Choosing a DO medical school is about more than prestige. It’s about clinical training quality, primary-care preparation, match support, research access, costs, and location fit. This guide highlights 20 standout DO programs that consistently deliver strong outcomes.
Methodology
We ranked programs using a value-oriented lens similar to prior rankings:
– Residency outcomes: breadth of specialties, advising & match support
– Clinical training network: quality/variety of affiliated hospitals & community sites
– Primary-care strength: family med/internal med/peds footprints & pipelines
– Research & innovation: opportunities for scholarly work, dual degrees (MPH, MBA, MS)
– Affordability & flexibility: in-state options, campuses, accelerated/dual tracks
– Reputation & regional impact: alumni footprint and employer perception
Note: Specific tuition and exact match rates vary year-to-year and by campus; use this as a decision starter and verify details directly with each school.
Top 20 DO Programs (Highlights)
1. Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC–TCOM)
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Highlights: Elite primary-care training, strong match support, robust Texas hospital network.
2. Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Location: NJ (Stratford/Voorhees)
Highlights: Excellent clinical placements, strong research access, competitive matches.
3. Michigan State University COM (MSUCOM)
Location: MI (East Lansing/Detroit/Macomb)
Highlights: Large clinical network, strong specialty exposure, Big Ten research options.
4. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)
Location: PA/GA
Highlights: Historic DO institution with broad alumni network, strong hands-on clinical preparation.
5. Des Moines University COM (DMU-COM)
Location: Des Moines, IA
Highlights: Modern curriculum, strong simulation, board prep culture, Midwest placements.
6. Ohio University Heritage COM (OU-HCOM)
Location: OH (Athens/Cleveland/Dublin)
Highlights: Community-focused, Cleveland Clinic ties, strong primary-care pipeline.
7. Chicago COM (Midwestern–CCOM)
Location: Downers Grove, IL
Highlights: Deep Chicago affiliations, broad specialty exposure, large Midwest alumni base.
8. Arizona COM (Midwestern–AZCOM)
Location: Glendale, AZ
Highlights: Access to growing Southwest markets, strong placements into specialties.
9. NYIT COM
Location: NY (Old Westbury) / AR (Jonesboro)
Highlights: Two-campus model, diverse clinical sites, strong Northeast & Southern presence.
10. Kansas City University COM (KCU-COM)
Location: MO (Kansas City/Joplin)
Highlights: Longstanding DO reputation, strong match advising, expanding facilities.
11. WesternU COMP/COMP-NW
Location: CA (Pomona) / OR (Lebanon)
Highlights: Team-based care emphasis, strong West Coast network.
12. ATSU-KCOM
Location: Kirksville, MO
Highlights: Founding DO school, mission-driven primary care focus, OMM tradition.
13. ATSU-SOMA
Location: Mesa, AZ (+CHCs)
Highlights: Unique CHC-based model, early patient exposure, underserved focus.
14. Lake Erie COM (LECOM)
Location: PA/FL
Highlights: Multiple campuses & learning pathways, cost-conscious, large network.
15. Nova Southeastern Kiran C. Patel COM (NSU-KPCOM)
Location: FL (Davie/Clearwater)
Highlights: Florida market access, interprofessional culture, public health options.
16. University of New England COM (UNE COM)
Location: Biddeford/Portland, ME
Highlights: Northeast placements, rural/underserved emphasis, supportive advising.
17. Edward Via COM (VCOM)
Location: VA/NC/AL/LA
Highlights: Multi-state footprint, strong regional pipelines, underserved mission.
18. Rocky Vista University COM (RVUCOM)
Location: CO/UT/MT
Highlights: Mountain West growth markets, expanding GME partnerships.
19. Touro COM
Location: NY (Harlem/Middletown) / MT
Highlights: Community/urban health emphasis, solid Northeast placements, expansion west.
20. Burrell COM (BCOM)
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Highlights: Southwest border health emphasis, growing GME partnerships.
Comparison Table (At-a-Glance)
| Rank | School | Location(s) | Clinical Network | Primary-Care Emphasis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UNTHSC–TCOM | Fort Worth, TX | Texas health systems | High | Strong match advising |
| 2 | Rowan-Virtua SOM | NJ | Philly/South Jersey | High | Competitive matches regionally |
| 3 | MSUCOM | MI | Urban + community | Med–High | Big Ten resources |
| 4 | PCOM | PA/GA | Mid-Atlantic/Southeast | Med–High | Large alumni base |
| 5 | DMU-COM | IA | Midwest systems | High | Strong boards culture |
| 6 | OU-HCOM | OH | Midwest majors | High | Cleveland Clinic ties |
| 7 | Midwestern–CCOM | IL | Chicago metro | Med | Broad specialty exposure |
| 8 | Midwestern–AZCOM | AZ | Southwest | Med | Growing market |
| 9 | NYITCOM | NY/AR | NE + South | Med | Two-campus flexibility |
| 10 | KCU-COM | MO | Midwest | High | Community integration |
| 11 | WesternU COMP | CA/OR | West Coast | Med | Team-based care |
| 12 | ATSU-KCOM | MO | Midwest | High | OMM heritage |
| 13 | ATSU-SOMA | AZ/CHCs | CHC network | High | Early exposure |
| 14 | LECOM | PA/FL | Multi-state | Med–High | Cost-conscious reputation |
| 15 | NSU-KPCOM | FL | Florida | Med | Public health/MPH options |
| 16 | UNE COM | ME | Northeast | High | Rural/underserved focus |
| 17 | VCOM | VA/NC/AL/LA | Southeast | High | Regional pipelines |
| 18 | RVUCOM | CO/UT/MT | Mountain West | Med | Expanding GME |
| 19 | TouroCOM | NY/MT | NE + Mountain West | Med | Urban/community focus |
| 20 | BCOM | NM | Southwest | High | Border health emphasis |
Top 10 FAQs About DO Medical Schools
1. DO vs. MD—what’s the difference?
Both are fully licensed physicians. DOs receive training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) and holistic, patient-centered care.
2. Do DOs match into competitive specialties?
Yes—with strong board scores, clinical performance, and mentorship, DOs match into both primary care and competitive specialties.
3. COMLEX vs. USMLE—do I need both?
DO students must take COMLEX, but many also sit for USMLE to maximize residency competitiveness.
4. Are DO schools mainly for primary care?
They are strong in primary care but not exclusively. Students can pursue specialties with strong performance.
5. How should I compare DO programs?
Evaluate clinical sites, match advising, board support, location, research/dual degrees, and alignment with career goals.
6. What’s a good way to assess clinical training?
Review affiliated hospital lists, ask about case volume, and talk with students about preceptor engagement.
7. Do DO schools have research opportunities?
Yes—varies by school. Look for scholarly tracks, dual-degree options, and partnerships with academic centers.
8. How do costs compare?
Public DO schools often offer in-state savings. Private schools may offset with scholarships. Always factor living costs.
9. Any tips to strengthen my DO application?
Show mission alignment, shadow DOs, understand OMM, and demonstrate consistent clinical/volunteer experience.
10. How do I decide between multiple DO acceptances?
Compare clinical sites, costs, board support, research options, and regional placement patterns.
