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 — the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and the College of Health Sciences. DMU offers graduate-level professional degree programs in anatomy, biomedical sciences, health care administration, medical science, occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and public health.
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.
Explore Our Degrees
DMU prepares future health professionals through a range of highly competitive, nationally respected programs across its three health sciences colleges.
Doctoral Programs
Master’s Programs
Creating Opportunities For Iowa and Beyond
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences enhances our quality of life by educating outstanding health care providers and leaders; providing expert, compassionate patient care; serving the community in diverse ways; and stimulating the central Iowa community.
Explore Our Campus
DMU Quick Facts
As a community of diverse and talented people, some key indicators tell the story of DMU’s exceptional quality.
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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 DOs or MDs) — with more than 880 students in the osteopathic medical program. Year-to-year, the university enrolls over 1,500 students across its graduate programs.
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Our Students Know Their Stuff
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A Rich History of Equality and Diversity
Since welcoming our first medical class in 1898 — one of the nation’s earliest to include both men and women — DMU has championed inclusion and equity in medical education. Today, with women comprising half of our student body, that commitment remains strong. At DMU, we cultivate a respectful, collaborative community where all students, faculty and staff feel welcomed, supported and empowered to thrive.
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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.
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Students’ Dreams Become Reality With Robust Scholarship Opportunities
Our students regularly receive more than $5.5 million in scholarship funds.
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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 GEMS/BROS programs, to off-campus health screenings, osteopathic manual medicine treatments, health education programs and many more volunteer activities.
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An Alumni Network Spanning the Country — And the Globe
DMU has an alumni network of over 17,000 with more than 3,100 in Iowa.
In 2026, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Grad Schools report recognized DMU as Iowa’s top institution and among the nation’s leaders for graduates working in primary care and serving medically needy and rural communities. 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
DMU Professor and Physical Therapist Earns Prestigious APTA Outstanding Research Award
DMU professor and physical therapist Shane McClinton, PT, DPT’07, PhD, earned the American Physical Therapy Association’s 2026 Outstanding Research Award.
DMU Student Named to AMA’s Council on Medical Education
Jordan Samuel, MSA’23, DO’27, was recently appointed as the medical student representative to the American Medical Association’s Council on Medical Education — a key body focused on policy and recommendations for medical education, accreditation and the physician workforce.
