Pre-Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic Medicine as a Career

Most DO schools require an undergraduate degree prior to matriculation, and then students complete a 4-yr DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) program and then typically several more years of residencies and internships. For more information see Explore Health Careers.org: Physician (D.O.)

University Course Work

• Meet with your pre-med adviser twice every semester and add your name to the “pre-med email distribution list.”
• Choose a college major that you enjoy and that provides a good “back-up plan” and career path in case you change your mind about medicine. Common majors include biology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, exercise science, psychology, nutrition, etc.
• Carefully check admission requirements at DO schools of most interest. Consider purchasing the Osteopathic Medical College Information Book and reviewing the Osteopathic Medical School Directory. In general, DO schools require at a minimum:
  • A year of general chemistry (Chem 111 and 112) with labs
  • A year of general physics (Phys 111 and 112 or Phys 211 and 212) with labs
  • A year of organic chemistry (Chem 277 and 372) with labs
  • A year of biology (Bio 115 and 116) with labs
  • Additional courses that may be required or highly recommended include biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, statistics, English, calculus etc.
• Maintain a competitive GPA. Successful applicants have an average GPA of 3.50.  See DO school matriculant data (pdf)
• Complete the University of Utah Med School Self Assessment (pdf)

School (Your Time at University)

• Get significant DO shadowing and clinical experience and maintain a formal log (Professional Development Activities Log (Word)). Find out firsthand what the profession is like, decide if it is right for you, explore different areas of the field and in different settings, and be sure to meet clinical experience requirements of your preferred schools. 
• Develop strong relationships with faculty mentors, health care professionals, and others who will be writing letters of reference
• Join the UI Premed Club and get involved in extracurricular, leadership, and volunteer activities

Applying to Osteopathic Medical Schools

• The application process consists of taking the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), applying through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMCAS), submitting college transcripts and letters of reference, and then participating in invited interviews.