How to Find Accredited Osteopathy Schools

In practice, osteopathic physicians are indistinguishable from other medical doctors. Osteopaths are able to practice traditional medical techniques of diagnosis and treatment. Similar training paths are required for both as well. Schools of osteopathy need to be accredited to be considered on a par with allopathic medical schools. The number of admitted students to osteopathy schools may be greater than at non-holistic medical programs. Students wanting a broader approach to medicine may find osteopathy to be an excellent career path. Follow these steps to find the accredited osteopathy school for you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Understand the Similarities of Accredited Medical Programs

1. Research the similarities between osteopathy and allopathy. Although educational training programs are similar, an osteopathy program adds training in musculo-skeletal manipulation and focuses on a "whole person" approach during all stages of patient care, from consultation through diagnosis and treatment.

2. The primary aim of osteopathy is to promote wellness, rather than isolating and treating symptoms of a disease. Students who are drawn to primary care can find osteopathic medical schools that are directed to treatment as it relates to social perspectives.

3. Expect to complete your undergraduate degree before matriculating into a medical program. Both Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) programs typically take 4 years to complete. Either degree will lead you to become a fully licensed physician.

Apply to Accredited Schools

4. Complete your Bachelor's Degree and take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) exam.

5. Fill out application paperwork through the centralized application service offered at the "American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service" Web site (see Resources below).

6. Review the application deadlines. Plan ahead to submit materials as early as possible.

Expect to Make Decisions About Accredited Medical Programs

7. Consider location as a factor in choosing a medical program. Some programs are directly linked to large hospitals where clinical rotations are conveniently scheduled.

8. Research financing options. Osteopathic programs can range in fees and tuition from moderate to expensive, depending on the school.

9. Talk with students at your top school choices and find out about the educational and social climate before applying.

Tips & Warnings

• Find accredited schools that use a holistic approach to medicine. This will best offer unconventional methodologies and perspectives.
• Osteopathic programs value service to the community and diverse experience as admission criteria.
• Prepare to be a minority in the medical community if you choose osteopathic medicine. Osteopathic physicians often face criticism from other physicians who don't value the education or the careers of osteopaths.
• Osteopathy is an unsuitable approach if a patient exhibits severe symptoms or may have a life-threatening illness or injury. Send such patients for emergency treatment.

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