How to Become an Osteopath
Osteopaths are often referred to under the title of DO (Doctor of Osteopathy). They combine standard medical practices (such as surgery, prescription drugs, and diagnostic testing) with hands-on manipulation therapy (known as osteopathic manipulative medicine), to promote the body healing itself. Osteopathic medicine, founded in the 1800s, looks at the patient holistically. Most DOs are family practice physicians, although board certification in 18 specialties and many subspecialties is available. Osteopathic medicine focuses on preventative medicine and promoting patient health.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Shadow a practicing DO. The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) recommends candidates shadow a DO to learn more about the profession and assist in final career decision making (see References 2). This should be done early in their undergraduate studies. Many osteopathic medical schools require candidates to have done shadowing, as well as a letter of recommendation from the osteopathic physician they observed. You can find a DO in your area through an osteopathic college admission office, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), or your state's osteopathic association.
-
2
Earn your undergraduate degree. You will first need to complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A specific degree is not required to enter medical school, but according to the AOA all osteopathic colleges require courses in biology or zoology, organic and inorganic chemistry, physics and English (see References 4). Check with the medical school you wish to attend to identify any other specific requirements, as they vary slightly between colleges.
-
-
3
Complete a four-year osteopathic medical school program. The first two years of medical school will focus on the basic sciences, and on preparing the student for the last two years. These last two years are considered clinical clerkship years, where the student will work with patients under the supervision of a licensed DO (see References 4).
-
4
Complete your internships and residency programs. After medical school, one year of internship rotation is required. After successful internship completion, many candidates choose to complete two to six years in a residency program for a chosen specialty.
-
5
Become licensed to practice medicine in your state. All states license DOs to practice medicine. Licensure requirements differ from state to state, but all states require graduating from an accredited medical school and passing of a licensure examination or series of examinations.
-
1
