Osteopathic medicine is becoming a huge part of many health care system reform efforts. For this reason, the number of students applying to osteopathic medical school has almost doubled in the last decade, making admission very competitive.
If you love to care for people when they’re at their most vulnerable stage in life, then you can consider a career in Osteopathy. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of osteopathic medical schools in the world. To help you identify the best programs you should apply to, we compiled a list of the best osteopathic medical schools in the US and their important admissions data.
Not just that, we have put together key success tips along with some clear guidance to student physicians who are attending osteopathic medical schools. This will lead them on the pathway to becoming expert physicians in the healthcare industry.
Table of contents
What Is Osteopathic Medicine?
Osteopathy is a type of alternative medicine that deals with physically manipulating muscle tissue and bones.
Osteopathic medicine is simply the act of providing care through all modern medical benefits and procedures, such as surgery, prescription drugs, and the use of technology for diagnosing and treating various injuries.
A Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DO, is a fully licensed physician who practice a unique whole-person approach in every medical specialty.
A DO looks beyond your symptoms to understand how lifestyle and environmental factors impact your well being, and complete extensive postgraduate and clinical training before becoming fully licensed physicians.
Why Osteopathic Medicine In US?
The United States, commonly known as the US, has the world’s most prominent and world-renowned large research universities that are ranked in such annual publications such as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, U.S. News & World Report, Washington Monthly and many others.
US has top well, recognized osteopathic medical schools and these schools are loaded with experienced staff and also have the latest technologies for students to gain knowledge and experience.
Apparently, about 80 percent of Health Professions graduates stay in US. Notable alumni of one of the best osteopathic medical schools, Ted Eisenberg, D.O., the Guinness World Record holder for most breast augmentation surgeries performed.
In addition to the academic benefits, there are many opportunities for you to explore the US. After graduation, you will have the skills to help those in need and make a real difference in people’s lives.
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How Much Does It Cost To enroll In Good Osteopathic Medical Schools In The US?
It is difficult to estimate the total average cost of acquiring a DO. However, the tuition of osteopathic medical schools is not the same and other fees.
The cost of enrolling in a Doctor of Osteopathic school can range from $65,000 to $200,000.
Despite the costs, the osteopathic degree is generally considered one of the most promising in healthcare.
How Long Does It Take To Complete Osteopathic Medical School?
It takes roughly 8 years to become an Osteopathic medical doctor. First, you have to enroll in a 4-year course of study to obtain their bachelor’s degree.
Thereafter you proceed to the Osteopathic medical school, which typically takes an average of 2 years.
You start your training with a solid science and medical field training foundation.
For 2 years, you can expect to take lecture and lab sciences classes where you study such subjects as anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, physiology, and other content relevant to the field of osteopathic medicine.
Next, you are then placed in a residency period for hands-on training in your medical specialty for roughly 2 years.
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How Do I succeed In Best DO schools in US?
Knowing what to expect from studying at a great osteopathic medical school is one of the secrets to success in an Osteopathic profession. Here are some tips for you to succeed during your stay in a pharmacology school.
- Take good notes during lessons. it is called ”Active learning”
- Stay organized to avoid falling behind and forgetting when things are due.
- Ensure that you report to school on time.
- Ensure that you keep a detailed calendar with your upcoming exams, assignments, and extracurricular commitments.
- Study in groups so that you can engage in more detailed discussions, exchange different perspectives on topics, and identify areas of individual weakness.
- Get a good Sleep; According to William Dement(MD, Ph.D. Stanford University), “The average sleep requirement for college students is well over 8 hours.
What Are The Best Osteopathic Medical Schools In The US In 2024?
We have created a list of the best DO schools in the US. The basics of our selection of these schools are the ranking, accreditation, acceptance rate, tuition, graduation rate, and other relevant factors.
We got our data from reliable sources, testimonials, interviews, and also by contacting individual schools.
Below is the list of the schools; you will have to read further to get information on the various degree programs offered, tuition info, and program options for these schools.
- Michigan State University
- A.T. Still University
- Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
- Des Moines University
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
- Liberty University
- Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
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#1 Michigan State University
Tuition: $65,325
Michigan State University grants the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, and a DO-PhD combined degree for students interested in training as physician-scientists. These degrees are offered through the College of Osteopathic Medicine.
The DO program is eight years and is not organized in the traditional 2-4-2 MD-PhD arrangement but starts with the first year of graduate coursework.
Furthermore, this arrangement allows for more integration between the graduate research and medical school education.
Most DO-PhD students complete PhDs through the BioMolecular Science program, which includes: biochemistry, cell, and molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, pharmacology & toxicology, and physiology. However, there are graduate students in neuroscience, epidemiology, anthropology, and sociology.
To gain admission into the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, you must meet an average GPA of 3.6 and an average MCAT score of 30-31.
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#2 A.T. Still University
A.T. Still University is the first osteopathic institution in the world. The College of Osteopathy and Surgery started in 1922 and is ranked as one of the best osteopathic medical schools in the US.
Apart from osteopathic medicine, ATSU offers a variety of residential doctorate- and master-level programs, including dentistry, health sciences, and health management.
The school educates osteopathic medicine students under a relatively new medical, educational model, which links osteopathic training to community health centers in the U.S. School tuition is $28,016(in-state) and $28,016(out-of-state).
#3 Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Tuition: $55,440
The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine is a private, non-profit medical school for osteopathic medicine located in the city of Dothan in the U.S. state of Alabama. It is the first osteopathic medical school in the state.
ACOM offers Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O.) to graduates of the school. The school received its full accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).
The school provides quality, learner-centered osteopathic education, research, and service, emphasizing patient-centered primary care to serve the medically underserved areas of Alabama and the nation.
Based on 67 evaluation factors, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine medical program ranks #1,584 Medical School (out of 3168; top 50%) in the USA, and #18 School in Alabama.
#4 Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is a private, non-profit medical school for osteopathic medicine located in Lillington, in the U.S. state of North Carolina.
CUSOM holds accreditation with the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. Graduates of CUSOM receive a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O.)
Students at the medical school complete the first two years of training at the main campus in rural Harnett County and the third and fourth years of training at various clinics and hospitals in the state. School tuition is $50,600.
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#5 Des Moines University
Tuition: $53,720
Des Moines University (DMU) is a private osteopathic medical school in Des Moines, Iowa. Founded in 1898. DMU is the second oldest osteopathic medical school and the fifteenth largest medical school in the United States.
It is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) and by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Students attending DMU train alongside these leading physicians throughout their programs, gaining valuable, first-hand experience.
To gain admission into DMU, you must hold a bachelor’s degree or complete the requirements for a degree before enrollment.
#6 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Tuition: $39,530
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is a private, osteopathic medicine founded in 2002. VCOM is currently the second-largest medical school in the U.S., with a total enrollment of 1,853 students between its three campuses.
The American Osteopathic Association’s Commission fully accredits the college on Osteopathic College Accreditation.
The school uses a ” blocks ” system instead of semesters, with eight blocks occurring within the first two years.
Each block concerns a specific organ system, incorporating anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology, and osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) courses in relation to that system.
#7 Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
Tuition: $31,545
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCU) is a private medical school located in Kansas City, Missouri. It is one of the top DO schools in the US, founded in 1916.
KCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and recognized by the Coordinating Board of Higher Education for the Missouri Department of Higher Education.
The American Osteopathic Association’s Commission accredits the school College of Osteopathic Medicine on Osteopathic College Accreditation.
The College of Medicine consists of four years of structured training. The first two years are organized in a modified system, a clinical application-based curriculum.
Each system is repeated in years one and two. The first year focuses on normal structure and function, while the second year focuses on disease processes and clinical presentation.
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#8 Liberty University
Tuition: $41,500
LU is a private evangelical Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia. The school awards a Doctor of osteopathic through the College of Osteopathic Medicine. The college is one of the best DO schools in US.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Liberty University #293–381 in the “National Universities” in 2017.
Also, Forbes ranked the school 585 of the 650 ranked overall as a “Top College”, and 231 as a “Research University.”
#9 Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Tuition: $50,455
Another top-ranked DO school in the US is Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University.
The school was founded in 2013 and is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.
BCOM offers the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Years 1 and 2 of the DO program consist primarily of classroom-based learning.
#10 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Tuition: $53,502
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) is a private medical school with its main campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and additional locations in Suwanee, Georgia. PCOM was established in 1899 as the Philadelphia College and Infirmary of Osteopathy (PCIO).
Furthermore, PCOM provides community-based health care as well as providing educational experiences for medical students. Services include family medicine, gynecology, dermatology, geriatrics, psychology, and OMM.
The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program at PCOM is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association.
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How Much Do Graduates From The Best Osteopathic Medical Schools In The US Earn?
Osteopathic Doctors can expect to earn between $90.63/hr to $277.09/hr. This roughly translates to salary earnings of $188,000 to $576,000.
In other words, it is a very lucrative career choice for you to decide to become an Osteopathic Doctor. Compared to a medical doctor, the gap is even larger.
What Is The Job Outlook Of Graduates Best DO Schools In The US?
Individuals considering Osteopathic medical school and figuring out which of the best osteopathic medical schools they would like to apply to consider the job outlook for that position often as well.
Actually, technological advancement will play a big role in the employment of physicians and surgeons.
In fact, their career is projected to grow 22% from 2008-2018. Also, due to the growing population, there will be a need for more health care.
Job opportunities for DO are expected to be good, especially in rural and low-income areas. Some of these areas do not have enough doctors.
Who Are The Notable Alumni Of Best DO Schools In the US?
DO schools in the US have prominent alumni base graduates, including top politicians, medical consultants, Ministers, CEOs, and more.
These people have gone on to make significant contributions to healthcare and within the business world. Some of these celebrities include;
- Sean Conley, D.O., incumbent Physician to the President and Commander in the US Navy.
- Ethel D. Allen, D.O., an American Republican politician.
- David Baron, DO, MSEd, Senior Vice President and Provost, Western University of Health Sciences, National Fulbright scholar, and internationally recognized concussion researcher.
- Bo Bartlett, an American realist painter.
- Ronald R. Blanck, D.O., the first and only osteopathic physician ever appointed Surgeon General of the US Army.
- Ira W. Drew, D.O., a Democratic politician in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Ted Eisenberg, D.O., the Guinness World Record holder for most breast augmentation surgeries performed.
- Steven Eisenberg, D.O., known as “The Singing Cancer Doctor.”
- Amy Foxx-Orenstein, D.O., president of the American College of Gastroenterology and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
- Ivan Raimi, D.O., an American screenwriter
- Lee Rogers, podiatrist
- Omar Lateef, D.O., CEO of Rush Medical Center
- Gary Stuck, D.O., CMO of Advocate Aurora Health
- Thomas Naegele, D.O.- author of several books, including “Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Great Lakes Region.”
- Barbara Ross-Lee, D.O.- first African American woman to serve as dean of a U.S. medical school
Conclusion
If you’re passionate about treating patients holistically and practicing preventative medicine, you can begin your journey by choosing from the best osteopathic medical school on our list.
Also, due to how competitive medical schools in the US are, employing the admission strategies we’ve provided in this post will increase your chances of getting accepted to one of the best osteopathic medical schools available and beginning a bright career in medicine.
FAQs best DO Schools In the US In 2024.
The cost of attending the best DO school in US ranges from $65,000 to $200,000
The cost of attending the best DO school in US ranges from $65,000 to $200,000
Michigan State University
A.T. Still University
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
Des Moines University
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
Liberty University
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
References
- Top 10 Best Osteopathic Medical Schools: hospitalcareers.com
- List of osteopathic colleges: en.wikipedia.org
- Best Osteopathic Medicine/osteopathy Colleges in New York: universities.com
- What is Osteopathic Medicine?: osteopathic.org
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