Creating Opportunities for Iowa and Beyond
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences enhances our quality of life by educating outstanding health providers and leaders; providing expert, compassionate patient care; serving the community in diverse ways; and stimulating the central Iowa community.
Founded in 1898
- 1,500+ future health leaders annually enrolled in DMU’s three colleges and 10 graduate degree programs.
Preparing Exceptional Health Leaders
- DMU recognized for having a high number of graduates working in primary care and helping people in rural and medically underserved areas. — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- DMU’s occupational therapy, physical therapy and physician assistant programs among the best in the nation. — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- Students’ professional board/licensure exam pass rates consistently exceed national averages among their peers
- Osteopathic medicine and podiatric medicine and surgery graduates achieve residency match rates at or near 100 percent annually
- One of the nation’s top producers of family medicine physicians
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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Girls Exploring Medicine & Science 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 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
DMU Honors Student Leaders Who Make a Difference
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences recognized 160 students with service and leadership awards.
