Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine has trained over 10,000 osteopathic physicians. More than 7,000 PCOM alumni practice throughout the United States and in seven foreign countries. PCOM alumni practice in all areas of medicine, hold leadership positions in the medical community, teach in many of the country's top medical schools and serve in every branch of the military.
Nursing courses were offered as early as 1915, but it was not until 1919 that the first class of three women graduated. The last graduation for the School of Nursing was in May 1960. Today, there are 298 living nursing alumnae.
In 1988, PCOM developed the nation's first DO/MBA degree program. The five-year, joint degree program is a collaboration between PCOM and St. Joseph's University. The program, which has graduated 71 students since its inception, is accomplished through summer and evening courses at St. Joseph's in addition to the full medical curriculum spaced over five years.
In 1991, PCOM established a joint degree program with Temple University leading to a master of public health. This five-year program was created in response to the changing nature of health care delivery. The dual degree program allows students to specialize in community health education and prepares them to serve as public health officials or to fill positions in community, government and health care agencies. To date, seven students have graduated from this program.
In 1993, PCOM implemented the graduate program in biomedical sciences to help students prepare for admission to professional schools—medical, dental or veterinary. Today, 88 students have graduated from this program.
In response to the managed health care challenges of the 1990s, PCOM recognized a need for primary care mental health providers, and in 1995, established a doctor of clinical psychology program. This five to seven year program has graduated 20 students since its inception.
In 1998, PCOM created the physician assistant program to educate physician assistants to help provide primary care in medically underserved areas. To date, PCOM has graduated 88 students from this program.
In 2000, another joint degree program with USP established the DO/PhD in health policy.
