Osteopathic Medical Schools

Detailed profiles of schools for Osteopathic Medical from the EdRef college search portal.

Osteopathic Medical programs are very similar to Doctor of Medicine programs in terms of the type and pattern of education. Osteopathic physicians have the ability to prescribe medication and they specialize in the same areas as M.D.s. They also go through the same types of residency programs, although their philosophy of treatment differs from M.D.s substantially. The D.O.’s approach focuses on the intrinsic healing properties of the body and a holistic view of the patient, including emotional, spiritual, and physical elements. They also manipulate soft tissues and bones to increase health in their patients because they believe in the interaction between structure and function.

The first 2 years of osteopathic programs are spent studying gross anatomy, histology, chemistry, neuroscience, and other basic sciences. After taking the first section of their board exams, they then begin clinical rotation in the third and fourth years. They then take another section of the board exams, graduate from medical school, and begin their residency, which can last from 3 to 7 years, depending on the subspecialty they desire.