Southwest Baptist University

Pre-Osteopathy Program

The College of Science and Mathematics


This page contains statistical information and other data provided to me by schools of osteopathic medicine and a variety of other sources to be used in advising pre-osteopathy students. Although every attempt has been made to be factual, the accuracy of all data contained on this page cannot be guaranteed. It is provided here for students to consider as they plan their pre-osteopathy studies at Southwest Baptist University. Also, toward the end of the page is an exhaustive list of Internet Resources for Pre-Osteopathy Students.

PRE-OSTEOPATHY TOPICS DISCUSSED ON THIS PAGE INCLUDE:

OSTEOPATHY
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES USUALLY REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION
ADDITIONAL UNDERGRADUATE COURSES USUALLY RECOMMENDED
AVERAGE UNDERGRADUATE GPA OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR
ADMISSIONS TEST REQUIRED
MCAT SCORES REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION
APPLICATION SERVICE USED
TYPICAL OSTEOPATHY SCHOOL ADMISSION FEES
APPROXIMATE TUITION COSTS PER YEAR
LENGTH OF TIME TO OBTAIN DEGREE
AVERAGE INDEBTEDNESS UPON GRADUATION
A TYPICAL TIMETABLE FOR PRE-OSTEOPATHY ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONS
SBU ACCEPTANCE RATES
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST
WHY SBU?
INTERNET RESOURCES FOR PRE-OSTEOPATHY STUDENTS

OSTEOPATHY

Doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.s) are complete physicians, fully trained and licensed to diagnose illness, prescribe drugs, use manipulative therapy and perform surgery. They use modern, scientifically acceptable methods for diagnosis and treatment. D.O.s are considered by the federal government to be equivalent to M.D.s. D.O.s work in clinics, hospitals, private offices, nursing homes, and other health care settings. A doctor of osteopathic medicine attends one of the 19 accredited schools of osteopathic medicine for four years, after which he or she must serve an approved 12-month internship in a variety of areas, including internal medicine, general practice, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and others. Many D.O.s then choose to take a residency of 2-6 years in a specialty area such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, radiology, pathology and others. Like M.D.s, D.O.s must pass state medical board examination to obtain a license. The following information is pertinent to students wishing to pursue osteopathic medicine as a career.

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES USUALLY REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION:

COURSE CREDITS
English (ENG 1113, 2213) 6 hrs.
Biology (BIO 1114, 1124) 8 hrs.
General Chemistry (CHE 1115, 1125) 10 hrs.
Organic Chemistry (CHE 3304, 3314) 8 hrs.
Physics (PHY 1114, 1124) 8 hrs.

ADDITIONAL UNDERGRADUATE COURSES USUALLY RECOMMENDED:

COURSE CREDITS
Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 2204, 3304) or Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (BIO 3335) 5-8 hrs.
Microbiology (BIO 3314) 4 hrs.
Introduction to Immunology (BIO 3322) 2 hrs.
Vertebrate Physiology (BIO 3344) 4 hrs.
Histology (BIO 3384) 4 hrs.
Vertebrate Embryology (BIO 4444) 4 hrs.
Analytical Chemistry (CHE 3345) 4 hrs.
Biochemistry I (BIO 3364/CHE 3364) 4 hrs.
Biochemistry II (BIO 4104/CHE 4104) 4 hrs.
Mathematics [through Calculus II (MAT 2254)] 9-13 hrs.

AVERAGE UNDERGRADUATE GPA OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS:

AACOM (American Association of College of Osteopathic Medicine) provides some statistical data on each of the 19 accredited osteopathic schools individually, but overall statistics are hard to obtain. For the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine the 2000 entering class mean GPA was 3.45. For the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, the incoming GPAs for the 2002 graduating classes were 3.4.  For the Des Moines University entering class of 2003, the average GPA was 3.5.  For the University of Health Sciences at Kansas City, the 2003 entering GPA was 3.3, and for Oklahoma State University in 2003, the entering GPA was 3.0.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE:

The vast majority of applicants have a bachelor's degree. Exact statistics are not available.

UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR:

Recent statistics are not available, it is assumed that the same pattern in seen in osteopathy admissions as is seen in medical admissions, where approximately 80% of students major in the sciences.

ADMISSIONS TEST REQUIRED:

Essentially all osteopathy schools use the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). The cost of the MCAT is $160.00 (1998 applicants). The MCAT is a standardized, multiple choice and written exam covering the following subject material:

SUBJECT NUMBER OF QUESTIONS TIME IN MINUTES RANGE OF SCORES
Verbal Reasoning 65 85 0 - 15
Physical Sciences 77 100 0 - 15
Writing Sample Two 30-min. essays 60 J - T
Biological Sciences 77 100 0 - 15

In 2000, a total of 54,000 examinees took the MCAT. The national MCAT average scores for all 2000 examinees were:

SUBJECT ALL APPLICANTS MATRICULANTS
Verbal Reasoning 8.7 9.5
Physical Sciences 8.9 10.0
Biological Sciences 9.3 10.2
Writing Sample P P

Note that the scores are going up dramatically. Average subscores (50th percentile) for the period 1993-1996 for Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences are 7.7, 7.9 and 8.0, respectively, with a combined score of 23.6. The Writing Sample has a mean score of "O" during this same time frame. The Writing Sample is given a letter score J through T - J is the lowest score; T is the highest. How osteopathy schools use the letter scores of the Writing Sample to evaluate applicants is not clear. The MCAT is usually given in April and August of each year, with registration required 30 days or more in advance. For more information about the MCAT contact MCAT Program Office, P.O. Box 4056, Iowa City, IA, 52243, (319)-337-1357.

MCAT SCORES REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION:

Scores required for admission will vary depending upon the osteopathy school and the individual student's nonacademic qualifications (e.g., extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, etc.). Usually, MCAT subscores of 9.5 or better plus a GPA of 3.6 or better will be sufficient for an interview. The 2000 graduating class at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine had an incoming average MCAT combined score of 28.54.

APPLICATION SERVICE USED:

All 19 accredited schools of osteopathic medicine use AACOMAS, American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service. AACOMAS (like AMCAS for the medical schools) collects and communicates student application materials and MCAT scores to the different osteopathy schools. A sliding fee is used by AACOMAS. For the 2000 entering class the fees were as follows:

NUMBER OF SCHOOLS APPLIED TO 1 2 3 4 5 6
FEE: $50 $95 $140 $175 $205 $230

The fees continued to rise in increments for each additional school applied to. Additional expenses (copies of transcripts, xeroxing, postage, etc.) will be incurred when one applies. Also, the individual osteopathy schools may have additional application processing fees. Total cost for applying to osteopathy school (AACOMAS, MCAT, fees, miscellaneous expenses) may easily run $400-$500.

Beginning with the 1998 applicants, application materials may be handled electronically using software provided by AACOM. This software is downloaded on an applicant's personal computer, and it generates and completes the application forms. The software may be downloaded free from Peterson's College Guide beginning in April, 1997, for the 1998 entering class.

TYPICAL OSTEOPATHIC SCHOOL ADMISSION FEES:

$25-$1000; For example, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine charges a nonrefundable application fee of $50. The University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City charges a $35 application fee.

APPROXIMATE TUITION COSTS PER YEAR:

National figures are not available. For local schools:

OSTEOPATHY SCHOOL TUITION
Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine $29,900 (2003)
Univ. of Health Sci., College of Osteopathic Medicine (K.C.) $29,900 (2002)
Oklahoma State Univ., College of Osteopathic Medicine $13,774 (residents);
$30,144 (nonresident) (2003)
Univ. of Osteopathic Med. and Health Sci., Iowa $26,350 (2003)

LENGTH OF TIME TO OBTAIN DEGREE:

4 years + 1 year of internship. There are a large number of residency available for additional study in such things as family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, anesthesiology, dermatology, psychiatry, radiology, etc.

AVERAGE INDEBTEDNESS UPON GRADUATION:

The osteopathy schools must be contacted directly to obtain data on individual schools. Like medical schools, the vast majority of osteopathy school costs are paid by student loans.

A TYPICAL TIMETABLE FOR PRE-OSTEOPATHY ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONS:

Beginning in SEPTEMBER of the JUNIOR YEAR at SBU:

  1. SEPTEMBER--Begin a systematic preparation for the MCAT. Obtain study materials from AMCAS, the SBU Pre-Health Committee, or any number of other sources, and commit a minimum of 2-4 hours per week in study and preparation. Periodically reviewing old exams from completed science courses is also a very useful supplement to this preparation.
  2. FEBRUARY--Start a file with the SBU Pre-Health Committee by completing the Pre-Health Committee forms. When your file is established with the Pre-Health Committee, evaluation forms will be sent to all science faculty and any non-science faculty selected by the student.
  3. MARCH-APRIL--Schedule and complete an interview with the SBU Pre-Health Committee. It takes the Pre-Health Committee approximately 4-6 weeks to circulate evaluation forms, interview the student, and prepare a letter of recommendation. DO NOT wait until September of the Senior year to obtain a letter of recommendation or you will not be able to meet the deadlines set by the osteopathy schools.
  4. MARCH--Register to take the MCAT.
  5. APRIL--Take the MCAT.
  6. APRIL-JUNE--Obtain AACOMAS application materials and begin completing forms.
  7. JUNE 1-OCTOBER--Complete AACOMAS application. AACOMAS will not accept application forms before June 1. The deadline after June 1 for submission of materials to AACOMAS differs for each osteopathy school. Most schools require that all information be submitted by the end of October. It is always best to complete the application materials as soon after June 1 as possible. Completion of the AACOMAS application packet will require having transcripts from all schools attended sent to AACOMAS. MCAT scores are automatically forwarded to AACOMAS, and through AACOMAS to the osteopathy schools which you designate.
  8. JULY--Register to repeat the MCAT if first test scores are not acceptable.
  9. AUGUST--Take repeat MCAT if necessary.
  10. AUGUST-DECEMBER--Complete supplemental application materials sent to you by the osteopathy school(s). Once your AACOMAS application file is complete, AACOMAS will provide the information (including MCAT scores) to the osteopathy schools you indicate on the AACOMAS forms. The osteopathy schools will examine the AACOMAS application file, and, if your credentials are acceptable, they will send you a set of supplemental application forms. These supplemental application forms will be completed and returned directly to the osteopathy school. Most schools give only two weeks to complete these supplemental applications. The supplemental applications will require letters of recommendation from the SBU Pre-Health Committee and other selected individuals.
  11. DECEMBER-MARCH--Interview with the osteopathy school admissions committee. If an osteopathy school finds your AACOMAS application file and supplemental application forms acceptable, they will write and invite you for an interview at the osteopathy school. If the osteopathy school chooses not to interview you, you will normally receive a written notice sometime between November and January.
  12. FEBRUARY-APRIL--Notification of interview results and acceptance/rejection.

SBU ACCEPTANCE RATES:

Since 1983, more than 60% of SBU graduates applying to medical/osteopathy school have been accepted. Since 1990, acceptance rates have dropped to approximately 50%, due to a dramatic increase in the difficulty of gaining admittance into medical school.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST:

Involve yourself in activities which will improve your nonacademic credentials:

1) Do volunteer and/or paid work at a health facility.
2) Participate in an externship program.
3) Participate in campus activities (e.g., Student Government Association, sports, clubs, etc.).
4) Participate in community activities (e.g., volunteer work).
5) Participate in church activities.

Involve yourself in activities which will improve your academic credentials:

1) Participate in undergraduate research and/or independent studies, especially those leading to a scholarly publication.
2) Participate in the honors program.
3) Enroll in writing-intensive courses to improve your communication skills. Admissions to osteopathy school are VERY competitive.

Don't give up too easily if you are not admitted the first time you apply. Recognize any academic or nonacademic deficiencies brought to light by your application and take steps to correct them. Make realistic contingency plans. Keep the doors open to do any additional graduate or undergraduate work needed to improved your qualifications for admission.

WHY SBU?

As a student selects a school for his undergraduate education, a basic question to be answered is "Why go to SBU and not someplace else?" There are a number of factors about SBU that should be considered in answering this question:

  1. SBU is committed to Christian, higher education. The primary purpose of the SBU faculty is academic excellence, with Christ as the focal point of all activities, both in and out of the classroom.
  2. SBU has a history of success. SBU graduates applying to medical/osteopathy schools are accepted at a rate significantly higher than the national average. Once in medical/osteopathy school, the performance of SBU's graduates has been outstanding.
  3. Most upper-level classes at SBU are small (usually less than 20-25 students). This has a number of important results. Closer interactions between faculty and students will occur at SBU than at most other institutions. You will get to known everyone "up close and personal." Life-long friendships will be established with both the faculty and other students because you will have many of the same classes. Individualized, one-on-one attention, assistance, instruction and counseling are available from the SBU faculty. Students do not have to push through a maze of graduate students, teaching assistants and secretaries to meet with their professors.
  4. SBU has a Pre-Health Committee, consisting of faculty from the departments of biology and chemistry. This committee is dedicated to preparing and sending out those SBU students who wish to become physicians. The SBU Pre-Health Committee provides a number of services to the pre-osteopathy students. Some of these services are listed below:
  1. Information and assistance about osteopathy schools, osteopathy school catalogs, admissions policies, grade requirements, application procedures, MCAT, AMCAS, AACOMAS, preparing letters of recommendation, etc., are provided.
  2. Under the guidance of the SBU Pre-Health Committee, students can spend time observing and working with local physicians. The SBU Pre-Health Committee has working relationships with many Bolivar-area physicians such that, free of charge, students may spend time with these physicians and educate themselves about their potential careers in medicine.
  3. SBU students, by registering through the SBU Pre-Health Committee, can participate in the Greene County Medical Society Pre-Med Advisory Conference. This conference, held every other year in Springfield, is a day-long meeting with the admissions officers from all of the Missouri medical/osteopathy schools. At the conference, students have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with these admissions officers and are educated about the osteopathy schools and their admissions policies. Students are the guest of the Greene County Medical Society for a dinner at the end of the conference day.
  4. SBU students, by registering through the SBU Pre-Health Committee, can participate in the Greene County Pre-Med Externship program. In this program, SBU students are assigned to Springfield-based physicians for a two-week period during December-January of alternating years. During these two weeks, students observe and work one-on-one with a physician in the medical specialty of the students choice (e.g., pediatrics, family practice, thoracic surgery, etc.). The Springfield-area physicians donate their time free of charge.

INTERNET RESOURCES FOR PRE-OSTEOPATHY STUDENTS:

SELECTED OSTEOPATHY SCHOOL HOME PAGES:

Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Oklahoma St. University - College of Osteopathic Medicine
The University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine - Kansas City
University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery - Des Moines, Iowa

OSTEOPATHY ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS:

American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine - includes the American Association of College of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) information

OTHER INTERNET RESOURCES:

AACOM List of Osteopathic Schools - Select "Colleges" from the menu
fastWEB - financial aid search through the web
Financial Aid Information Page - contains links to other sites
Interview Feedback
KAPLAN - information on medical school and the MCAT, Dental School and the DAT, Nursing and the NCLEX, Medical Licensing and the USMLE, interview helps, AMCAS info, etc.
Link to Order AACOMAS Packet - Select "Application" from the menu
List of Medical Organizations - including osteopathy
MCAT - order registration materials, register on-line, study materials
MCAT software - free download from Peterson.com
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Review.com - information on the MCAT, career planning, etc.
Sallie Mae - financial aid information
StudentDoctor Network