Program Overview
Dean: Beth Longenecker, DO, MS
Program Coordinator: Pierre Banks, Ed.D.
Location: UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine Building
Website: unco.edu/college-of-osteopathic-medicine
Program Duration: 4 years
The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program is a comprehensive medical education pathway that prepares future physicians to deliver patient-centered care grounded in a holistic approach to health. The program spans four years, followed by graduate medical education through residency training. Graduates are equipped to become compassionate and skilled physicians who emphasize the body’s natural ability to heal and provide integrative care across a wide range of medical specialties.
Years One and Two: Basic Sciences and Clinical Foundations
The first two years of the DO program focus on building a strong biomedical foundation while integrating clinical reasoning skills. Students engage in a variety of active learning modalities including clinical case studies, team-based learning and small and large group discussions.
Core biomedical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and pathology are taught in a clinically relevant context to ensure students understand how foundational knowledge applies directly to patient care. These years also emphasize osteopathic principles and practice, professional communication skills and early clinical experiences that prepare students for future clinical training.
Years Three and Four: Clinical Rotations
During the third and fourth years, students participate in supervised clinical rotations where they apply classroom knowledge in real-world healthcare settings. Rotations span a broad range of medical specialties including family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry and emergency medicine.
Through direct patient care experiences under the guidance of experienced physicians, students develop diagnostic reasoning, clinical decision-making and hands-on skills essential to independent medical practice.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
A defining feature of osteopathic medical education is training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). OMT is used to diagnose, treat and help prevent illness or injury by addressing the musculoskeletal system. Students learn hands-on techniques that restore balance, improve function and support the body’s inherent ability to heal.
Holistic and Preventive Care
Throughout the curriculum, students are trained to consider the whole person in patient care, including lifestyle, environment and emotional well-being. Emphasis is placed on preventive care, patient communication and long-term wellness. This holistic and patient-centered approach is a hallmark of osteopathic medicine and guides students in developing thoughtful and individualized treatment plans.
Post-Graduation: Residency and Beyond
Upon completion of the DO program, graduates must complete a residency program in their chosen specialty. Residency training typically lasts three to seven years depending on the specialty and provides advanced clinical education and experience in areas such as internal medicine, surgery or pediatrics. Some graduates choose to pursue fellowship training for additional specialization.
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine practice in all areas of medicine from primary care to highly specialized fields such as cardiology and neurosurgery. They work in diverse healthcare settings including hospitals, private practices, community health centers and academic institutions. DOs are particularly recognized for their strong presence in primary care and their commitment to serving rural and underserved communities.
Admission
Program Start Term: Fall 2026
Admission Deadlines: Rolling Admissions
Campus/Delivery Site: Year 1 and 2-Campus; Year 3 and 4- Off Site
Applicants seeking admission to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program must complete the following steps:
Admission Requirements (e.g., GPA, prerequisites):
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution conferred on or before July 1 of the intended matriculation year
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident of the U.S. (green card holders) or a DACA recipient.
A letter grade of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better in the following coursework at the collegiate level completed at least one month prior to matriculation:
Biological Sciences: 8 Credit or 12 Quarter Hours with Laboratory; this must include a course in general biology or zoology.
Physics: 8 Credit or 12 Quarter Hours with Laboratory
General Chemistry: 8 Credit or 12 Quarter Hours with Laboratory
Organic Chemistry: 8 Credit or 12 Quarter Hours with Laboratory
English Composition: 6 Credit or 9 Quarter Hours; English Literature may be substituted if the coursework is writing intensive.
Behavioral or Social Sciences: 3 Credit or 4 Quarter Hours
Earned a cumulative overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 Scale.
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) examination taken within the previous 3 years with a cumulative score of at least 498 and no individual component score below 123.
Composite letter from a Pre-Health Committee (preferred) or 3 letters to include:
2 faculty (at least one in science) who have taught the student and
1 letter from a supervisor or preceptor summarizing work, service, research or clinical experience.
Demonstrated commitment to service/community as evidenced by involvement in outreach, advocacy or service.
Successful completion of a background check, which is defined as the absence of findings that would preclude participation in required educational activities, clinical experiences or licensure eligibility as determined by the College of Osteopathic Medicine.