Use DO school rankings to find the best osteopathic medical schools and choose the best osteopathic programs for you. If you are still deciding between DO vs MD, this blog will help you determine whether DO programs are right for you, provide you with the most up-to-date list of DO school rankings, and give you tips on how to stand out in your DO school application.


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Article Contents
14 min read

DO School Rankings: Easiest and Hardest DO Schools to Get Into DO School Rankings: DO Schools with Best Match Rates DO School Rankings: Best Based on Board Scores DO School Rankings: Best Based on Program DO School Rankings: How to Choose the Best DO School FAQs

DO School Rankings: Easiest and Hardest DO Schools to Get Into

Below are the easiest and hardest osteopathic medical schools to get into, including overall DO school acceptance rates, average MCAT score, and GPA.

According to medical school acceptance rates, although applicant selection for osteopathic programs is fairly competitive, they are generally easier to get into than MD programs. Whether it’s the DO medical school GPA requirements or the mean MCAT score of applicants, DO programs typically have lower admission requirements than allopathic medical schools. But this does not mean that DO schools are of lesser quality or not as well regarded as MD schools. In fact, DO schools in the US are very well respected.

Mean GPA for DO and MD Matriculants

Mean MCAT score for DO and MD Matriculants

So if you’re considering applying to DO schools because you want to know how to get into medical school with a low MCAT score or get into medical school with a low GPA, this is not the best choice in the long run. Although DO schools are viewed as less competitive and selective than MD schools, this doesn’t automatically translate to a better fit for each individual student, regardless of their grades.

Plus, the admissions process for applying to DO schools is still just as rigorous and time-consuming as it is for allopathic schools. It won’t be in your best interest to apply to DO schools just because of low stats. If you think GPA or MCAT is too low, use the DO school rankings listed in the tables above to evaluate at which schools you will have the best chance of being admitted to.

For some students, especially many non-traditional medical school applicants, DO schools end up being the best fit. One of our successful premed students, Samantha, found with her background and academic profile, DO was the best choice. Samantha was accepted into the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine!

“My path towards medical school definitely falls into the non-traditional category I have been working in academic research for about the past three and a half years and have applied to medical school twice … it just so happened that I had more luck as a non-traditional applicant with my scores and my GPA that I was a better fit for the osteopathic medical programs. I think that my personal philosophy better aligns with the osteopathic philosophy of medicine [too].” – Samantha, BeMo student, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine

 

One of our medical school admissions experts and a DO graduate from the Kansas City University Osteopathic Medical School, Dr. Shaughnelene Smith, made the decision to apply to DO as a non-traditional applicant. After years of unsuccessful med school applications, Dr. Smith branched out to DO schools and was accepted.

“I initially didn't apply to DO schools simply because I didn't know anything about them … I became more aware of what the programs entailed and what the medical trajectory would look like as a student and future physician … I no longer wanted to play the pre-med waiting game/gamble of trying to get in. The reality is that medicine is incredibly competitive in North America, and I wanted to start the journey … After much research, I felt comfortable becoming a physician through the osteopathic approach. Knowing that DO physicians could match every specialty and I would be able to practice in the countries I could potentially see myself living in later years, I felt comfortable taking the next step.” – Dr. Shaughnelene Smith, DO, Kansas City University Osteopathic Medical School

 

Applying to DO programs? Here's how we helped our DO applicants get into the best schools:

DO School Rankings: DO Schools with Best Match Rates

1. Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM)

  • Match rate: 99.85%

2. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU - COM)

  • Match rate: 99.78%

3. West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM)

  • Match rate: 99.75%

4. Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU - COM)

  • Match rate: 99.6%

5. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)

  • Match rate: 99.6%

6. A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU - SOMA)

  • Match rate: 99.5%

7. Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - Nevada (TUN-COM)

  • Match rate: 99.5%

8. Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM)

  • Match rate: 99.3%

9. University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (UP – KYCOM)

  • Match rate: 99.38%

10. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)

  • Match rate: 99.38%

The Residency Match for DO Students

You might be wondering how a DO degree will affect your chances of matching with your desired specialty and program. Based on recent data from the National Residency Match Program (NRMP), having a DO rather than an MD does decrease your chances of matching a little.

According to the NRMP Main Residency Match, DO students experience somewhat lower success rates of matching compared to MD graduates for the majority of specialties, in both the most competitive and least competitive residencies. For example, even though DOs are competitive in primary care residencies where they have strong acceptance rates, they still have lower acceptance rates than MDs.

With this said, most osteopathic medical schools do have high match rates and a majority of grads report matching to their desired programs. If matching your ideal residency is important, look for the DO schools with the best match rates.

One of our admissions experts and a DO graduate, Dr. Shaughnelene Smith, advises students to think more about what medical specialty they might be interested in and how to match the specialty they desire, since they may have to get creative and self-motivated when it comes to seeking clinical opportunities in competitive specialties:

“I had students from my graduating class match into competitive specialties such as dermatology, orthopedic surgery, and ophthalmology, but most DO graduates pursue primary care (i.e., family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, etc.) … Personally, I did not feel hindered by being a DO student and was very grateful for these opportunities; however, my advice would be to research specific residency programs before getting started. If you are someone interested in a specific specialty or in a specific institution, you can easily go onto the program's residency website … This will allow you to get a better feel of what type of students a program is looking for.” – Dr. Shaughnelene Smith, DO, Kansas City University Osteopathic Medical School

 

DO School Rankings: Best Based on Board Scores

The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX Level 1, COMLEX Level 2 PE, COMLEX Level 2 CE) is a critical step for osteopathic medical students in the United States. First-time pass rates for COMLEX can be an indicator of a medical school's academic quality and the effectiveness of its preparation for this examination, as well as its academic support for students. Strong first-time pass rates are also a good indication of preparedness for residency applications, as some programs will look at your COMLEX scores when evaluating you.

School-specific data on COMLEX pass rates are not always readily available, as not every osteopathic med school release this information, but some DO school rankings show certain schools that consistently post high COMLEX first-time pass rates.

Some osteopathic medical schools have historically been recognized for high COMLEX first-time pass rates include:

  1. Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) 95% first-time pass rate
  2. A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) 95.5% first-time pass rate
  3. Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM) 91% first-time pass rate
  4. Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM) 90% first-time pass rate
  5. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) 83.6% first-time pass rate
  6. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) 94% first-time pass rate
  7. Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM) 98.1% first-time pass rate
  8. Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (WesternU/COMP) 95.2% first-time pass rate
  9. New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) 93.4% first-time pass rate
  10. Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine 93.24% first-time pass rate (average of all campuses)

Keep in mind that some DO students may choose to take the USMLE Step 1 exam, too. As an osteopathic student, you will be required to complete COMLEX, but the USMLE (the MD equivalent), is optional. Still, Dr. Shaughnelene Smith, DO, says some osteopathic students choose to take both since residency programs sometimes have a preference for one exam or the other:

“Almost 90% of my medical school class took the USMLE and the COMLEX; typically, if a student takes both exams, they do the USMLE first, and within the next three or four days, they do the COMLEX exam. I will not lie; having two back-to-back exams that are that large is brutal to go through, but students typically like to do both so that they don't limit themselves for residency applications … however, I would advise you to look into both exams before ultimately making the decision.” – Dr. Shaughnelene Smith, DO, Kansas City University Osteopathic Medical School

DO School Rankings: Best Based on Program

Some DO school rankings can be measure by what the program focuses on or what unique opportunities it brings to students. For instance, some premeds may be interested in research, while others may prefer specific clinical opportunities or the chance to practice in a rural setting. The following DO schools have been ranked according to the latest statistics from US News and World Report, based on criteria such as primary care, research, diversity and the number of grads practicing in certain medical settings.

Best Research Program

1. Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #111 overall

2. Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #115 overall

3. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)

4. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)

5. Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

6. Western Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Best Primary Care Program

1. Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #49 overall

2. William Carey College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #58 overall (tie)
  • Ranked #8 for most graduates practicing in primary care.

3. Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #71 overall
  • Ranked #30 in most grads practicing in primary care.

4. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #80 overall
  • Ranked #13 for most grads in primary care

5. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #84 overall
  • Ranked #56 for most grads in primary care

6. West Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #103 overall
  • Ranked #33 for most grads in primary care.

7. Rowan University College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #108 overall
  • Ranked #57 for most grads in primary care

Best Clinical Opportunities

1. Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Known for its community-based model, MSU offers extensive hands-on clinical training opportunities throughout Michigan.

2. A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • As the first osteopathic medical school, ATSU-KCOM emphasizes a comprehensive approach to medicine with robust clinical training.

3. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • PCOM offers diverse clinical experiences in urban and suburban settings, with an emphasis on primary care and community health.

4. Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • OU-HCOM is noted for its innovative curriculum and community-based education, with multiple clinical training sites in Ohio.

5. New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • NYITCOM provides extensive clinical training opportunities in various settings, including urban hospitals and community clinics in the New York metropolitan area.

6. Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

  • This school offers a wide range of clinical experiences in different settings across the western United States.

7. Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Known for its strong curriculum in both clinical and surgical skills, DMU provides diverse clinical rotation opportunities.

8. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)

  • With several campuses, VCOM offers varied clinical experiences in rural and underserved areas, emphasizing community-oriented primary care.

9. Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

  • RowanSOM provides a range of clinical experiences with a focus on serving the underserved populations.

10. Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • With campuses in New York and California, Touro offers diverse clinical experiences in a variety of settings, including urban hospitals and community health centers.

Most Diverse DO Schools

1. Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #33 overall

2. West Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #75 overall

3. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #92 overall

4. Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #95 overall

5. William Carey College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #100 overall (tie)

6. Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #100 overall (tie)

Most Grads Practicing in Rural Areas

1. William Carey College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #1 overall

2. West Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #19 overall

3. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #30

4. Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #53

5. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #56

6. Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #56

7. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #82

8. Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #107

9. Rowan College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #136

Most Grads Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas

1. William Carey College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #6

2. Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #13

3. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #24

4. Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #25

5. West Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #26

6. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #43

7. Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #106

8. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #124

9. Rowan College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Ranked #133

Is an osteopathic medicine program right for you?

DO School Rankings: How to Choose the Best DO School

If you’ve decided that a DO program is the right route for you, knowing the admissions statistics we outline above can help you apply strategically to your chosen schools based on your preferences and school profiles, as well as the osteopathic medical schools admissions data. However, there are some more nuances to consider when choosing the right DO school for you, aside from the DO school rankings.

Dr. Shaughnelene Smith, DO, one of our medical school admissions experts, says location and opportunities for future practice was important to her when choosing a medical school:

“As someone who had applied to medical school for several years and was unsuccessful with acceptances, I had to make a decision of which trajectory I wanted to follow … Ultimately, my decision was based on where I wanted to practice once I was qualified. Being trained as a medical student in the US and becoming board certified personally offered me the best diversity in practice in my later years for where I hoped to live and raise a family.” – Dr. Shaughnelene Smith, DO, Kansas City University Osteopathic Medical School

 

Here are some other factors to consider, aside from the usual admission statistics:

Clinical Opportunities

DO schools may have different clinical opportunities or fewer clinical rotations in some specialties. This can depend on availability and location, but many DO students have to seek clinical experiences outside their chosen school, whether in other locations in the US or even clinical experiences abroad.

Dr. Shaughnelene Smith, DO, shares her advice when it comes to pursuing clinical opportunities, especially for students hoping to match competitive specialties:

“Personally, my medical school did not have a home hospital directly affiliated with our program … therefore, it can often be more challenging for DO students to find rotations in the more competitive fields as they will have to seek them elsewhere … Being a DO student did not influence my ability to complete international rotations. I could easily set up rotations within South Africa in my final year as a medical student, and I had several colleagues complete rotations in clinics abroad, such as in Kenya and Guatemala, without issue … My advice is that if you want to pursue a DO program and are interested in a more competitive specialty, be prepared to network well and ensure you apply to away rotations well in advance to establish this for yourself.” – Dr. Shaughnelene Smith, DO, Kansas City University Osteopathic Medical School

 

Check school websites to find out what clinical opportunities are available but branch out and do your own research into away rotations or abroad rotations, if you’re interested. Think about what type of specialties you’re interested in or what type of patient populations you want to see more of. Having these more diverse experiences under your belt will certainly help when it comes to applying for residency positions, so you should prepare to be a bit of a go-getter when it comes to pursuing clinical experiences in school.

Region and Location

DO schools don’t always list in-state and out-of-state acceptance rates, but many programs do have a preference for in-state or regional applicants. At the very least, many DO programs have a preference for applicants who are interested in serving in the regions schools are located in or have experience serving in similar communities and settings. Plus, many med school applicants prefer applying to schools close to them for practical reasons, too.

Some of our BeMo admissions experts agree that DO schools are sometimes the best options close to home. Dr. Justin Stacer, DO, matriculated to the A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine because it was “close to family and [had] strong academic history.” Dr. Noah Heichel, DO, chose the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine for its location and academic fit as well.

“Location and admission statistics [influenced where I applied] … there were closer options to home by applying to both MD and DO programs, and I felt I would increase my chances of admission.” – Dr. Noah Heichel, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

It’s wise to research the mission, values and program focus of DO schools to determine what they are looking for and how your own background and profile aligns. DO schools also tend to value diversity, and can be some of the best medical schools for non-traditional applicants, welcoming applicants from many different backgrounds.

You should also consider the class size and location of the program (i.e. urban campus or rural campus), since this can affect the curriculum, clinical opportunities and networking opportunities of students. It may also influence the kind of support and resources students have during school.

Program Curriculum

When it comes to the quality of medical education, it is a myth that DO schools are lacking. The DO vs MD curriculum is different in some ways, but the DO school rankings are by no means the “bottom of the barrel”. All medical schools in the US adhere to strong academic standards, and osteopathic schools in the US are accredited by the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). So, don’t be concerned about receiving anything less than a stellar education at a DO school.

In fact, Dr. Tony Huynh, DO, a BeMO admissions expert, says he applied to both DO and MD schools and chose to matriculate to the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine based on its academic strengths.

“I applied to both types of school because I wanted a diverse range of different programs. I applied to a number of schools that were in range of my stats … I believed that the DO school I went to offered the most comprehensive education. It was the best in terms of match rate, 1st-time board pass rate, and had a good reputation in securing students the rotations they wanted.” – Dr. Tony Huynh, DO, TUN-COM

 

One of the biggest curriculum differences between DO and MD is the focus on osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) in the osteopathic curriculum. It’s worth exploring whether an education in OMM is interesting to you or not before you apply.

BeMo expert Dr. Justin Stacer, DO, says premeds who aren’t interested in the core teachings of osteopathic medicine shouldn’t apply to DO schools, as the academic curriculum won’t be a good fit.

“There is a lot of OMM in the curriculum and if you’re not interested in it you will start to resent it (I saw this in several classmates). Also, your clinical rotations may not be as robust and you may have to make the most out of it/find opportunities on your own. If you don’t handle that well, you might reconsider going DO.” – Dr. Justin Stacer, DO, ATSU-KCOM

 

Program Cost

Look into medical school tuition costs and available financial aid programs at DO schools you are considering. As with MD schools, the costs of attending DO schools can be high, so explore your options for funding or pursue some medical school scholarships.

FAQs

1. What are the top-ranked DO schools in the United States?

The top-ranked DO schools typically include Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, among others. Rankings are based on factors like academic reputation, COMLEX pass rates, and residency placements.

2. How are DO school rankings determined?

DO school rankings are often determined by factors such as COMLEX pass rates, residency match rates, peer assessment, faculty resources, research activity, and student selectivity. Different ranking sources may weigh these factors differently.

3. Are DO school rankings important for future medical careers?

While rankings can indicate certain qualities of a DO program, they are not the sole determinant of a successful medical career. Clinical experiences, personal fit, and specific medical interests are also crucial.

4. What should I consider beyond rankings when choosing a DO school?

Prospective students should consider accreditation, curriculum style, location, cost, clinical rotation opportunities, and personal fit, in addition to rankings, when choosing a DO school.

5. How do DO school rankings impact residency placement?

DO school rankings can play a role in residency placement, as they often reflect factors like the quality of clinical training and institutional reputation. However, individual performance, clinical experiences, letters of recommendation, and personal interviews are also crucial components in securing a residency position. Prospective students should consider a school's residency placement record in their field of interest in addition to its ranking.

6. Do DO school rankings differ for primary care and specialties?

Yes, some rankings might differentiate between schools based on their strengths in primary care education versus specialized medical fields. Prospective students should look for rankings specific to their area of interest.

7. Can lower-ranked DO schools still provide excellent medical education?

Absolutely. Many lower-ranked DO schools offer high-quality education, robust clinical experiences, and excellent residency placement rates. It's important to evaluate schools based on individual goals and preferences.

8. How often are DO school rankings updated?

DO school rankings are typically updated annually, but the frequency can vary depending on the organization or publication providing the rankings. Always check for the most current information.

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

Disclaimer: although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any official universities, colleges, or test administrators and vice versa. If you see an error here, please notify us with the updated information, and we’ll send you a FREE copy of a BeMo ebook of your choosing! You can receive our Ultimate Guide to Med School Admissions, our Ultimate Guide to MMI Prep, our Ultimate Guide to Medical School Personal Statements & Secondary Essays or our Ultimate Guide to CASPer Prep! Please email us at [email protected] with any corrections, and we’ll arrange to send you your free ebook upon confirming the information.


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1 Comments

Ella

I like the information they used to make the rankings, very good strategies!

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BeMo Academic Consulting

Thank you, Ella! We appreciate your comment!

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