This section of the AACOM web site pulls together all of the information you will need to consider before applying to a college of osteopathic medicine.
2010 Osteopathic Medical College Information Book (CIB)
AACOM’s College Information Book (CIB) is the official publication for prospective applicants, students, pre-health advisors and others interested in gaining information about or applying to the nation’s osteopathic medical colleges.
Before beginning the application process, we suggest reviewing the CIB.
Apply for Admission
You may apply to osteopathic medical schools through the online AACOM Application Service (AACOMAS).
Apply online | 
Brief overview of new features in the 2010 AACOMAS application (pdf, 6 pages, 524 kb)
Osteopathic Medical Colleges Accepting the January 2010 MCAT for 2010 Admission
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Why Consider a Career in Osteopathic Medicine?
Do you have a gentle touch and a passion for helping people? You may want to consider a career in osteopathic medicine. Osteopathic physicians consider the whole person, including physical, emotional and spiritual components. They also use a hands-on system of diagnosis and treatment known as osteopathic manipulative medicine. They work in partnership with their patients to help each individual maintain their health. And they can specialize in any medical field, practice the full scope of modern medicine, complete important medical research, advise policymakers, and contribute to societal health and well-being in many ways. To learn more about osteopathic medicine, click on the appropriate links to the left or view our 8 minute video "Explore the DO Difference!"
In Their Own Words: A Snapshot of the Osteopathic Medical Student
Read what osteopathic medical students are saying about their educational experience. See Student Profiles.
Welcome to Osteopathic Medicine!
Congratulations, encouragement and advice for those considering medical school from Brad Landry, DO, MSPT, immediate past Chair of AACOM's Council for Osteopathic Student Government Presidents. Read letter.
Osteopathic Medical Schools
Use the Osteopathic Medical School Directory link to the left to learn about all of the osteopathic medical schools in the United States. Colleges of osteopathic medicine offer high-quality educational programs leading to the DO degree. You can review information here that is designed to help you choose among the nation’s 25 colleges and three branch campuses.
DO/PhD Progams and Other Dual Degrees
Download this comprehensive listing of all the DO/PhD programs and DO dual-degree programs offered at the nation’s Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.
International Practice Rights for Osteopathic Physicians
Currently, DOs have full practice rights in roughly 50 countries and partial practice rights in many more. Read more information on the specifics.
Recruiting Events
Meet with students, DOs, an admissions officer, or others involved in osteopathic medical education to find out more about the field, ask questions, meet people, and get excited about studying osteopathic medicine. These in-person events are happening all around the country during the Autumn and Winter recruiting season. For a calendar of upcoming events, see Upcoming Recruiting Events.
Will you get in? What are your chances?
Admission is competitive, but if you apply, you will have a chance. Here's why: Every completed application is carefully considered for admissions based on a variety of criteria. AACOMAS sends your application to the admissions department at each school that you select. When admissions officers consider your applications, they consider more than just your grades and test scores; they consider how well you will “fit” with their school.
Financial Aid
In order to assist you with the expenses of furthering your education, we have linked with a scholarship tracking website that includes scholarships for which osteopathic medical students may apply. In addition, we have provided links to school financial aid websites and federal forms. See Student Aid/Loans for more information.
In addition, a limited number of Application Fee Waivers are available to those who qualify.
Other Resources for Aspiring Medical Students