Undergraduate Prerequisites for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

What Is An Osteopathic Doctor?

Most people don't know that doctors are separated into two categories: osteopathic doctors (D.O.) and allopathic doctors (M.D.). Both types of doctors typically earn four-year undergraduate degrees and also complete internships and residencies to obtain their medical licenses. Osteopathic doctors, however, bring something extra to medicine. Rather than focusing on one aspect of the body or specific illnesses they practice a "whole person." Their primary focus is preventative health care. They also receive 300 - 500 hours of additional training in the musculoskeletal system. "Approximately 65% of practicing osteopathic physicians specialize in primary care areas, such as pediatrics, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, and internal medicine." (American Osteopathic Association).

Earning a Degree

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine usually earn a four-year undergraduate degree with their emphasis being on the sciences. They also complete four years of basic medical training then receive their medical license by fulfilling the requirements for an internship and residency.

To be accepted to an osteopathic medical school the applicant must have a bachelor's degree with undergraduate studies that include a minimum of:
-One year of General Chemistry (including a lab).

-One year of Organic Chemistry (including a lab).

-One year of Inorganic Chemistry (including a lab).

-One year of Physics (including a lab).

-One year of English.

-One year in the Biological Sciences (including a lab).

-One year of Calculus or other advanced math course (including Statistics).