about their specific admissions criteria and schedule a time • If you are not accepted or invited to an interview, contact the schools
to visit their campus. (See a schedule of College Recruiting Events where you applied to request formal feedback on how to be more
https://choosedo.org/events/). competitive should you reapply.
• Review the 2019-2020 Student Guide to Osteopathic Medical • Explore next steps to increase your competitiveness. These steps
Colleges (https://choosedo.org) to assist with your medical school may include gaining additional clinical experience, retaking the MCAT
research. exam, enrolling in a master’s program or postbaccalaureate certificate
• Make a list of the medical schools to which you plan to apply. program, taking additional upper-level science courses, and reapply-
• Start the AACOMAS (https://aacomas.liaisoncas.com) application ing for admission.
process in May.
• Submit your application when you are ready; early is better but
complete/accurate is best. Post-College (Gap Year or
• Continue prerequisite coursework. If possible, enroll in upper-level
sciences courses, such as Biochemistry and Gross Anatomy.
Non-Traditional Career Changer)
• Continue to gain clinical experiences by shadowing or volunteering, • Speak with programs of interest for guidance on the best path to
employment (EMT, scribe, etc.). strengthen your application.
• Meet with a health professions advisor to gain insight into your
competitiveness for medical school or your career goals.
Year Three – Summer • Take additional courses if prerequisite courses are more than five
• Apply to AACOMAS (https://aacomas.liaisoncas.com). Apply early years old or to strengthen your background in science.
and read all application directions carefully to avoid delays. Application • Gain additional clinical experience to strengthen your background in the
processing begins in June. Colleges of osteopathic medicine make health professions and to confirm your desire to go to medical school.
admissions decisions on a rolling basis, so they review applications, • Retake the MCAT exam if your scores are older than three years or
conduct interviews, and make admissions decisions throughout the older than allowed by programs of interest.
admissions cycle. Keep in mind that interview slots may be awarded and/
2019-2020 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES 9OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Overview of Osteopathic Medicine
z Osteopathic Medicine is a There are more than 114,000 DOs in clinical outcomes of OMM. The center serves
Distinctive Form of Medicine. the United States.2 DOs boast a strong as a catalyst for developing and conducting
history of serving rural and underserved multicenter, collaborative clinical research
Osteopathic medicine is a distinct pathway areas, often providing their distinctive studies. Initial studies have focused on
to medical practice in the United States. brand of compassionate, patient-centered demonstrating the effectiveness of OMM as it
Osteopathic medicine provides all of the care to some of the most economically applies to many facets of patient care.
benefits of modern medicine, including disadvantaged members of our society.
prescription drugs, surgery, and the use of See more information about osteopathic
technology to diagnose disease and evaluate medicine
injury. It also offers the added benefit of z Osteopathic Medical Students (https://choosedo.org/learn-about-
hands-on diagnosis and treatment through a Learn that Structure Influences osteopathic-medicine/).
system known as osteopathic manipulative Function.
medicine. Osteopathic medicine emphasizes
In addition to studying all the typical subjects z Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine
helping each person achieve a high level of
you would expect student physicians to The American Osteopathic Association’s
wellness by focusing on health promotion and
master, osteopathic medical students House of Delegates approved the “Tenets
disease prevention.
complete approximately 200 hours of training of Osteopathic Medicine” as policy which
in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine follows the underlying philosophy of
z DOs Work in Partnership With (OMM). This system of hands-on diagnosis osteopathic medicine.3 The tenets are:
Their Patients and are Trained to and treatment helps alleviate pain, restore
Look at the Whole Person. motion, and support the body’s natural 1. The body is a unit; the person is a unit of
structure to help it function more efficiently. body, mind, and spirit.
They consider the impact that lifestyle and
community have on the health of each One key concept osteopathic medical 2. The body is capable of self-regulation, self-
individual, and they work to erase barriers to students learn is that structure influences healing, and health maintenance.
good health. DOs are licensed to practice the function. Thus, if there is a problem in one 3. Structure and function are reciprocally
full scope of medicine in all 50 states, the District part of the body’s structure, function in that interrelated.
of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other territories area and in other areas may be affected. For 4. Rational treatment is based upon an
of the United States, as well as in more than 65 example, restriction of motion in the lower understanding of the basic principles
countries abroad.1 They practice in all types of ankle can restrict motion in the knee, hip, and of body unity, self-regulation, and the
environments, including the military, and in all lumbar spine, causing symptoms throughout. interrelationship of structure and function.
specialties, from family medicine and obstetrics By using OMM techniques, DOs can help
to surgery and cardiology. restore motion to these areas and eliminate
pain.
z What Does a DO Do?
From their first day of medical school, DOs • Throughout the country, DOs practice the
are trained to look at the whole person, Another integral tenet of osteopathic full scope of medicine in all specialties of the
which means they see each person as more medicine is that the body has an innate ability medical field, from pediatrics and geriatrics to
than just a collection of body parts that may to heal itself. Many OMM techniques are sports medicine and trauma surgery.
become injured or diseased. DOs are taught aimed at reducing or eliminating impediments
that the whole person is greater than the sum • DOs receive the same medical training as
to proper structure and function so that this
of his or her parts, and that patients should be other physicians, as well as 200 additional
self-healing mechanism can assume its role in
treated as partners in the health care process. hours of OMM training. OMM is a hands-on
restoring a patient’s health.
They are trained to communicate with people approach to diagnose and treat illness and
from diverse backgrounds, and they are given injury.
the opportunity to practice these skills in the z DOs Conduct Clinical and Basic • OMM has been proven to be effective in
classroom and a variety of other settings. Science Research to Help Advance treating a variety of injuries and illnesses.
the Frontiers of Medicine. For example, the use of OMM in treating
In addition to their strong history of providing patients with pneumonia has been found
z 56 Percent of all DOs Choose
high-quality patient care, DOs conduct clinical to shorten the length of hospital stays and
to Practice in the Primary Care complications associated with pneumonia.
and basic science research to help advance
Disciplines of Family Practice,
the frontiers of medicine and to demonstrate • DOs are trained to focus on the whole
General Internal Medicine, and the effectiveness of the osteopathic
Pediatrics. person, working with patients to achieve
approach to patient care. Founded in 2002, high levels of wellness and disease
Because of their whole-person approach the Osteopathic Research Center (ORC) prevention.
to medicine, 56 percent of all DOs choose (https://www.unthsc.edu/texas-college-
to practice in the primary care disciplines of of-osteopathic-medicine/tcom-research/
family practice, general internal medicine, and the-osteopathic-research-center/) in Fort
pediatrics. The remaining 44 percent go on to Worth, TX conducts and promotes research
specialize in any number of practice areas.2 on the pathophysiological mechanisms and
10 CHOOSE DO A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORSz Consider a Career in Osteopathic Specific information about Canadian • Osteopathic college admissions and alumni
Medicine osteopathic medical practice is available offices. Admissions and alumni officials
from the Canadian Osteopathic Association at schools have many contacts in the
Do you want to be the type of physician who (https://www.osteopathic.ca). osteopathic profession. Contact them, and
sees the patient as more than a symptom or let them know that you are looking to shadow
disease? Do you want to be the kind of physician DOCARE International (https://docareintl.org) and learn more about becoming a DO.
who gets involved in his or her community and is a medical outreach organization that provides
who spends time getting to know his or her care in underserved areas throughout the world. • The American Osteopathic Association
patients as people? Are you the kind of person (AOA) membership office. The AOA
who is compassionate and enjoys meeting and Admissions policies at U.S. osteopathic medical maintains an online national directory of
getting to know a diverse range of people from colleges vary with regard to applicants who are practicing DOs. A locality search will give
many different backgrounds and socioeconomic neither U.S. citizens nor hold permanent resident you contact information and in many cases
groups? Are you the kind of person who has solid status in the United States. The International will link you to your state’s osteopathic
communication skills and a healing touch? If you Students page lists schools that will consider association website.
answered “yes” to some or all of these questions, applicants who are not U.S. citizens. • State osteopathic associations. Many of
osteopathic medicine may be a good career (https://choosedo.org/international-students/) the state associations compile lists of their
option for you. members who have indicated an interest
Prospective applicants to osteopathic medical
in having prospective osteopathic medical
Generally, osteopathic medical schools are colleges should consider that in the typically
students shadow them.
looking for a variety of personal qualities in seven-plus years between entering medical
the applicants they admit to their schools school and going into practice, the conditions • Your college’s health professions advisor.
and, ultimately, to the osteopathic profession. and regulations on practice outside the United • Your college’s Pre-Student Osteopathic
Osteopathic medical schools admit many States may change significantly. Medical Association Pre-SOMA) chapter
students from nontraditional backgrounds. (https://studentdo.org/pre-soma/).
Many of these students come to osteopathic Prospective osteopathic physicians can
participate in overseas medical missions and Once you have found a doctor near you,
medicine as a second career and have a divers
volunteer work. Participation in such programs call or send the doctor a letter. (Remember,
set of experiences.
is generally arranged by the sponsoring most doctors are very busy, so please be
Osteopathic medical schools have admitted organization, and U.S. physicians—both DOs understanding if you cannot speak directly to
students who have been administrators, and MDs— have practice rights extended to the DO.) If you explain your interest and share
managers, or executives in business; attorneys; them while participating in these programs. your enthusiasm for the profession, many DOs
professional musicians; newspaper reporters; Many osteopathic colleges sponsor such will be delighted to host you for a day or two.
allied health care providers; and many others. programs, which may be open to participation They will be able to show you what they do
Many of these students have families, and by their students, faculty, and alumni. so that you can decide if you want to study
some are single parents. osteopathic medicine.
Admission to osteopathic medical school is z Learning About the Practice Current osteopathic medical students are
competitive and selective. A person who is of Osteopathic Medicine and another good source of information about
well-rounded, has a broad background with the Shadowing a DO osteopathic medical education, as are the Pre-
qualities listed above, and has demonstrated SOMA chapters on undergraduate campuses.
Colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs)
academic excellence has the best chance for The colleges have student ambassador
encourage applicants to learn more about
admission to osteopathic medical school. programs, alumni, student government leaders,
the profession by identifying an osteopathic
and members of the Student Osteopathic
physician to shadow. Many of the colleges
Medicine Association (SOMA), all of whom
z Osteopathic Medicine in an require applicants to get to know a DO and
are eager to talk about their schools with
International Context request a letter of recommendation as part of
prospective medical students. For further
the application process. Applicants should meet
The practice of osteopathic medicine outside with and spend time shadowing the physician.
of the United States varies. In more than 65 This provides the applicant with exposure to the 1
Source: American Osteopathic Association
countries, DOs have full practice rights as they osteopathic profession and enhances awareness (https://osteopathic.org)
do in the United States. However, only U.S. of osteopathic medical philosophy. Working with
DOs are trained as fully licensed physicians. In a physician will prepare the applicant for the
2
Source: American Osteopathic Association;
some countries, DO training is concentrated application interview. Completing this crucial step 2018 Osteopathic Medical Profession Report
on OMM, and practice rights are typically also demonstrates the applicant’s commitment to (https://osteopathic.org/about/aoa-statistics/)
limited to manipulation. The most up-to-date the osteopathic profession.
information on this topic is available from the
3
Source: The Journal of the American Osteo-
Osteopathic International Alliance Students should contact a DO before applying pathic Association (JAOA), February 2002,
(https://oialliance.org) and the American for admission, beginning as early as possible Vol. 102, 63-65 (https://jaoa.org/article.
Osteopathic Association while in undergraduate education. The best aspx?articleid=2092562)
(https://osteopathic.org). ways for finding DOs are:
2019-2020 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES 11OVERVIEW
Overview of Osteopathic Medical Education and Accreditation
Overview
Osteopathic medicine is a science-based
discipline with a strong philosophical grounding
that focuses on the whole person. It follows the
French and Italian model of medical education,
emphasizing examination and understanding of
the people being cared for.
This is in contrast to MD-granting (allopathic)
medical schools, which are rooted in the
German model of education, emphasizing
laboratory-based evaluation of patients.
Nevertheless, osteopathic medical school
curricula are very similar to those used at U.S.
allopathic medical schools, although the exact
program varies by college.
Osteopathic medical school accreditation
standards require training in internal medicine,
obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, family Photo courtesy of Marian University College
practice, surgery, psychiatry, radiology, of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM)
preventive medicine, and public health.
Osteopathic medical schools emphasize early and treat people in a primary or adjunctive instruction. During the year preceding the
clinical contact. While the first two years focus way, enhancing overall health and the holistic graduation of its first class, a provisionally
on the biomedical and clinical sciences, the functioning of the human body. OMM accredited COM will conduct various activities
second two years delve deeper into patient- education usually occurs through year-long that will allow it to attain fully-accredited status.
oriented clinical training. Most schools include first- and second-year theoretical and skills New term will be pre-accrediation, there will no
time for elective courses as well. courses and through subsequent clinical longer be provisional accreditation.
experiences. OMM education is in addition to,
DO clinical education follows a distributive model,
wherein students are exposed to practicing in
and integrated with, medical training on current Osteopathic Medicine
diverse health care settings. Although in-hospital
and emerging theories and methods Four-Year Curriculum
of medical diagnosis and treatment.
experiences are an important aspect of clinical Each osteopathic medical school has its
education, osteopathic medical students receive For more information on osteopathic medicine, own curriculum. Some are discipline-based,
significant training in community hospitals as well see the overview focusing on each science separately. Others
as out-of-hospital ambulatory settings. In many (https://choosedo.org/learn-about- allow students to learn through patient-based,
schools, a community-based primary care rotation osteopathic-medicine/). or problem-based, learning. Many use a mix of
in a rural or underserved area is a required aspect methods. Osteopathic medical school starts
of fourth-year training. For information on each Accreditation with a foundation in the basic sciences of
school’s curriculum, see the individual college medicine. In addition, students learn a core
pages. Osteopathic medical schools are accredited
set of clinical examination skills and gain an
by the American Osteopathic Association
understanding of the various systems of the
Although osteopathic medical education has Commission on Osteopathic College
body. Lectures, laboratories, and other learning
changed dramatically since its beginnings in Accreditation (COCA), recognized to accredit
experiences are designed to prepare students
1874, osteopathic medical schools maintain osteopathic medical education by the U.S.
for the clinical portion of medical school—the
the core values advanced by the profession’s Department of Education. Learn more here
clinical clerkship years.
early proponents. These values are held as (https://osteopathic.org/accreditation/).
central distinguishing tenets of osteopathic Integration of the basic and clinical sciences
philosophy and practice: providing care Many osteopathic medical schools are
through early clinical exposure is an important
that is holistic, patient-centered, preventive, also accredited by a regional educational
part of the curriculum. While specific learning
and focused on health rather than disease, accrediting organization.
methods and curricular offerings vary from
delivered within a primary care context. New colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) college to college, the chart at right provides
hold provisional accreditation status during a general guide to the material covered in
The osteopathic medical school curriculum is the osteopathic medical school curriculum.
perhaps most distinguished by the inclusion their first four years of student enrollment.
A college holding provisional accreditation Please check with the college to which you are
of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), applying.
a hands-on approach that is used to diagnose status may admit students and offer medical
12 CHOOSE DO A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORSCore Clinical Other Clinical
Year 1 Year 2 Clerkships Clerkships
(Years 3 and 4) (Years 3 and 4)
Anatomy Gerontology Emergency Medicine Anesthesiology
Physiology Cardiology Family Medicine Cardiology
Clinical Skills Gastrointestinal Internal Medicine Dermatology
Radiology System Obstetrics & Gastroenterology
Osteopathic Hematopoietic System Gynecology Laboratory Medicine
Principles & Osteopathic Principles Osteopathic Nephrology
Practices & Practices Principles &
Practices Neurology
Microbiology & Pharmacology
Immunology Pediatrics Oncology & Hematology
Endocrinology
Neuroscience Psychiatry & Orthopedics
Psychiatry
Histology Behavioral Science Otorhinolaryngology
Respiratory
Biochemistry Surgery Pediatric Subspecialties
Ethics & Jurisprudence
Pathology Public Health
Family Medicine
Doctor/Patient Pulmonary Medicine
Genitourinary System
Communication Radiology
Reproductive System
Rural Medicine
Pediatrics/Growth &
Development Surgical Subspecialties
Urology
Photo courtesy of A.T. Still University School of
Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA)
2019-2020 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES 13GRADUATE
EDUCATION
Graduate Medical Education
An Overview of Graduate Osteopathic Physician (DO) Medical Education Timeline
Medical Education (GME)
Academic Degrees
The education students receive in an
osteopathic medical school is undergraduate • 4 years undergraduate study (Bachelor’s degree)
medical education, and the subsequent • 4 years osteopathic medical (DO) degree
training provided in a residency and fellowship
Graduate Medical Education
program is graduate medical education (GME).
• Complete training to become a physician includes supervised postdoctoral graduate
After graduating from an osteopathic medical medical education (GME)
school, students seeking licensure continue
Board Certification / Licensure
training in graduate training programs called
“residency,” the first year of which may be • 3 – 7 years internship / residency
called an “internship” or a “transitional year.” • 1 – 3 years specialty fellowship
Successful completion of a residency program
is required for specialty board certification.
Learn more and keep up with changes on the DO students typically enjoy a high rate of
GME typically focuses on one field of practice. transition to the single accreditation system at placement into GME programs. Current match
Examples include family medicine, pediatrics, www.aacom.org/singlegme. data reflect the existing match processes—
emergency medicine, surgery, preventive National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)
In pursuing GME, osteopathic medical school and AOA National Matching Service (NMS)
medicine, dermatology, radiology, and others.
graduates can choose the following options: systems—in a given year. The 2020 match will
Two organizations currently accredit GME be the first single match system administered
1. Residency (Categorical): A graduate
programs: the Accreditation Council for by the NRMP. This single system will simplify
of a college of osteopathic medicine can
Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) the matching process for osteopathic
match directly into a residency program
and the American Osteopathic Association medical school students. A result of the new
and start specialty training. A “categorical”
(AOA), which accredits osteopathic process will be a shift in the way the match
position is one which offers full residency
residency programs only. As of July 1, 2015, rate percentage is reported, and AACOM will
training required for board certification in
implementation of a single GME accreditation continue to provide details on these changes.
that specialty.
system (SAS) is underway under the umbrella
2. Preliminary: The doctor of osteopathic Each osteopathic medical school has its
of the ACGME. The new system is slated to be
medicine chooses to go into a specialty own curriculum. Some are discipline-based,
in place by June 30, 2020. By the end of the
and will be in a first-year program that focusing on each science separately. Others
transition period for the single accreditation
may be separate or linked to the specialty allow students to learn through patient-based,
system (June 30, 2020) the AOA will no longer
training they will pursue. Some specialties or problem-based, learning. Many use a mix of
accredit residency programs. As a result
will require a preliminary year. methods. Osteopathic medical school starts
of this new system, there will be significant
3. Transitional Year: A one-year training with a foundation in the basic sciences of
changes to GME that will ease the application
program in multiple clinical disciplines medicine. In addition, students learn a core
and participation process, as well as broaden
is designed to facilitate choice of and set of clinical examination skills and gain an
opportunities to participate in GME programs.
preparation for a specific specialty. understanding of the various systems of the
4. Military GME
Osteopathic Recognition 5. Fellowship: A graduate of a residency
body. Lectures, laboratories, and other learning
experiences are designed to prepare students
In the new GME accreditation system, training program may choose to pursue for the clinical portion of medical school—the
osteopathic medical school graduates have further training in a particular subspecialty. clinical clerkship years.
the option to pursue ACGME programs with
an osteopathic emphasis or programs with Residency Match Integration of the basic and clinical sciences
“Osteopathic Recognition” designation. Any through early clinical exposure is an important
Graduating osteopathic medical students
ACGME-accredited program can apply to part of the curriculum. While specific learning
apply to hospitals and programs that offer
receive Osteopathic Recognition, which methods and curricular offerings vary from
their preferred GME programs. Applications
indicates that osteopathic principles and college to college, the chart on page 13
to GME programs are administered through
practices are integrated within the training provides a general guide to the material
the Electronic Residency Application Service
program. Osteopathic medical students covered in the osteopathic medical school
(ERAS). Following interviews that provide
can pursue programs with Osteopathic curriculum. Please check the college to which
students and programs with information about
Recognition in all the options below. Students you are applying for.
each other, students submit their choices,
can view an up-to-date list of programs with the
ranked from their first to last choice. Programs
ACGME Osteopathic Recognition designation
also rank the applicants they would like to have
on the ACGME’s website at https://apps.
working in their programs.
acgme.org/ads/Public/Reports/Report/17.
14 CHOOSE DO A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORSEXAMS
Board Examinations and Licensure
Osteopathic physicians are licensed in all 50 Many foreign countries recognize the clerkship training. Level 2-CE is taken during the
states, the District of Columbia, other territories U.S. DO degree and grant full licensure to clinical clerkship years prior to graduating from
and areas of the United States, and many foreign American-trained DOs who wish to practice osteopathic medical school. COMLEX-USA
countries. Licensure is determined by each state internationally. The scope of licensure is Level 2-PE is an examination developed to test
through the appropriate licensing board. determined by each country. For more physical examination skills and is also taken prior
information, visit the International Osteopathic to graduation. Level 3 is taken during GME.
To be licensed as an osteopathic physician, Medicine page on the AOA website
one must: (https://osteopathic.org). The COMLEX-USA Level 1 and 2 (CE and
PE) are required for graduation from an
• Graduate from an accredited U.S. college of
osteopathic medicine (COM).
Comprehensive osteopathic medical college. Each of the
Osteopathic Medical osteopathic colleges has its own requirements
for progression through the stages of the
• Successfully complete a licensure exam
sequence accepted by a state’s licensing
Licensure Exam COMLEX-USA before graduation.
board (COMLEX-USA or USMLE). (COMLEX-USA)
All 50 states in the United States accept
• Successfully complete more than one year The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical
COMLEX-USA as a licensure exam for
of graduate medical education (GME), Licensure Exam (COMLEX-USA) is a
the practice of medicine by osteopathic
depending on state licensure requirements. standardized test of medical knowledge. The
physicians. To learn more about the COMLEX-
goal of the exam is to assess competency in
• Osteopathic physicians stay abreast of the USA exam, please visit www.nbome.org.
the areas of knowledge related to practicing
latest medical developments related to medicine. It tests the medical knowledge and
their specialty training through continuing clinical skills that are considered essential
United States Medical
medical education (CME) programs. CME for an osteopathic physician to practice Licensure Examination
requirements are determined by each state’s medicine without supervision. The COMLEX- (USMLE)
licensure board. The American Osteopathic USA includes standardized test questions
Association (AOA) also requires its members The United States Medical Licensure Examination
and a pass/fail observed clinical examination (USMLE) is the standard examination for
to complete a certain number of CME credits performed by the student.
to maintain board certification. graduates of U.S. MD-granting medical schools
and graduates of international medical schools
For state-specific licensure information, please The COMLEX-USA comprises Level 1, Level 2 CE
seeking to practice in the United States.
visit and PE (Cognitive Evaluation and Performance
Osteopathic medical students and residents also
http://www.fsmb.org/fcvs/state-requirements/. Evaluation), and Level 3. It is administered by the
are eligible to take the USMLE.
National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners
Learn more about CME through the AOA (NBOME). The NBOME is independent from the The USMLE consists of Step 1, Step 2 CK and
(https://osteopathic.org/cme/). colleges of osteopathic medicine and has as its CS (Clinical Knowledge and Clinical Skills), and
role the protection of the public. Step 3.
Find information on osteopathic specialties
and subspecialties (https://osteopathic.org). Level I of the exam is taken by the end of the To learn more about the USMLE exam, please
second year of medical school prior to the visit www.usmle.org.
Photo courtesy of Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM)
2019-2020 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES 15You can also read
