4 Routes: Become a PhysicianEveryone's pathway to become a physician is different. Common routes for OSU students include:
- OSU-COM 3+1 Med Bound Program (Freshmen)
OSU-COM 3+1 Med Bound Program at OSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU-COM) offers early admission for highly qualified OSU freshman.
If accepted, you will leave OSU one year early to begin medical school at OSU-COM. 3 years at OSU + 4 years at OSU-COM to complete your bachelor's and D.O. in 7 years, as opposed to 8.
Steps:
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- OSU-Stillwater freshmen entering with superior academic performance ready to commit early to medical school at OSU's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program.
- Applications typically open in early fall and due October 1st of your freshman year at OSU.
- Accepted applicants have a guaranteed seat at OSU-COM after 3 years of work towards a pre-approved OSU 3+1 Med Bound bachelor's degree, provided they continue to meet ongoing academic and extracurricular requirements laid out by the OSU-COM 3+1 Med Bound Program.
- After your 1st year of medical school, submit your official OSU-COM transcripts to OSU-Stillwater and apply for undergraduate graduation to earn your bachelor's degree. After your 4th year of medical school, you will earn your D.O. degree.
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OSU-COM 3+1 Program (Juniors)
OSU-COM 3+1 Program at OSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU-COM) offers early admission for highly qualified OSU juniors.
3 years at OSU + 4 years at OSU-COM to complete your bachelor's and D.O. in 7 years, as opposed to 8.
Steps:
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- Complete 3 years of study at OSU-Stillwater in an approved OSU-COM 3+1 bachelor’s program.
- Applications are through AACOMAS and typically close around September 1st of your junior year at OSU. Secondary applications are typically due around October 15th of your Junior year.
- If accepted, you will leave OSU one year early to begin medical school at OSU-COM, provided they continue to meet ongoing requirements laid out by the OSU-COM 3+1 Program.
After Starting OSU-COM Program
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- After your 1st year of medical school, submit your official OSU-COM transcripts to OSU-Stillwater and apply for undergraduate graduation to earn your bachelor's degree.
- After your 4th year of medical school, you will earn your D.O. degree.
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- OSU Bachelor's + Medical School
OSU bachelor's degree then attend OSU-College of Osteopathic Medicine or another M.D. or D.O. program.
Steps:
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- Earn a bachelor's degree (of your choice) from OSU and complete all of your prerequisite courses* for an accredited Allopathic Medicine (M.D.) or Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program (of your choice).
- Apply to an accredited medical school program and if accepted, begin your M.D. or D.O. professional school program.
- Applying to OSU-COM? Determine if you are eligible for the OSU-COM Guaranteed Interview Program opportunity.
*You may opt to complete OSU's certificate in pre-medical sciences, designed to assist in your completion of prerequisite coursework. This a stand alone certificate, not a bachelor's degree or minor. Completion of the certificate, alone, will not automatically make you a more competitive for your particular program of choice.
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OSU Bachelor's + Gap Year + Medical SchoolTaking additional time can be to your advantage as a medical school applicant.
If you feel you need more holistic development (academic or non-academic) to be ready to professionally apply to medical school, consider taking a “gap/enhancement year” to help you further develop.
Why Consider a Gap Year?