Prerequisites: Most osteopathic schools expect a minimum of eight semester hours in biology, general chemistry, physics and organic chemistry. Additionally six semester hours of English is usually requested. Students must shadow an osteopathic physician before applying.

Application: Students interested in an osteopathic medical program may apply to a D.O. program through the AACOMAS application affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.

Schools and Curriculum: If you are interested in osteopathic medical school it is important to do your research beforehand. In your interviews, you want to make it clear that you took serious thought into choosing a career as an osteopathic physician.

Licensure: Each state has specific guidelines for licensure.

Osteopathic (D.O.) vs Allopathic (M.D.) programs:

• Unlike allopathic medicine (M.D.), osteopathic medical training has an emphasis on the musculoskeletal system (osteopathic manipulative medicine).
  
  
• Osteopathic medical  programs consists of four years training and includes such courses as Osteopathic Principles and Practices.
  
  
• Those considering applying to an osteopathic program usually require a recommendation from an osteopathic physician. This can be obtained by shadowing the osteopathic doctor prior to applying to medical school.
  
  
• Must complete Osteopathic Licensure Examination (COMLEX) Level 1, 2, and 3. The exam is given by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.
  
  
• Many of the students are trained to become primary care physicians, in fields such as obstetrics, psychiatry, pediatrics, family medicine, and internal medicine. However, a minority of students elect to become  specialists.
  
  
• USMLE must be taken if you are interested in residency training in an allopathic program.
  
  

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