Osteopathic Medicine Programs
A tradition of excellence
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine has a storied history as a premier osteopathic medical school spanning more than a century. Our institution has a rich tradition of training and placing DOs in primary and specialty care. At the core of the student experience are accomplished, expert faculty members who provide the foundation for rigorous instruction.
DO Program Locations
PCOM's DO program alumni include board-certified specialists, academic leaders and educators, and recognized practitioners and researchers. These osteopathic physicians contribute to the health and health policy of communities throughout the nation—including those in disadvantaged rural areas and in regions especially affected by shortages of primary care physicians.
The College was among the first to adopt innovative high-tech patient simulators as well as to engage standardized patient actors, providing students in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program with experiential learning and proficiency modalities reflective of actual clinical procedure and practice. Sponsored research projects promote opportunities for collaborative research. And a commitment to community service is evident in outreach programs as well as training at PCOM's Healthcare Centers, which primarily benefit urban Philadelphia locales.
What Our Students Say About the PCOM DO Program
“I chose an osteopathic medical school because of my love for the mind and its interactions with the body. Additionally, I believe the clinical education that we get at an osteopathic school is centered on empathy and compassion.”
Madeleine Brown, DO '23
“It became clear rather quickly that PCOM's commitment to the osteopathic philosophy matriculates to its students and was a culture that I would ultimately thrive in.”
Megan Pattoli, DO '23
“After visiting PCOM, and feeling the sense of community on campus, I knew that I was making the right decision in applying. Family is a huge part of my life, and PCOM really feels like a family.”
Phylicia Thomas, DO '22
“I enjoy the hands-on aspect of osteopathic medicine and the ability to connect with a patient more intimately, and that this connection improves their health outcomes.”
Raushaun Williams, DO '24
“There are many tools that PCOM has given me to be successful in residency, including teamwork and collaboration, clinical exposure, and communication skills. However, the one tool I valued most was mentorship. There were so many faculty members who taught me valuable lessons, including resiliency, time management and professionalism.”
Jonica Velinda Carlton, DO '25
“I chose to become a DO because I felt as a future primary care physician, I would be taught tools to help me holistically think about ways to treat my patients and help mitigate barriers through advocacy and partnership.”
JaLisa Jones, DO '25
“PCOM has played a major role in shaping how I view patients—not just as diagnoses, but as people with unique stories, environments and challenges that influence their health.”
Bhavik Singh (DO '27)
“PCOM looked beyond my doubts, recognizing my passion, commitment to service, and the perspective shaped by my lived experiences. They gave me both an opportunity and a sense of belonging.”
Joe Williams, DO '26
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PCOM DO Program Mission Statement
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Program Mission Statement
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s osteopathic medical programs are dedicated to fostering the growth of the osteopathic profession by training physicians through programs of medical study guided by osteopathic medical tradition, concept and practice in a learning community built on the values of diversity and respect.
The College’s undergraduate medical programs prepare students for success in graduate medical education and the graduate medical education programs prepare students for the independent practice of osteopathic medicine. The College will be responsive to the healthcare needs of the respective regions and communities in which the osteopathic medical programs are offered. PCOM is committed to the advancement of knowledge and intellectual growth through teaching and research, and to the well-being of the community through leadership and service.
PCOM DO Educational Program Objectives
The program leading to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree is guided by the following goals for the purpose of providing a comprehensive and contemporary curriculum to educate health professionals to care for the whole person, advance the health of diverse communities and participate in the ever-changing environment. At the end of the DO training program, the student will have demonstrated an ability to:
- Integrate and appropriately sequence basic and clinical science material.
- Present major themes in biomedicine.
- Integrate early simulated clinical experiences and case studies, and emphasize problem-solving to increase the application of knowledge-based issues to issues of patient care.
- Utilize methods in information technology and informatics.
- Participate in interprofessional education activities.
PCOM DO Programs and Multidisciplinary Degree Options
We offer the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree as well as a number of additional degree options with partner institutions.
DO Program Length
The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program spans four (4) consecutive years and is designed to prepare students for post-graduate training. Students in good academic standing may postpone medical school graduation for one (1) year if they:
- Pursue a second degree (MPH, MBA)
- Engage in scholarly research.
- Take program-approved additional PCOM coursework.
The maximum time for completion of requirements for the DO degree is six (6) calendar years from the date of matriculation.
How to Apply to the DO Degree Program
Visit our DO program application requirements page to view current information regarding deadlines, admissions requirements and the application process.
For more information about preparing for medical school, please see our pre-medical student's guide to a competitive application. If you are changing careers or applying to medical school as a non-traditional student, the Office of Admissions offers additional resources for applying to medical school.
DOWNLOAD PROGRAM BROCHURE
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid
PCOM is committed to helping students maximize funding sources and minimize student debt. Visit our Office of Financial Aid section to learn about cost of attendance, types of aid available and how to apply for financial aid.
Tuition CalculatorAn Introduction to Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
Osteopathic manipulative treatment, also known as OMT, plays an important role in the training of osteopathic medical students. Students will be introduced to the hands-on application of OMT starting very early in their osteopathic training at PCOM. The video below demonstrates osteopathic manipulative diagnosis and treatment in a student lab teaching setting.
