Studying Osteopathy: What is Osteopathic Medicine?
Pathways to Admission
500+ SCHOOLS VISITED
.png)
18,000 + STUDENTS SUPPORTED
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
Many people wonder, “What’s the difference between an osteopathic doctor and a regular medical doctor?”. A doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) is licensed to practice medicine, the same as any other doctor. The difference is that, unlike a typical M.D., osteopathic physicians practice a “whole person” approach to medical care.
This means that DOs focus on treating the entire person, seeing the body as one unit, rather than individual symptoms. Doctors of Osteopathy place an emphasis on preventative medicine and comprehensive patient care, aiming to improve a person's overall health.
Becoming an osteopathic doctor also means aligning with and adhering to the four osteopathic principles:
How to Become an Osteopathic Doctor
Becoming an Osteopathic Doctor is similar to pursuing most other medical career paths. Below are the official steps to becoming licensed to practice that you’ll need to follow.
-
The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit.
-
The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.
-
Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated
-
Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation and the interrelationship of structure and function
Applying to Osteopathic Medical School
Becoming an Osteopathic Doctor is similar to pursuing most other medical career paths. Below are the official steps to becoming licensed to practice that you’ll need to follow.
Next, you’ll need to study for and pass the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test)
After these steps are completed, you’ll be ready to begin applying for the Osteopathic Medical Colleges of your choice.
This four year graduate program is very similar to other accredited Medical Colleges, but you will also need to take 200 hours of hands-on training in osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Osteopathic medical school requirements
Completing Osteopathic Medical College is not the final step towards becoming an official D.O. You will also need to apply for and complete your Osteopathic Medicine Residency Program. In order to do so, you will need to show proof of passing either the:
-
Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination
-
United States Medical Licensure Exam
In addition to a residency program, you may also need to pursue a fellowship, or internship which in total can take anywhere from 3-8 years.
How Pathways Will Help You Pursue Your Osteopathic Medical Career
Pathways to Admission is here to help with the entire osteopathic medical school admissions process, guiding you through your holistic health career path with years of college consulting experience..
We will help you:
-
Navigate the osteopathic medical college application process with calm and ease
-
Prepare for the required medical examinations
-
Review your transcript & general advising
-
Assist in developing top choice and secondary choice D.O. college & residency lists
-
Determine medical school application timeline and completion
-
Work through interview & essay preparation along with practicing interviewing skills
-
What is nursing?According to the American Nurses Association: “Nursing is the glue that holds a patient’s health care journey together. Across the entire patient experience, and wherever there is someone in need of care, nurses work tirelessly to identify and protect the needs of the individual. Beyond the time-honored reputation for compassion and dedication lies a highly specialized profession, which is constantly evolving to address the needs of society. From ensuring the most accurate diagnoses to the ongoing education of the public about critical health issues; nurses are indispensable in safeguarding public health. Nursing can be described as both an art and a science; a heart and a mind. At its heart, lies a fundamental respect for human dignity and an intuition for a patient’s needs. This is supported by the mind, in the form of rigorous core learning. Due to the vast range of specialisms and complex skills in the nursing profession, each nurse will have specific strengths, passions, and expertise. However, nursing has a unifying ethos: In assessing a patient, nurses do not just consider test results. Through the critical thinking exemplified in the nursing process, nurses use their judgment to integrate objective data with subjective experience of a patient’s biological, physical and behavioral needs. This ensures that every patient, from city hospital to community health center; state prison to summer camp, receives the best possible care regardless of who they are, or where they may be.”
-
What does a BSN nurse do?A BSN nurse is a registered nurse who has earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. BSN nurses provide direct patient care in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They work with physicians to assess patient health, diagnose illnesses, and develop treatment plans. BSN nurses also provide education and support to patients and their families, and assist in the management of care for individual patients.
-
Is there a difference between a BSN and RN?A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree program that prepares students to become a registered nurse (RN). An RN has completed either a two-year associate degree program or a three-year diploma program. The BSN degree provides a broader foundation of knowledge, which includes courses in leadership, research, and public health. BSN programs also offer more clinical opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience.
Ginny is a warm and knowledgeable professional! As a former high school college counselor and pediatric nurse, she really understands how to relate to young adults. In addition, she knows the nuances of nearly every college and has relationships with many admissions counselors. This is a stressful time and having her navigate the path to a successful college match was invaluable. I recommend her highly.
