Osteopathic Education

1 in 4 U.S. medical students attends an osteopathic medical school

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) receive medical training very similar to their allopathic colleagues (MDs), but DOs are trained to offer additional perspectives. DOs and MDs both attend four years of medical school followed by graduate medical education through internships and residencies. Residencies are generally three to four years and prepare the physician to practice a specialty such as family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics or sports medicine.

The American Osteopathic Association’s (AOA) Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) currently accredits 38 osteopathic medical schools, which offer instruction at 59 teaching locations in 33 U.S. states.

Click on the locations of this map to learn more about each College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

Single Accreditation System

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA), American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) are transitioning to a single accreditation system for graduate medical education in the U.S. 

When fully implemented in July 2020, the new system will allow graduates of osteopathic and allopathic medical schools to complete their residency and/or fellowship education in ACGME-accredited programs and demonstrate achievement of common milestones and competencies. Through osteopathic-focused residency programs, the new system will recognize the unique principles and practices of the osteopathic medical profession and its contributions to health care.

Thinking of Attending Medical School?

The Student Guide to Osteopathic Medical Colleges provides aspiring physicians with information about osteopathic medicine, the nation’s osteopathic medical colleges, applying to osteopathic medical school and other resources you may find helpful as you go through this process