For those interested in pursuing a career as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), choosing the right medical school is a crucial step in achieving their goals. ecoming a DO is an admirable goal, but the cost of tuition at many medical schools can be daunting. Luckily, there are free DO schools out there that offer great education, hands-on training, and real-world experience. Don’t let financial barriers stop you from pursuing your dreams! In this article, we will explore the top 15 free best DO schools, which have been selected based on their academic excellence, clinical training, research opportunities, and overall student satisfaction.
We will also discuss the admission requirements for each school, including GPA and MCAT scores, as well as any specific application procedures. We’ll review schools’ curriculum, training, clinical rotations, and electives for an informed DO degree pursuit. There will also be provision of information on job opportunities for graduates and offer tips on how to apply and choose the right DO school for you.
What Are DO Schools?
Do schools, or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine schools, are medical schools that focus on a holistic approach to healthcare. They emphasize preventive care and view the body as an integrated system. Do schools train medical students to become osteopathic physicians who can provide comprehensive medical care to patients.
However, not all do schools are created equal. Some do schools have better reputations than others, and some may offer more comprehensive training. Moreover, some do schools may have more rigorous academic programs, which could be an advantage for students who want to pursue a career in medicine
Benefits of Attending a DO School
Attending a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) school can provide students with a range of benefits that go beyond just receiving a medical education. Here are some of the advantages of attending a DO school:
Top 15 Free DO Schools 2023
Coming into this section of the article, we will be outlining in detail the top 15 free DO schools. So take out a pen and paper and be ready to take notes.
#1. University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (UP-KYCOM):
UP-KYCOM is a private, non-profit medical school located in Pikeville, Kentucky. The school offers a four-year DO program and its mission is to provide quality medical education to students from rural and underserved areas. The school offers a full-tuition scholarship to all of its students. In addition to the standard medical school curriculum, UP-KYCOM also focuses on osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), which is a hands-on approach to treating musculoskeletal problems. UP-KYCOM has a strong commitment to serving the local community and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities.
#2. Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM):
MU-COM is a private, non-profit medical school located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The school offers a four-year DO program that emphasizes primary care and osteopathic principles and practices. MU-COM has a strong commitment to serving underserved populations and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities. The school offers a full-tuition scholarship to all of its students.
#3. Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM-CA):
TUCOM-CA is a private, non-profit medical school located in Vallejo, California. The school offers a four-year DO program that emphasizes primary care, community service, and social justice. TUCOM-CA has a strong commitment to serving underserved populations and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities. The school offers a number of scholarships to students, including the Touro Merit Scholarship, which covers up to full tuition.
#4. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM):
LECOM is a private, non-profit medical school located in Erie, Pennsylvania. The school offers a four-year DO program that emphasizes primary care, geriatrics, and rural medicine. LECOM has a strong commitment to community service and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities. The school offers a number of scholarships to students, including the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Minority Scholarship, which provides up to full tuition to qualified students.
#5. West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM):
WVSOM is a public medical school located in Lewisburg, West Virginia. The school offers a four-year DO program that emphasizes primary care and rural medicine. WVSOM has a strong commitment to serving underserved populations and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities. The school offers a number of scholarships to students, including the WVSOM Rural Medicine Scholarship, which provides up to full tuition to qualified students who commit to practicing in a rural area after graduation.
#6. Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM):
CUSOM is a private, non-profit medical school located in Buies Creek, North Carolina. The school offers a four-year DO program that emphasizes primary care and osteopathic principles and practices. CUSOM has a strong commitment to serving underserved populations and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities. The school offers a number of scholarships to students, including the Campbell University Presidential Scholarship, which covers up to full tuition.
#7. Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM):
RVUCOM is a private, non-profit medical school located in Parker, Colorado. The school offers a four-year DO program that emphasizes primary care, rural medicine, and osteopathic principles and practices. RVUCOM has a strong commitment to serving underserved populations and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities. The school offers a number of scholarships to students, including the Rocky Vista University Presidential Scholarship, which covers up to full tuition.
#8. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM):
VCOM is a private, non-profit medical school with campuses in Virginia, South Carolina, and Alabama. The school offers a four-year DO program that emphasizes primary care and rural medicine. VCOM has a strong commitment to serving underserved populations and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities. The school offers a number of scholarships to students, including the VCOM Board of Directors Scholarship, which provides up to full tuition to qualified students.
#9. Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM):
LMU-DCOM is a private, non-profit medical school located in Harrogate, Tennessee. The school offers a four-year DO program that emphasizes primary care and osteopathic principles and practices. LMU-DCOM has a strong commitment to serving underserved populations and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities. The school offers a number of scholarships to students, including the Lincoln Memorial University Presidential Scholarship, which covers up to full tuition.
#10. Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU-COM):
KCU-COM is a private, non-profit medical school located in Kansas City, Missouri. The school offers a four-year DO program that emphasizes primary care and osteopathic principles and practices. KCU-COM has a strong commitment to serving underserved populations and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities. The school offers a number of scholarships to students, including the Kansas City University Presidential Scholarship, which covers up to full tuition.
#11. Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM):
OU-HCOM is a public medical school with campuses in Athens, Dublin, and Cleveland, Ohio. The school offers a four-year DO program that emphasizes primary care, rural medicine, and osteopathic principles and practices. OU-HCOM has a strong commitment to serving underserved populations and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities. The school offers a number of scholarships to students, including the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Diversity Scholarship, which provides up to full tuition to qualified students.
#12. William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM):
WCUCOM is a private, non-profit medical school located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The school offers a four-year DO program that emphasizes primary care and osteopathic principles and practices. WCUCOM has a strong commitment to serving underserved populations and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities. The school offers a number of scholarships to students, including the William Carey University Presidential Scholarship, which covers up to full tuition.
#13. Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University (AZCOM):
AZCOM is a private, non-profit medical school located in Glendale, Arizona. The school offers a four-year DO program that emphasizes primary care and osteopathic principles and practices. AZCOM has a strong commitment to serving underserved populations and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities. The school offers a number of scholarships to students, including the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine Dean’s Scholarship, which provides up to full tuition to qualified students.
#14. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM):
PCOM is a private, non-profit medical school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school offers a four-year DO program that emphasizes primary care, osteopathic principles and practices, and research. PCOM has a strong commitment to serving underserved populations and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities. The school offers a number of scholarships to students, including the PCOM Scholarship for Health Equity and Diversity, which provides up to full tuition to qualified students.
#15. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM):
LECOM is a private, non-profit medical school with campuses in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New York. The school offers a four-year DO program that emphasizes primary care and osteopathic principles and practices. LECOM has a strong commitment to serving underserved populations and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities. The school offers several scholarships to students, including the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Trustee Scholarship, which provides up to full tuition to qualified students.
Curriculum and Training in DO Schools
The traditional medical curriculum, DO schools also teach osteopathic principles and practices, which focus on the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and the importance of treating the whole patient, not just their symptoms.
#1. Curriculum
The curriculum in DO schools is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the human body, including its anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Students also learn how to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions using both traditional and alternative therapies. The curriculum typically includes courses in pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, and behavioral sciences.
#2. Osteopathic Principles and Practices
One of the unique features of DO schools is the emphasis on osteopathic principles and practices. These principles are based on the belief that the body has an innate ability to heal itself and that health is a state of balance between the body, mind, and spirit. Students in DO schools learn techniques such as osteopathic manipulative treatment, which involves hands-on manipulation of the body’s tissues and structures to promote healing and relieve pain.
#3. Training
In addition to classroom instruction, students in DO schools receive extensive clinical training, which involves working with patients under the supervision of licensed physicians. This training typically takes place in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, where students learn to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions.
#4. Residency
After completing their medical education, DO graduates must complete a residency program in order to become licensed to practice medicine. Residency programs typically last three to five years and provide hands-on training in a specific medical specialty, such as family medicine, pediatrics, or surgery
DO vs. MD: What’s the Difference?
Factors Contributing to the Ranking of Best DO Schools
When it comes to ranking the best DO schools, several factors are taken into consideration. Here are some of the most important factors that contribute to the ranking of these schools:
However, it’s important to note that rankings should not be the sole factor in choosing a DO school. Other factors, such as location, cost, and personal fit, are also important to consider. Ultimately, the best DO school for any given student will depend on their individual needs, goals, and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free DO schools in the United States?
Some of the best free DO schools in the United States include Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, and Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Are there any hidden costs associated with attending free DO schools?
While tuition may be free, there may still be additional costs associated with attending these schools, such as fees, textbooks, and living expenses. It’s important to research and understand all of the costs associated with attending any school before making a decision.
Do free DO schools offer the same quality of education as traditional DO schools?
Yes, free DO schools typically offer the same quality of education as traditional DO schools. They are accredited by the same organizations and require the same level of coursework and clinical experience.
How competitive are admissions to free DO schools?
Admissions to free DO schools can be highly competitive, as they often receive a large number of applications. Applicants should have strong academic records, relevant experience, and compelling personal statements in order to stand out in the application process.
Conclusion
The decision to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine and attend a DO school is a big one, and it’s important to consider all factors before making a decision. While the distinction between DO and MD may seem small, the difference in approach to healthcare and emphasis on holistic medicine can make a significant impact on patients’ lives. When it comes to choosing a DO school, factors such as academic quality, clinical experience, and residency placement should be considered, as well as personal fit and cost. Whether attending a traditional DO school or a free DO school, the ultimate goal is to receive a quality education and become a competent and compassionate physician.
Editor’s Recommendation
Reference
- https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/do-vs-md/
- https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/osteopathic-rankings
- https://worldscholarshipforum.com/best-free-osteopathic-medical-schools/
- https://www.aacom.org/become-a-doctor/about-om
- https://explorehealthcareers.org/career/medicine/doctor-of-osteopathic-medicine-do/