Osteopathic Medical College Information Book

Transcription

1 Osteopathic Medical College Information Book 2010 entering class American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine 5550 Friendship Blvd., Suite 310 Chevy Chase, Maryland OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE INFORMATION BOOK, 2010 i

2 The complete on-line version is available at our website: Additional print copies of this information resource guide for prospective students, applicants and health profession advisors are available for a charge of $12.00 each. For larger orders: 1 10 copies = $12.00 each copies = $ 9.00 each 50 and up = $ 6.00 each Payment may be sent by institutional check or money order to: Publications Orders American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Office of Communications and Marketing 5550 Friendship Blvd. Suite 310 Chevy Chase, MD About the Cover: The cover photos depict the breadth and depth of Osteopathic Medical School training to include, from far right photo, training in osteopathic principles of manual manipulation, training on life-size simulated patients, reading x-rays on rounds, interactive medical training, and research. About the Manufacture of this Publication: Environmentally friendly vegetable-based inks were used throughout the print process. All printing papers used were certified to follow the Going Green world environmental intiative. 10% Post Consumer Waste Copyright 2009 No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine 5550 Friendship Boulevard Chevy Chase, MD ii AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

3 Table of Contents About the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)... 1 Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (Map and Locations)... 2 Overview of Osteopathic Medicine...4 What Does a DO Do?...4 Why Consider a Career in Osteopathic Medicine?...4 Learning about the Practice of Osteopathic Medicine and Shadowing a DO...5 Snapshot of the Osteopathic Medical Student...6 Overview of Osteopathic Medical Education...7 Accreditation...7 Four-Year Curriculum...7 Osteopathic Graduate Medical Education...8 Board Examinations and Licensure...9 Medical Licensure Exams...9 General Admission Requirements...10 Grade Point Averages for Entering Students...10 Mean Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Scores...10 Criminal Background Checks...11 Applications, First-Year Enrollment, Total Enrollment and Graduates...13 Financial Aid...14 Nontraditional Students...14 Osteopathic Training for Health Professionals...14 AACOMAS Introduction/How to Apply...15 Application Fees...15 Early Decision Program...16 Application Deadlines...16 Application Process Guidelines...17 Applicant Protocol...17 AACOMAS User Agreement...17 AACOMAS FAQs...18 The Admissions Interview...21 Interview Suggestions...21 Interview Resources...21 Suggested Sources for More Information...22 Individual College Descriptions (see next page) Acknowledgments...80 Photo Credits...80 OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE INFORMATION BOOK, 2010 iii

4 Individual College Descriptions A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine...24 A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University...28 Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University...30 Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine...32 Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine...34 Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Bradenton Campus...38 Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine...42 New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of New York Institute of Technology...44 Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine...46 Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine...48 Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine...50 Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine...52 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine...54 Georgia Campus Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine...56 Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine...58 Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine New York...62 Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine California...64 Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine...66 University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine...68 University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine...70 University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine...72 Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine...74 West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine...76 Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific...78 iv AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

5 About the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) Mission The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine promotes excellence in osteopathic medical education, in research and in service, and fosters innovation and quality among osteopathic colleges to improve the health of the American public. Vision The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) is recognized as the international leader of osteopathic medical education (OME) and an international leader of medical education. Through the colleges of osteopathic medicine and its Councils, AACOM coordinates the role of OME in the U.S. health care system and promotes and fosters excellence throughout medical education. Special Note to Students The College Information Book is published annually by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). The information in this book is compiled from data submitted by each of the member colleges. Although AACOM has attempted to verify the accuracy of the data submitted by the member colleges, AACOM cannot guarantee the accuracy of the data and as such the information in this book is provided to you AS IS and 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 book. Data on tuition and fees are reported by the colleges applicable as of January 1, 2009, and are subject to change. The AACOM Application Service (AACOMAS) and the individual colleges are subject to applicable federal, state and local laws prohibiting discrimination. Osteopathic medical education develops physicians through a continuum of education that is based upon osteopathic philosophy and practice and the training of physicians who are highly qualified in the knowledge, skills, and temperament to lead and participate in the delivery of health care in the 21st Century. OME consists of knowledge-based learning communities that are innovative in their advanced use of technology for collaboration, communication and the delivery of outcome-based curriculum. AACOM supports the use of an open electronic forum for facilitating communication and knowledge management. By promoting community-oriented and learner-centered medical education, and a preventive medicine perspective, osteopathic medical education programs train physicians to provide high-quality health care to meet the public s changing health care needs. The AACOM office is positioned to assume a leadership role in promoting continuous quality improvement of osteopathic medical education. AACOM facilitates the development of medical educators and administrators. It is internationally recognized as a primary resource for innovative teaching techniques and methodologies; for advances in curriculum design and evaluation strategies; for enhanced teaching tools; and for highlighting best practices in the delivery of education in Osteopathic Principles and Practice. It promotes and facilitates clinical, basic science, health care services, and medical education research and its dissemination, promotes the training of researchers, and identifies sources of research and other grant and contract funding. AACOM sponsors internationally recognized meetings on osteopathic medical education and research. The AACOM office is the national leader in the processing of applications for colleges of osteopathic medicine, and in enhancing the OME applicant pool. AACOM maintains collaborative relationships with other organizations that serve a complementary purpose. AACOM is recognized as the primary source of useful data concerning OME and facilitates data-based decision making. It is the major resource of OME information and analysis for government policymakers and other entities, and an advocate on behalf of the colleges of osteopathic medicine. AACOM 5550 Friendship Blvd., Suite 310 Chevy Chase, Maryland OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE INFORMATION BOOK,

6 Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine The American Osteopathic Association s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) currently accredits 25 colleges of osteopathic medicine offering instruction at 31 locations in 22 states. 1. A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU/KCOM) 800 West Jefferson Street Kirksville, Missouri (660) A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU/SOMA) 5850 East Still Circle Mesa, Arizona (480) Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University (AZCOM) North 59th Avenue Glendale, Arizona (623) Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University (CCOM) st Street Downers Grove, Illinois (630) Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM) 3200 Grand Avenue Des Moines, Iowa (515) Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCUMB-COM) 1750 Independence Boulevard Kansas City, Missouri (816) Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Erie (7) and Seton Hill (7a) 1858 West Grandview Boulevard Erie, Pennsylvania (814) Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Bradenton Campus (LECOM-Bradenton) 5000 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Bradenton, Florida Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway Harrogate, Tennessee (423) AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

7 10. Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) East Lansing(10), Detroit (10a), Clinton (10b) East Fee Hall East Lansing, Michigan (517) New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of New York Institute of Technology (NYCOM/ NYIT) Northern Boulevard Old Westbury, New York (516) Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-COM) 3200 South University Drive Fort Lauderdale, Florida (954) or Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OUCOM) Grosvenor, Irvine and Parks Halls Athens, Ohio (740) Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU-COM) 1111 West 17th Street Tulsa, Oklahoma (918) college/ 15. Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNWU-COM) 111 South 33rd Street, Suite 104 Yakima, WA (509) Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) 4170 City Avenue Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (215) Georgia Campus Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (GA-PCOM) 625 Old Peach Tree Road Gwinett County, Georgia (678) georgia/georgia.html 18. Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine (PCSOM) 147 Sycamore Street Pikeville, Kentucky (606) Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) 8401 S. Chambers Rd. Parker, CO (303) Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine New York (TOUROCOM) 230 West 125th Street New York City, New York (212) Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine California (TUCOM-CA) 1310 Johnson Lane Vallejo, California (707) or Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUNCOM-NV) 874 American Pacific Drive Henderson, Nevada University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine (UMDNJ-SOM) One Medical Center Drive, Suite 312 Stratford, New Jersey (856) University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM) 11 Hills Beach Road Biddeford, Maine (207) University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at Fort Worth (UNTHSC/TCOM) 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard Fort Worth, Texas (817) Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) 2265 Kraft Drive Blacksburg, Virginia (540) West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) 400 North Lee Street Lewisburg, West Virginia (304) Western University of Health Sciences/ College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (Western U/COMP) 309 East Second Street/College Plaza Pomona, California (909) OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE INFORMATION BOOK,

8 Overview of Osteopathic Medicine Osteopathic medicine is a distinctive form of medicine practiced in the United States. Osteopathic physicians use all of the knowledge, skills, tools and technology available to modern physicians, with the added benefits of a holistic philosophy and a system of hands-on diagnosis and treatment known as osteopathic manipulative medicine. Doctors of osteopathic medicine emphasize helping each person achieve a high level of wellness by focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. Osteopathic medicine was founded in the late 1800s in Kirksville, Missouri, by Andrew Taylor Still, MD, who believed that some medical practices of the day often could cause more harm than good. After losing members of his immediate family to meningitis, Dr. Still focused on developing a system of medical care that would promote the body s innate ability to heal itself. He called his system of medicine osteopathy, now known as osteopathic medicine. Osteopathic physicians, also known as DOs, work in partnership with their patients. They consider the impact that lifestyle and community have on the health of each individual, and they work to erase barriers to good health. DOs are licensed to practice the full scope of medicine in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other territories of the United States as well as in more than 40 countries abroad. 1 They practice in all types of environments, including the military, and in all specialties, from family medicine to obstetrics to surgery to cardiology. From their first day of medical school, DOs are trained to look at the whole person, which means they see each person as more than just a collection of body parts that may become injured or diseased. DOs are taught that the whole person is greater than the sum of his or her parts, and that patients should be treated as partners in the health care process. They are trained to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds, and they get the opportunity to practice these skills in the classroom and a variety of other settings. Because of the whole-person approach to medicine, 59 percent of all DOs choose to practice in the primary care disciplines of family practice, general internal medicine and pediatrics. The remaining 41 percent go on to specialize in one of any number of practice areas. If a medical specialty exists, you will find DOs practicing it. There are 57,000 active DOs in the United States. DOs boast a strong history of serving rural and underserved areas, often providing their unique brand of compassionate, patient-centered care to some of the most economically disadvantaged members of our society. In addition to studying all of the typical subjects you would expect student physicians to master, osteopathic medical students complete approximately 200 additional hours of training in osteopathic manipulative medicine. This system of hands-on diagnosis and treatment helps alleviate pain, restore motion, and support the body s natural structure to help it function more efficiently. One key concept osteopathic medical students learn is that structure influences function. Thus, if there is a problem in one part of the body s structure, function in that area and in other areas may be affected. For example, restriction of motion in the lower ankle can restrict motion in the knee, hip, and lumbar spine, causing symptoms throughout. By using osteopathic manipulative medicine techniques, DOs can help restore motion to these areas and eliminate pain. Another integral tenet of osteopathic medicine is that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. Many of osteopathic medicine s manipulative techniques are aimed at reducing or eliminating impediments to proper structure and function so that this self-healing mechanism can assume its role in restoring a patient s health. In addition to their strong history of providing high-quality patient care, DOs conduct clinical and basic science research to help advance the frontiers of medicine and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the osteopathic approach to patient care. Founded in 2001, the Osteopathic Research Center in Fort Worth, Texas, conducts and promotes research on the pathophysiological mechanism and clinical outcomes of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). The center serves as a catalyst for developing and conducting multi-center, collaborative clinical research studies. Initial studies have focused on demonstrating the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative medicine as it applies to many facets of patient care. For more information about the history of osteopathic medicine, see the reference and resource list starting on page 22 of this book. 1 Source: American Osteopathic Association; DOs Around the World; index.cfm?pageid=ost_intl What Does a DO Do? Throughout the country, DOs practice the full scope of medicine in all existing specialties of the medical field, from pediatrics to geriatrics, and from sports medicine to trauma surgery. Osteopathic physicians receive the same medical training as their allopathic (MD) counterparts, plus an additional 200 hours of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). OMM is a hands-on therapy that is used to diagnose and treat illness and injury. DOs are trained to focus on the whole person, working with patients to achieve high levels of wellness and disease prevention. Why Consider a Career in Osteopathic Medicine? Do you want to be the type of physician who sees patients as more than a symptom or disease? Do you want to be the kind of physician who gets involved in his or her community and who spends time getting to know his or her patients as people? Are you the kind of person who is compassionate, 4 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

9 who enjoys meeting and getting to know a diverse range of people from many different backgrounds and socioeconomic groups? Are you the kind of person who has solid communication skills and a healing touch? If you answered yes to some or all of these questions, osteopathic medicine may be a good career option for you. Generally, osteopathic medical schools are looking for a variety of personal qualities in the applicants they admit to their schools and, ultimately, to the osteopathic profession. Osteopathic medical schools admit many nontraditional students. Typically, these students come to osteopathic medicine as a second career from an amazing number of backgrounds. Osteopathic medical schools have admitted students who have been administrators, managers or executives in business, attorneys, professional musicians, newspaper reporters, allied health care providers, and the list goes on. Many of these students have families, and some are single parents. Approximately 25 percent of the students in osteopathic medical schools fall into the category of nontraditional students. Admission to osteopathic medical school is competitive and selective. A person who is well-rounded, has a broad background, demonstrates the qualities listed above and who has demonstrated academic excellence has the best chance for admission to osteopathic medical school. Osteopathic Medicine in an International Context The practice of osteopathic medicine outside of the United States varies. In many countries, osteopathic physicians have full practice rights, as DOs have in the United States. However, only in the U.S. are DOs trained as physicians. Outside the U.S. DO training is concentrated on OMM and practice rights are typically limited to manipulation. The most up-todate information on this is available from the Osteopathic International Alliance ( and the American Osteopathic Association ( Admissions policies at U.S. osteopathic medical colleges vary with regard to applicants who are neither U.S. citizens nor hold permanent resident status in the United States. Each college s listing in this book indicates whether it will consider applicants who are not U.S. citizens. Prospective applicants to osteopathic medical colleges should consider that in the typically seven-plus years between entering medical school and going into practice, the conditions and regulations on practice outside the United States may change significantly. Prospective osteopathic physicians who are interested in participating in overseas medical mission and volunteer work will not encounter difficulties participation in such programs is generally arranged by the sponsoring organization, and U.S. physicians both DOs and MDs have practice rights extended to them while participating in such programs. Many osteopathic colleges sponsor such programs, which may be open to participation by their students, faculty, and alumni. Learning About the Practice of Osteopathic Medicine and Shadowing a DO Colleges of osteopathic medicine encourage applicants to learn more about the profession by identifying an osteopathic physician to shadow. Many of the colleges require applicants to get to know a DO and request a letter of recommendation as part of the application process. Applicants should meet and spend time shadowing the physician. This provides the applicant with exposure to the osteopathic profession and enhances awareness of osteopathic medical philosophy. Working with a physician will prepare the applicant for the application interview. Completing this crucial step also demonstrates the applicant s commitment to the osteopathic profession. Students should contact an osteopathic physician before applying for admission, beginning as early as possible while in undergraduate education. The best ways for finding osteopathic physicians include: Osteopathic college admission and alumni offices. Admission and alumni officials at school have many contacts in the osteopathic profession. Contact them, and let them know that you are looking to shadow and learn more about becoming an osteopathic physician. The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) membership office. The AOA maintains an online national directory of practicing DOs. A locality search will give you contact information, and in many cases will link you to the website of your state s osteopathic association. Contacting state osteopathic associations. Many of the state associations compile lists of their members who have indicated an interest in having prospective osteopathic medical students shadow them. Your college s pre-health advisor. Once you have found a doctor near you, call or send the doctor a letter. (Remember most doctors are very busy, so please be respectful if you cannot speak directly to the DO.) If you explain your interest and share your enthusiasm for the profession, many DOs offices will be delighted to host you for a day or two. They will be able to show you what they do so that you can decide if you want to study osteopathic medicine. Current osteopathic medical students are another good source of information about osteopathic medical education. The colleges have student ambassador programs, alumni, student government leaders and members of the Student Osteopathic Medicine Association, all of whom are eager to talk about their schools with prospective medical students. For further information, contact the admissions office at the schools in which you are interested. To contact the AOA Membership Office: DO Directory: AOA Website: If you do not have access to the Internet, contact the AOA at: American Osteopathic Association 142 East Ontario Street Chicago, IL (800) (312) (for international calls) OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE INFORMATION BOOK,

10 In Their Own Words: Snapshot of the Osteopathic Medical Student While the path to medical school is a challenging one, it also can be very rewarding! The students profiled here have all made journeys similar to yours. They have completed all their pre-medical coursework, taken the MCAT, volunteered, shadowed a DO, and worked with their pre-health advisors to ensure a smooth transition to medical school. Read these student s stories--they may inspire and encourage you as you continue your journey toward a career in medicine. Brian Park Undergraduate Studies: Major in Chemistry; minor in Biochemistry, Knox College While working closely with patients in a Chicago clinic, I developed a firm belief that true healing occurs when the mind, body, and spirit are led into healthy confines. I chose osteopathic medicine so that I can provide true healing to my patients. Thus far, osteopathic medical school has been a perfect fit for me. The academic curriculum accommodates all learning styles. Because I am a visual learner, this feature has been critical to my success as a student. In addition, there are many opportunities to apply my textbook knowledge to clinical situations, and this has contributed greatly to my education. I know the valuable lessons I learn here will make me a compassionate physician. Robert Brad Abrahams Undergraduate Studies: Major in Art, Wake Forest University Honors: Presidential Scholarship, Phi Beta Kappa Like many entering the medical field, I always knew that I wanted to work in health care. It was not until I began my pre-medical courses at Wake Forest University that I learned about osteopathic medicine and fell in love with the DO philosophy. As a studio art major with a liberal arts background, I found the concept of treating the mind, body, and spirit quite attractive. My osteopathic medical education has been outstanding. After completing my training I plan to return to my medical college as a visiting lecturer. Heather Preissler Undergraduate Studies: Major in Biology, Central Washington University Having a background in dentistry and biology, I explored many options before deciding to study osteopathic medicine. The philosophy of treating patients with a hands-on approach along with the profession s desire to find unique, well rounded leaders was why I chose to study osteopathic medicine. My medical college not only lives by this philosophy, but values listening to patients, being compassionate and serving in rural areas, while striving to set the highest educational standards. The faculty is like a family that embraces you upon arrival and guides your path. As a future osteopathic physician, my mission is to bring aid and education to underserved areas in the Pacific Northwest and globally to those in need. Roger A. Alvarez Undergraduate Studies: Major in Biology, University of Miami Graduate Studies: MS in Physiology and Biophysics, Georgetown University Before medical school, I attended a lecture by an osteopathic physician. After the lecture, I shadowed him in his office, where I was impressed with his personal approach to patients and his ready utilization of different modalities of treatment in each case including pharmacological, psychosocial, and musculoskeletal. He spent time with each patient, and he touched each and every patient. I immediately knew that this type of practice resonated with my personal views of health care, and decided to apply to osteopathic medical schools. To me, osteopathic medicine is the practice of medicine based on the recognition of the person s innate ability to heal and the importance of the person functioning as a unit greater than the sum of his or her parts. Isaac Spence Undergraduate Studies: Major in Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University My medical school s mission is to produce primary care physicians to serve rural and medically underserved areas. Having grown up in a rural area, this mission resonates with my own goals as a future physician. I love my school because I am acquiring the skills I will need to return to a rural community and assist the medically underserved. I also aspire to serve as a medical missionary, and my college provides ample opportunities to participate in medical missions. Additionally, my school is located near my hometown. As such, I believe it will enhance health care in the area, and I would love to contribute to that endeavor. I love my college because it has a family-like atmosphere, a student camaraderie that is rare in medical school, and faculty who sincerely want their students to succeed. Anne C. Jones, DO Undergraduate Studies: Major in Neurobiology & Behavior, Cornell University Within 5 minutes of stepping onto my medical school campus, I felt at home. The most special thing about being an osteopathic medical student was that I felt like a member of the family. The support from students, faculty and administration nurtured me as a student to succeed with my dreams. I am excited to be starting my residency training at the Maine Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency in Augusta, Maine, where I hope to develop a primary care practice. I also plan to remain active in medical education and health policy by pursuing an MPH degree and by continually being involved in the osteopathic profession. My ultimate dream? To be a well-rounded, full-spectrum osteopathic family physician, a faculty member at a medical school, and an advocate for physicians and patients, and to effect positive change in our nation s healthcare system. 6 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

11 Overview of Osteopathic Medical Education / Accreditation / The Four-Year Curriculum An Introduction to Osteopathic Medical Education Osteopathic medical school curricula closely mirror those of allopathic (MD) medical schools. The first two years focus on the biomedical and clinical sciences, followed by core clinical training in the clinical specialties. Osteopathic medical school accreditation standards require training in internal medicine, obstetrics/ gynecology, pediatrics, family practice, surgery, psychiatry, emergency medicine, radiology, preventive medicine and public health. In addition, most schools provide a rural or underserved-focused primary care experience, and provide time for electives as well. For information on each school s curriculum, see the college pages beginning on page 24. Osteopathic medical schools maintain those core values which the profession s early founders stressed as central distinguishing aspects of osteopathic philosophy: holistic, patient-centered, preventive, and health- vs. disease-focused care within a primary care context, although these elements of osteopathic philosophy have been increasingly prominent in allopathic medical education and practice as well. The osteopathic medical school curriculum is clearly distinguished from allopathic medical education by its focus on osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), a hands-on therapy that is used to diagnose and treat illness and injury. OMM education usually occurs through year-long first- and second-year theoretical and skills courses, and through subsequent clinical experiences. OMM education is in addition to, and integrated with, medical training on current and emerging theory and methods of medical diagnosis and treatment. For more information on osteopathic medicine, see the overview beginning on page 4. Accreditation Osteopathic medical schools are accredited by The American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), recognized to accredit osteopathic medical education by the U.S. Department of Education. See cfm?pageid=acc_predoc. Many osteopathic medical schools also are accredited by a regional educational accrediting organization. New colleges of osteopathic medicine hold provisional accreditation status during their first four years of student enrollment. A college holding provisional accreditation status may admit students and offer medical instruction. During the year preceding the graduation of its first class, a provisionally accredited college will conduct various activities that will allow it to attain fully accredited status. Should the college not gain full accreditation, COCA has policies Year 1 Year 2 Anatomy Physiology Clinical Skills Radiology Osteopathic Principles and Practices Microbiology and Immunology Neuroscience Histology Biochemistry Pathology Doctor/Patient Communication Gerontology Cardiology Gastrointestinal System Hematopoietic System Osteopathic Principles and Practices Pharmacology Endocrinology Psychiatry Respiratory Ethics and Jurisprudence Family Medicine Genitourinary System Reproductive System Pediatrics/Growth and Development and procedures in place to protect the educational and financial investments of students. The Four-Year Curriculum The first two years of osteopathic medical school emphasize the basic science foundation to medicine. In addition, students learn a core set of clinical examination skills and gain an understanding of the various systems of the body. Lectures, laboratories, and other learning experiences are designed to prepare students for the last two years of medical school, which are the clinical clerkship years. Early clinical exposure is an important part of many schools curricula. Specific learning methods and curricular offerings vary from college to college. Below is a general guide to the material covered in the osteopathic medical school curriculum. Please check the college to which you are applying for specifics. Core Clinical Clerkships (Years 3 and 4) Emergency Medicine Family Medicine Internal Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology Osteopathic Principles and Practices Pediatrics Psychiatry and Behavioral Science Surgery Other Clinical Clerkships (Years 3 and 4) Anesthesiology Cardiology Gastroenterology Laboratory Medicine Nephrology Neurology Oncology and Hematology Orthopedics Otorhinolaryngology Pulmonary Medicine Radiology OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE INFORMATION BOOK,

12 Osteopathic Graduate Medical Education Osteopathic Graduate Medical Education (OGME) The education received in an osteopathic medical school is undergraduate medical education, and the training provided in an internship or residency program is graduate medical education. After graduation from an osteopathic medical school, training may continue in a graduate training program called a Residency, the first year of which may be called an Internship. Graduate medical education typically focuses on one field of practice. Examples include family medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, surgery, preventive medicine, dermatology, radiology and many others. Historically, osteopathic physicians were required to complete a general rotating internship as their first year of graduate medical education prior to being able to choose a specialty field. This traditional rotating internship, also called an osteopathic internship, provides broad training in family medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, pediatrics, and other fields of medicine as determined by the program or the trainee s interests. These osteopathic internships are still available and encouraged. In applying for a residency, osteopathic medical school graduates can pursue one of the following three options: Apply to an osteopathic first-year residency program that is linked to further training in primary care or a subspecialty field. Apply to an osteopathic internship program that is not linked to a specific residency, and that may or may not have further residencies for continuing training. Apply to an MD/ACGME approved residency. The osteopathic profession has residency programs in all of the medical and surgical specialties. Additionally, graduate training programs in manual medicine, joint family medicine/emergency medicine, proctology and others are available only in the osteopathic profession. Successful completion of a residency program is required for specialty board certification. How OGME Differs from MD/GME All osteopathic graduate medical education programs are part of an Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institution, also called an OPTI. OPTIs are partnerships among a teaching hospital, a medical school and other medical training facilities including outpatient surgery centers, physician offices, county health departments, rehabilitation centers and other community-based health care providers. The OPTI is a way of linking health care providers across the community with the intention of training physicians to be patient-centered. Both osteopathic and allopathic programs work through hospitals because of Center for Medicaid Services (CMS) rules regarding government support and payment for graduate medical training. However, unlike many allopathic programs, osteopathic programs typically provide more out-of-hospital training opportunities. Residency Match Graduating osteopathic medical students apply to the hospitals and programs that offer their preferred internship/residency program. Following interviews that provide students and programs with information about each other, students submit their choices, ranked from their first choice through all the programs they would feel comfortable attending. Programs also rank the applicants they would like to have working in their programs. Applications for the osteopathic match are administered through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants and programs match based on the desire of the student to go to a specific residency, and the desire of the residency to have that student in their program. 8 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

13 Board Examinations and Licensure Board Examinations and Licensure Osteopathic physicians are eligible for licensure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, other territories and areas of the United States, and many foreign countries. Licensure is determined by each state through the appropriate licensing board. In order to be licensed as an osteopathic physician, one must: Graduate from an accredited U.S. college of osteopathic medicine. Successfully complete a licensure exam sequence accepted by a state s licensing board (COMLE-USA or USMLE). Successfully complete one to three years of graduate medical education (varies by individual state requirement). Following residency training, the osteopathic physician takes certification examinations from the specialty board that oversees her/his particular specialty. Board certification is required by many hospitals for hospital staff membership, and many health insurance companies, in order for the physician to obtain reimbursement from third-party payers. Osteopathic physicians stay abreast of the latest medical developments related to their specialty training through continuing medical education programs. CME requirements are determined by each state s licensure board. The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) also requires its members to complete a certain number of CME credits to maintain board certification. For state-specific licensure information, please visit To learn more about CME through the AOA, please visit Information on various osteopathic specialties and subspecialties is available at: cfm?pageid=lcl_spclty. In addition to full licensure in the United States, many foreign countries recognize the American DO degree and grant full licensure to American-trained DOs who wish to practice internationally. The scope of licensure is determined by each country. For more information, visit DOs Around the World on the AOA website at Medical Licensure Exams Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensure Exam (COMLE-USA) The Comprehensive Osteopathic Licensure Examination (COMLE-USA), Levels 1, 2 Cognitive Evaluation and Performance Evaluation(CE and PE) and 3, are administered by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME). Level I of the exam is taken after the second year of medical school prior to the last two years of clerkship training. Level 2-CE is taken at the end of the clinical clerkship years prior to graduating from osteopathic medical school. COMLE-USA Level 2-PE is an examination developed to test physical examination skills and is also taken prior to graduation. Level 3 is taken prior to the end of the internship year. The COMLE-USA or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensure exam is a standardized test of medical knowledge. The goal of the exam is to assess competency in the areas of study related to practicing medicine. It tests the medical knowledge and clinical skills that are considered essential for an osteopathic physician to practice medicine without supervision. The COMLE-USA includes standard test questions, and a pass/fail observed examination performed by the student. COMLE-USA Level 1 and 2 (CE and PE) are required for graduation from an osteopathic medical college. Each of the osteopathic colleges has its own requirements for progression through the stages of the COMLE-USA before graduation. The National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners or NBOME is the organization that administers the COMLE-USA exam. The NBOME is a separate organization from the colleges of osteopathic medicine and has as its role the protection of the public. All 50 states in the United States accept COMLE-USA as a licensure exam for the practice of medicine by osteopathic physicians. To learn more about the COMLE-USA exam please visit United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) Osteopathic medical students and residents are also eligible to take the United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE), which is taken by students in allopathic (MD-granting) medical schools. The USMLE examination consists of Step 1, Step 2 CK and CS (Clinical Knowledge and Clinical Skills), and Step 3. To learn more about the USMLE exam please visit html. OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE INFORMATION BOOK,

14 General Admission Requirements You ve made the decision to apply to osteopathic medical school. Just what are the admissions committees and interviewers looking for in a prospective student? Admission to osteopathic medical school is competitive. Of those applying in the 2007 cycle, the average (mean) MCAT scores were 7.60 verbal, 7.46 physical sciences and 8.30 biological sciences. The average (mean) overall grade point average was 3.35 and the average science grade point average was Generally, MCAT scores and grade point averages are slightly higher for matriculating students than scores reported for the overall applicant pool (see tables). In terms of academics, osteopathic medical schools are looking for an academic record that indicates the aptitude and the knowledge base to successfully complete the medical school curriculum. Just as important are personal qualities. Osteopathic medical schools are looking for students who: Are well-rounded Have good communication and interpersonal skills Have a record of community service Have a record of leadership Have some clinical experience Have participated in a variety of extracurricular activities Come from diverse backgrounds Are motivated to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine Have knowledge of osteopathic medicine Have shadowed an osteopathic physician Osteopathic medical schools also have a long tradition of accepting nontraditional students who may be looking at osteopathic medicine as a new career later in life. Nearly all students who apply to osteopathic medical school have a bachelor s degree. There are a few exceptions for students in special programs that have prior arrangements with osteopathic medical schools. Many applicants have earned a master s degree or doctorate before applying to osteopathic medical school. Many public osteopathic medical schools are mandated by state legislature to admit a certain percentage of in-state residents to each entering class. Contact the colleges in which you are interested for more information. Grade Point Averages for Entering Students Group GPA Science Non-Science Mean GPA Average (Mean) Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Scores for Entering Students Mean MCAT Biological Science Physical Science Verbal Reasoning Writing Sample J (Lowest) K L M N O P Q R S T (Highest) Unknown % 1.4% 5.4% 20.5% 12.8% 17.0% 12.9% 18.5% 7.4% 2.3% 0.3% 1.1% 0.2% 1.5% 5.5% 20.5% 14.7% 18.5% 13.0% 16.7% 6.6% 1.9% 0.2% 0.7% 0.2% 1.6% 4.5% 18.9% 12.9% 17.9% 13.6% 18.1% 7.2% 1.9% 0.1% 3.0% Number of Scores Reported 3,797 3,928 4,392 Note: Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding. Source: American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine 10 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

15 Criminal Background Checks Some state legislatures have considered or enacted legislation requiring criminal background checks for all medical students. Additionally, affiliated hospitals and clinical institutions of many medical schools have considered policies requiring criminal background checks for medical students completing clinical rotations at their facilities. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs mandates that all medical students involved in patient care at their hospitals undergo criminal background checks. In large part, the movement toward criminal background checks across the health professions is based on strengthening the public s trust in the medical profession. In addition, criminal background checks enhance the safety and well-being of patients; aid in the applicants and enrolled medical students ability to eventually become licensed as physicians, and minimize the liability of medical schools and their affiliated clinical facilities. While a criminal background check is not part of the AACOMAS application for the 2010 cycle, many medical schools are requiring criminal background checks of all matriculating students, prior to the start of clinical rotations, or at some other specified time. It is your responsibility to become aware and informed of what will be required of you during the application process. When an individual applies through the AACOMAS application process, the applicant will be asked to disclose information regarding prior criminal offenses. Failure to accurately and truthfully disclose such offenses on the AACOMAS application may result in an offer of admission being rescinded or, if the omission is discovered after enrollment in medical school, in dismissal. Criminal Background Check Requirements for Matriculation (subject to change by college) College A.T. Still University Kirksville COM (ATSU/KCOM) A.T. Still University SOM Arizona (ATSU/SOMA) Arizona COM of Midwestern University (AZCOM) Chicago COM of Midwestern University (CCOM) Des Moines University COM (DMU-COM) Criminal background check required for 2010 application cycle? Yes. Accepted students must submit PreCheck criminal background check within 30 days of signature on admissions agreement. Yes. Accepted students must submit PreCheck criminal background check within 30 days of signature on admissions agreement. Yes. Yes. Yes. After acceptance, but prior to matriculation. Cost is covered by applicant. Do you require Drug Testing prior to matriculation? At any other times? No. No. Criminal background check is required prior to matriculation. Drug testing is not required prior to matriculation. Drug testing may be required for clinical rotations as requested by specific rotation sites. Drug testing is not required prior to matriculation. Drug testing may be required for clinical rotations as requested by specific rotation sites. No. Not at this time. Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences COM (KCUMB-COM) Lake Erie COM Erie (LECOM) Lake Erie COM Bradenton (LECOM-Bradenton) Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk COM (LMU-DCOM) Michigan State University COM (MSUCOM) New York COM of NYIT (NYCOM/NYIT) Yes. Must provide criminal background check prior to matriculation with KCUMB approved vendor. Yes. Accepted students are required to submit a criminal background check prior to matriculation. The cost is covered by the applicant. Yes. Accepted students are required to submit a criminal background check prior to matriculation. The cost is covered by the applicant. Yes. Prior to matriculation and again prior to the start of clinical rotations. No. Criminal background checks are required for all students during Spring semester of the 2nd year, prior to beginning hospital rotations. No. Background checks are conducted prior to clinical rotations. Accepted students are informed of this and required to sign an acceptance form acknowledging this information. No drug testing prior to matriculation. Yes. Drug and alcohol testing is required as a part of the student health and immunization records submission. Additional testing may be required for clinical rotations as requested by specific rotation sites. Yes. Drug and alcohol testing is required as a part of the student health and immunization records submission. Additional testing may be required for clinical rotations as requested by specific rotation sites. Yes. Prior to matriculation and again prior to the start of clinical rotations. No. During the 2nd year of medical school and randomly throughout the 3rd and 4th years. Policy at: OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE INFORMATION BOOK,

16 Criminal Background Check Requirements for Matriculation (continued) College Nova Southeastern University COM (NSU-COM) Ohio University COM (OUCOM) Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences COM (OSU-COM) Pacific NW University of Health Sciences COM (PNWU-COM) Philadelphia COM (PCOM) Georgia Campus-Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (GA-PCOM) Pikeville College SOM (PCSOM) Rocky Vista University COM (RVUCOM) Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TOUROCOM-NY) Touro University COM CA (TUCOM-CA) Touro University Nevada COM (TUNCOM) University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey SOM (UMDNJ-SOM) University of New England COM (UNECOM) University of North Texas Health Science Center/Texas COM (UNTHSC/TCOM) Edward Via Virginia COM (VCOM) West Virginia SOM (WVSOM) Western University of Health Sciences COM of the Pacific (Western U/COMP) Criminal background check required for 2010 application cycle? Yes. Yes. All students will be required to submit to an FBI criminal background check at the time of matriculation and in the 3rd year prior to the start of clerkship. No. Student background checks are conducted prior to beginning 3rd year clinical rotations. Upon acceptance, incoming students sign an acknowledgement of the pending background check. Yes. Prior to matriculation through groundcheck. com Yes. PCOM uses precheck for this process. Yes. GA-PCOM uses precheck for this process. Yes. Through our contracted vendor: Verified Credentials, Inc. at Yes. Yes. As a part of professionalism, you may be required to submit to a background check at your expense either prior to or during your enrollment at Touro University California. Facts uncovered as a result of a background check performed while you are enrolled that would preclude licensure and/or practice in the profession may be sufficient grounds to impact your ability to continue your education. Yes. A criminal background check will be required of all accepted candidates prior to matriculation. Yes. All students accepted to UMDNJ-SOM are required to submit to a criminal background check Yes. A background check will be required of all accepted candidates prior to matriculation and again prior to the start of clinical rotations. No. However, students are subject to criminal background checks during their enrollment. Yes. All applicants who are offered and accept their seat in the Class of 2014 will be required to submit a criminal background check. The CBC must be submitted at the same time as the tuition deposit. No. However, students are subject to criminal background checks prior to 3 rd year clinical rotations. Yes. All applicants who accept our offer of admission will be required to submit a criminal background check. Due to hospital requirements, a second background check may be necessary. Do you require Drug Testing prior to matriculation? At any other times? Not prior to matriculation. Yes. At the end of the 2nd year. No. Not at this time. No. Not at this time. Yes. Prior to matriculation as part of the physical exam. Also repeated prior to clinical rotations. Not prior to matriculation. The campus Dean of the College may require a currently enrolled student to submit to confidential assessment/scanning based on reasonable suspicion of impairment. Institutional policy is found in the PCOM student handbook. Not prior to matriculation. The campus Dean of the College may require a currently enrolled student to submit to confidential assessment/scanning based on reasonable suspicion of impairment. Institutional policy is found in the GA-PCOM student handbook. Yes. Each student will be drug tested after matriculation and before beginning clinical rotations. Yes. Additional testing may be required during the 3rd and 4th year upon request by clinical sites. No. No. TUCOM-CA does not require drug testing prior to matriculation. Some rotation sites, however, may require students to pass such a test prior to commencing their rotations. Such requirements are communicated to students wishing to rotate at those locations. Yes. Prior to start of the 3 rd year. No. Drug testing is currently not required prior to matriculation. No. No. However, clinical affiliates may have their own policy for students who are on rotation. In addition, students who enter drug or alcohol treatment programs while enrolled may be required to submit to testing as part of that program. At the request of our clinical sites, VCOM requires drug screening prior to initiation of any clinical training. This is subject to change based on the requirements set forth by the clinical training sites. The student may also be required to submit to drug and or alcohol testing based on reasonable suspicion. No. However, students are subject to drug testing prior to 3rd year clinical rotations. No. 12 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

17 Applications, First-Year Enrollment, Total Enrollment and Graduates College Applications First-Year Enrollment Total Enrollment Graduates Applications First-Year Enrollment Total Enrollment Graduates ATSU/KCOM 2, , ATSU/SOMA 1, AZCOM 2, , CCOM 3, , DMU-COM 2, , KCUMB-COM 2, , LECOM 2, , LECOM-Bradenton na na 2, LMU-DCOM 1, MSUCOM na , NSU-COM na , NYCOM/NYIT 3, , , , OSU-COM 1, , OUCOM na , PCOM 4, ,046 na 4, , GA-PCOM 2, na 2, PCSOM 1, , TOUROCOM 1, TUCOM-CA na , TUNCOM-NV na na 1, UMDNJ-SOM 2, , UNECOM 2, , UNTHSC/TCOM na , VCOM na , WesternU/COMP na , WVSOM 2, , Total 39,104 4,034 14,409 3,119 67,132 4,528 15,634 3,000 Sources: Annual Statistical Report on Osteopathic Medical Education, 2006, 2007; AACOM, Annual Osteopathic Medical School Questionnaire, academic year. Note: Schools without graduate data have not yet had graduates. ATSU/SOMA, LMU-DCOM, and TOUROCOM enrolled their first classes in Fall PNWU-COM and RVU- COM enrolled their first classes in Fall OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE INFORMATION BOOK,

18 Financial Aid / Nontraditional Students Many forms of financial aid are available to osteopathic medical students including scholarships and loans. Some financial aid is available directly from the colleges, and many state, local and national osteopathic organizations offer scholarships or loans to students. Osteopathic medical students also are eligible for a number of federal loan programs. Financial aid officers at colleges of osteopathic medicine will have more information. AACOM Financial Aid Information For information on financial aid and student loans, click on Information for Medical Students. Federal Programs Many private scholarships have a financial need requirement. In most instances, you will need to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the government so that your need can be determined. AACOM Scholarships The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) offers scholarships for minority students each year. The Sherry R. Arnstein Minority Student Scholarships are awarded to both new and continuing minority students of osteopathic medicine. The amount of the scholarship varies. For more information and application materials, visit AACOMAS Fee Waivers AACOM encourages financially disadvantaged applicants to become DOs. A limited number of fee waivers are available to those who apply early and qualify. Fee waiver requests must be received and processed prior to submitting an AACOMAS application. Applicants must take the following steps to apply: 1. Send a letter to AACOMAS indicating your intent to apply for the waiver and include specific reasons that support your application. 2. Include a copy of your FAFSA for the current school year (signed and dated). 3. If your FAFSA is not available for the current year, you may instead include a copy of your most recent tax return (and the tax returns of anyone who can claim you as a dependent). See page 15 for more information. Nontraditional Students The osteopathic profession has a longstanding tradition of commitment to diversity and secondcareer students.osteopathic medical schools and AACOM encourage diversity and have many recruitment programs aimed at attracting and training underrepresented minority physicians to serve our nation s diverse populations. Diversity Colleges of osteopathic medicine welcome students from all ethnic backgrounds, races and genders, including nontraditional students. The colleges adhere to all legal requirements including the American with Disabilities Act. AACOMAS and its parent organization, AACOM, participate in events that are dedicated to promoting diversity and serving diverse populations. For a schedule of informational events near you, please visit AACOM s website at and click on Programs and Events. Financial Aid Supporting Diversity AACOM offers two scholarships each year to students from historically underrepresented minority groups. For more information, visit the AACOM website at and look for the Sherry R. Arnstein Scholarship for Minority Students. Financial aid officers at each of the colleges of osteopathic medicine will be able to provide current information regarding other scholarships for minority students. Mentoring and Other Support Programs Mentoring and other support programs for under represented minority students are available at individual schools. Examples of these types of programs include summer workshops, open houses and residence programs. For more information, visit the websites of the schools in which you are interested. Links to the web sites may be found on the AACOM website. Osteopathic Training for U.S. Trained Health Professionals Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physician Assistants, Chiropractors and Others Who Want to Earn a DO Degree Many allied health professionals seek admission to osteopathic medical schools. These students must complete the entire curriculum at an accredited osteopathic medical school, and they must complete an internship and residency. Schools may award credit for certain courses or experiences on an individual basis. Contact the admissions department at a college for specific information. Residency training in the student s specialty of choice is strongly recommended. A proven dedication to patient health and experience in a clinical setting will certainly help you in the admissions process. MDs Who Want Training in Osteopathic Principles and Practices As more people begin to understand the benefits of the osteopathic approach to patient care, more MDs are expressing an interest in learning how to integrate osteopathic philosophy and osteopathic manipulative medicine into their practices. Several osteopathic medical schools offer continuing medical education (CME) courses that are open to MDs. To learn more about available CME courses, visit the osteopathic college websites. The colleges can be accessed at org; click on Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. The American Academy of Osteopathy also offers continuing medical education courses that are open to MDs. For more information, visit academyofosteopathy.org. 14 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

19 AACOMAS Introduction / How to Apply The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) operates AACOMAS, a centralized application service for the osteopathic medical schools. The service reduces the number of initial application forms, transcripts and fees required, and streamlines the verification of your personal and academic information. After you have consulted with your health professions advisor and determined that you wish to apply to osteopathic medical school, you should use the college information section of this book as a reference. It contains a profile of each college of osteopathic medicine, including a brief description of the campus and the curriculum, admissions criteria, minimum entrance requirements, class size and enrollment, supplemental application material requirements and application deadlines. For further information and updated tuition and fees, you should visit the website or contact colleges to view their most recent catalog. More detailed information about each college may be found on the colleges websites. Information in this booklet is subject to change. The colleges reserve the right to alter requirements for admission at their discretion. Osteopathic medical schools require scores from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to consider applicants for admission. You should arrange to have your MCAT scores forwarded to AACOMAS. Admission to an osteopathic medical school is competitive. The schools are able to select their entering class from a large number of highly qualified applicants. Last year, there were approximately 83,400 applications designated by more than 11,850 applicants for approximately 4,408 seats. APPLY EARLY! The application cycle begins in May. The schools operate on a rolling admissions basis, so classes may be filled before the deadline dates. By applying early, you can ensure that your materials will be processed in a timely manner. Applications must be completed electronically at: U.S. Transcripts You must request the registrar of each U.S. institution you have attended to submit one complete set of official transcripts directly to AACOMAS. Include all institutions in foreign countries and U.S. territories and possessions that are operated by U.S. institutions. If an official transcript is unavailable, a letter of explanation from that school is required. Student copies of transcripts or copies sent to AACOMAS by the applicant are not acceptable. Requests should be made to the registrar of each U.S. institution you have attended. Transfer credit(s) appearing on a transcript cannot be accepted in lieu of an original transcript from the institution where the coursework was completed. See the AACOMAS instructions on aacomas.aacom.org for more details on Study Abroad Programs, Canadian Transcripts and Other Foreign Transcripts. Transcripts should be mailed to: AACOMAS 5550 Friendship Blvd., Suite 310 Chevy Chase, MD Phone: (301) aacomas@aacom.org Spam Blocking & Technical Compatibility It is the applicant s responsibility to meet compatibility requirements for computer systems involved in the application process. Requirements for AACOMAS online include Internet access and a web browser that is configured to allow pop-up windows and other features of the secure online application. (Pop-up blocking software must be properly configured or turned off.) For complete technical requirements, please refer to the FAQs on page 22. In addition, the address that you provide should not filter out communications regarding your application. (Spam filtering must be properly configured or disabled.) Application Fees The fee for using AACOMAS is based on a graduated scale that varies according to the number of colleges you designate when you submit your application. You may request that we send a completed application to more schools for an additional fee. Payment may be made by credit card or money order only. Application materials will not be processed until payment is received. 1 - $ $190 Add $30 for each additional designation from three to $430 Add $25 per college or branch for each designation over 10. Money orders should be made payable to AACOMAS and sent to: AACOMAS 5550 Friendship Blvd., Suite 310 Chevy Chase, MD Phone: (301) aacomas@aacom.org Application Fee Waiver A limited number of fee waivers are available to those who apply early and qualify. Fee waiver requests must be received and processed prior to submitting an AACOMAS application. Processing for fee waivers takes approximately two to four weeks from the date of receipt, so applicants should take this into consideration when planning submission of an AACOMAS application. To be considered for an AACOMAS fee waiver, you must submit a copy of the current year Student Aid Report (SAR) you received back from the Department of Education, if you filed the FAFSA form. If you do not have an SAR for the current year, you can submit a copy of your most recent tax return along with the tax returns OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE INFORMATION BOOK,

20 of those who claim you as a dependent. As a rough guide, you may wish to apply for a fee waiver if your annual income level is within the U.S. Bureau of Census lowincome threshold for your family s size. The number of fee waivers is limited, however, and financial need does not guarantee a fee waiver. The AACOMAS application fee waiver is for the AACOMAS fee only. If you receive an AACOMAS fee waiver, your name is forwarded to the osteopathic medical colleges (some may grant a waiver of their supplemental application fee). Applicants who apply for a fee waiver and qualify financially, but whose materials are received too late to receive an AACOMAS waiver, also will have their names forwarded to osteopathic medical colleges requesting such information. Meeting AACOMAS eligibility criterion for a fee waiver, however, does not guarantee a waiver will be granted for the supplemental fee. For submission instructions, visit: Pages/FeeWaiver.aspx Early Decision Program Applicants may apply to those osteopathic medical colleges that offer an Early Decision Program (EDP) and will be informed about the outcome of their application early enough to apply to other schools through the regular process. EDP applicants agree to apply to only one school through the process. If offered an EDP acceptance, they must attend that school. The decision to apply through the EDP should be made carefully. While criteria vary among the schools regarding their requirements, a frequent standard is that only those applicants who display exceptional credentials are admitted through the EDP process. Applicants considering an EDP application should contact the medical school admissions office for more specific information. Application Deadlines The application cycle will be open by June 1 and ends April 1. Deadlines vary by college, so confirm deadlines for the schools to which you are applying. Campus aacomas supplemental and Location Deadline Deadline A.T. Still University/Kirksville COM February 1, 2010 March 1, 2010 A.T. Still University/SOM Arizona March 1, 2010 None Arizona COM of Midwestern University January 1, 2010 March 15, 2010 Chicago COM of Midwestern University January 1, 2010 March 1, 2010 Des Moines University COM February 1, 2010 March 1, 2010 Kansas City University of Medicine February 1, 2010 April 1, 2010 and Biosciences COM Lake Erie COM Erie/Seton Hill April 1, 2010 April 1, 2010 Lake Erie COM Bradenton April 1, 2010 April 1, 2010 Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk COM March 15, 2010 April 1, 2010 Michigan State University COM December 1, 2009 February 9, 2010 New York COM of NYIT February 1, 2010 March 15, 2010 Nova Southeastern University COM February 1, 2010 March 1, 2010 Ohio University COM February 1, 2010 March 15, 2010 Oklahoma State University Center February 1, 2010 March 1, 2010 for Health Sciences COM Pacific Northwest University March 5, 2010 April 2, 2010 of Health Sciences COM Philadelphia COM February 1, 2010 March 1, 2010 Georgia Campus Philadelphia COM February 1, 2010 March 1, 2010 Pikeville College SOM February 1, 2010 March 1, 2010 Rocky Vista University COM March 15, 2010 April 15, 2010 Touro COM NY April 1, 2010 May 3, 2010 Touro University COM CA March 15, 2010 April 15, 2010 Touro University Nevada COM NV March 15, 2010 April 1, 2010 University of Medicine and Dentistry February 1, 2010 March 15, 2010 of New Jersey SOM University of New England COM February 1, 2010 March 15, 2010 University of North Texas Health October 1, 2009 October 15, 2009 Science Center/Texas COM* Edward Via Virginia COM February 1, 2010 March 15, 2010 West Virginia SOM February 15, 2010 Rolling WesternU/COMP April 3, 2010 Rolling * UNTHSC / TCOM applicants must use the Texas Medical and Dental School Application Service: 16 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE