About Des Moines University

Our Points of Pride

One University — Since 1898

We share a singular mission to develop distinctive health professionals committed to health promotion, the discovery of knowledge and service to the community.

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges offering 10 graduate degrees. The programs share a collective strength — a collaborative campus community where students and faculty come together in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

DMU creates opportunities by building on its long legacy of providing outstanding education to the nation’s health care professionals and excellent patient care in the DMU Clinic.

Our strong reputation in medicine and health sciences fields is built on the commitment of our faculty who are passionate about training tomorrow's leaders with unmatched dedication and uncompromised intention. Our graduates enter the profession with confidence, compassion and the determination to improve the lives of others on a daily basis.

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Explore our degrees

Des Moines University has 10 different programs within three health sciences colleges, all widely respected and highly competitive.

Doctoral Programs

Master’s Programs

Other Offerings

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DMU Quick Facts

As a community of diverse and talented people, some key indicators tell the story of DMU’s exceptional quality.

  • Big Enough To Offer Powerful Amenities, But Small Enough to Focus On Excellence

    DMU is the largest medical school in Iowa — and among the top 25 largest accredited schools in the nation (for D.O.s or M.D.s) — with more than 880 students in the osteopathic medical program. Year-to-year, the university enrolls over 1,500 students across all 10 programs.

  • Our Students Know Their Stuff

    We boast nearly 100% match rates as a three-year average for our D.O. and D.P.M. programs, and 100% three-year averages of the licensure exam pass rate for our  D.O., D.P.M., D.P.T. and M.S.P.A.S. programs.

    In 2023, DMU osteopathic medicine students achieved the highest board exam pass rate in the nation.

  • A Rich History of Equality and Diversity

    The very first medical class in 1898 included both sexes and today 50% of the student body are women. Today, one of our core values is embracing and committing to diversity and inclusivity for all of our students, faculty and staff.

  • A Forward-Thinking Campus for Forward-Thinking Education

    In 2024, DMU earned the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver certification for its state-of-the-art campus. The LEED achievement underscores our commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in its campus facilities. The new campus incorporates innovative rainwater solutions, a restorative panorama that includes trails, outdoor gathering spaces and energy efficient buildings, with over 88% of campus powered by renewable wind and solar energy.

    DMU’s campus was also honored with multiple design awards, recognizing its innovative and sustainable approach to health care education. 

  • Students’ Dreams Become Reality With Robust Scholarship Opportunities

    Our students regularly receive more than $5.5 million in scholarship funds.

  • Passionate About Serving Our Community

    DMU students and employees serve the community in a wide variety of ways, from free on-campus events like the annual Senior Health Fair and Girls Exploring Medicine & Science to off-campus health screenings, osteopathic manual medicine treatments, health education programs and many more volunteer activities.

  • An Alumni Network Spanning the Country — And the Globe

    DMU has an alumni network of over 16,000 with more than 3,100 in Iowa.

    In 2025, U.S. News and World Report’s Best Grad Schools report recognized DMU for having the most graduates working in primary care and serving people in medically needy and rural areas. DMU’s occupational therapy, physical therapy and physician assistant programs also made the list for being among the best in the country.

Latest News & Updates

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DMU Student Service Award Recipients

DMU Honors Student Leaders Who Make a Difference 

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences recognized 160 students with service and leadership awards.

Rebecca Shaw, M.D., FACOG, and Rebecca Goldsmith, M.P.H.’13

Empowering Women in Health Care

In fields historically dominated by men, women like Rebecca Shaw, M.D., FACOG, and Rebecca Goldsmith, M.P.H.’13, are breaking barriers and leading the way in medicine and public health.

Delaney and participants from the 2024 global health trip to Jackson, Kentucky.

Learning Patient-Centered Care in Rural Kentucky

Laura Delaney, M.S.P.A.S.’99, PA-C, shares how a spring break trip to rural Kentucky helps DMU students build patient-centered care skills and cultural understanding in a medically underserved community.

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