To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or regionally accredited university within the United States prior to the start of orientation.
A minimum cumulative grade point average of a 2.8 on a 4.0 scale or higher is recommended. A minimum science grade point average of a 2.8 on a scale of 4.0 or higher is recommended. No grade lower than a C will be accepted for prerequisite coursework. CLEP credits, AP credits, and P/F credits will not be considered for prerequisites.
See our current student profile for more information.
Required Courses
The courses below are required for admission; you may apply while coursework is in progress. Coursework completion is required prior to matriculation, and pending coursework during the application cycle is acceptable.
Biology/Zoology - 8 Semester Hours
- Labs required, when available
General Chemistry - 8 Semester Hours
- Labs required, when available
Organic Chemistry - 4 Semester Hours
- Labs required, when available
Biochemistry - 3 Semester Hours
Physics - 8 Semester Hours
- Labs required, when available
- May substitute up to 3 semester hours of statistics for 3 semester hours of physics
English, English Composition, Speech or Literature - 6 Semester Hours
Other highly recommended courses may include cell biology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, physiology, and anatomy
Exposure to Medicine
Although not required, clinical exposure is recommended in order for candidates to confirm their interest and commitment to the osteopathic medical profession. This experience can be paid or volunteer. To establish a mentoring or shadowing relationship with an osteopathic physician, visit the American Osteopathic Association website.
MCAT
All applicants are required to submit results of the Medical College Admission Test through AACOMAS prior to being considered for an interview. Scores from exams prior to 2021 are not acceptable for the admission cycle for the class entering in fall 2024. We review the scores individually and do not average the sub-scores from multiple examinations.
Technical Standards
Please see technical standards section of the catalog for more information. Further information about accommodations can be found in the Accommodations in Education Policy.
Background Checks
All accepted students are required to complete a criminal background check and drug screen through the DMU preferred vendor. Results must be released to DMU prior to matriculation, and the cost of this process will be paid by the accepted student. Accepted students are required to disclose all past or present charges, convictions, dismissals, deferred judgments and expunged records as related to a misdemeanor or felony. They are also obligated to disclose any additional charges and convictions which occur following completion of the initial criminal background check. Admission to the program may be revoked if misrepresentations or omissions from the application are noted in the background check. DMU students are required to complete annual criminal background checks and drug screening while enrolled at DMU.
Previous Matriculants
Graduates from M.D., D.O., or equivalent programs (U.S. or foreign) are not eligible for consideration for admission to the D.O. program at Des Moines University. Previous matriculates to medical school who withdrew in good standing from their institution for personal (not behavioral or academic) reasons will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Permanent Residents
Applicants who are legal permanent residents of the U.S. will be required to provide a copy of their permanent resident card ("green card") prior to admission.
Note: Permanent residency status "pending," is not eligible for admission.
Non-U.S. Citizens
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents are not eligible for admission to the DO program. Please review information for international students.