Undergraduate Course Requirements


These may vary from school to school. Pacific Northwest University’s requirements are given here.

  • English Composition and Literature: nine quarter hours
  • General Chemistry: 12 quarter hours
  • Organic Chemistry: 12 quarter hours (4 hours of which can be Biochemistry)
  • Physics: 12 quarter hours
  • Biological Sciences: 18 quarter hours

Applicants generally need to have a bachelor’s degree prior to starting D.O. school.

Important Sources of Information

AACOM (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine)
  • This web site provides lots of information about osteopathic medicine, DOs, and colleges of osteopathic medicine.
  • Osteopathic Medical College Information Book, by AACOM is updated yearly. A hard copy can be purchased, or a free download (PDF, 2.17 mb) is available on the AACOM web site (see above)
AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service)
  • This organization coordinates applications to osteopathic medical schools through their online electronic application service.
AOA (American Osteopathic Association)
  • Osteopathic Medical Profession section (link on About Osteopathic Medicine page) has a lot of useful information

Websites of Interest for Potential Medical Students

Admissions Information


The American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) currently accredits 25 colleges of osteopathic medicine in 28 locations.

Processing of applications begins in May, 16 months prior to entering medical school. Most schools make admissions decisions on a rolling basis, so apply early. Closing dates for applications vary depending on the school; many are due February 1st, but some are earlier or later.

MCAT Entrance Examination (Medical College Aptitude Test)

Regional Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine

California: Touro University (Vallejo)
California: Western University of Health Sciences (Pomona)

  • WUHS has a “Northwest Track” for clinical rotations in Oregon, and at a new campus in Lebanon, OR

Colorado: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Parker)
Nevada: Touro University (Henderson)
Washington: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (Yakima)