Educational requirements for DO programs:
1. Bachelor's Degree: Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, or psychology, before applying to DO school.
2. Prerequisites: Along with the bachelor's degree, applicants must also complete certain prerequisite courses, including coursework in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
3. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): Applicants take the MCAT, a standardized test that assesses critical thinking, problem-solving, and knowledge of scientific concepts, as part of the application process.
4. Osteopathic Medical School: After fulfilling the prerequisites and MCAT requirements, candidates who are accepted into an osteopathic medical school will complete a four-year program.
Curriculum in DO school typically includes:
- Basic science courses: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology.
- Clinical sciences: internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology, etc.
- Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM): a hands-on approach to diagnosis and treatment that focuses on the body's musculoskeletal system.
- Clinical rotations: students work under supervision in different medical specialties to gain practical experience.
5. Residency and Licensure: After medical school, DOs complete a residency program, which usually lasts for three to six years, to gain specialized training in their chosen medical field.
6. COMLEX-USA: During or after their residency, DOs must pass the COMLEX-USA, a three-part comprehensive examination that assesses knowledge and skills in osteopathic medicine.
Upon successful completion of all requirements, including the COMLEX-USA, individuals are awarded the DO degree and can practice medicine and perform surgeries in the United States.