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At Des Moines University, your education and preparation for clinical rotations is our main emphasis. You have the opportunity to learn in a high-quality and supportive environment. During the first year, students begin to develop hands-on skills and communication techniques that distinguish them with both patients and fellow professionals. Because of our students’ early introduction to clinical and interpersonal skills, they begin rotations with a high level of competence and confidence to practice the art and science of medicine.

Osteopathic manual medicine (OMM)

The OMM program at DMU is second to none. Students engage in two full years of OMM training with weekly laboratories and periodic practical exams.

Technology

Technology is incorporated throughout the D.O. program.

Hands-on learning

Students gain real-life experience working with simulation teaching tools and Iowa Simulation Center.

Collaboration

A high level of camaraderie exists among our students. This is a reflection of the small college environment where a sense of community is inherent and students have the opportunity to get to know everyone on campus.

Research

Research at DMU is active and diverse. Our unique Pathways of Distinction program, which offers tuition support to selected students, integrates clinical and basic science research and gives participants rich experiences in teaching, presenting and publishing.

Physical diagnosis

Students have extensive encounters with trained, simulated (or standardized) patients to continually assess their competencies in physical diagnosis skills in Standardized Performance Assessment Laboratories (SPALs).

Electives

A wide array of electives allow students to explore different topics and individualize their education.

Clinical rotations

During the third and fourth year students are immersed in clinical training through rotations.

National boards

Osteopathic medical students take the COMLEX examination.  For the past seven years, the COMLEX Level I pass rate for first-time takers averages more than 4% above the national pass rate.  For the last five years, the COMLEX Level II-CE pass rate for first-time takers averages nearly 5% above the national pass rate.

Student clubs

There are many opportunities for students to get involved outside the classroom.

Experienced faculty

Our faculty are highly qualified, focused on teaching and learning and noted for their accessibility to students.

Anatomy lab

The gross anatomy lab at DMU is state-of-the-art. It includes flat-screen monitors at each dissection station.

Peer tutors

Second-year D.O. students volunteer to tutor first-year students – at no cost – helping them master the required sciences.

Medical humanities and bioethics

The medical humanities and bioethics department is dedicated to teaching interpersonal skills, compassion, ethics and leadership. DMU also has a chapter of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation’s Gold Humanism Honor Society.

Rural Medicine Education Pathway

Select osteopathic students who agree to practice medicine in rural Iowa for at least four years after their residencies can receive a full-tuition scholarship.

Residency match

D.O. students at DMU are highly recruited into a wide variety of graduate medical programs throughout the country.

OMM fellowship

Students can apply for a one-year OMM fellowship at DMU after graduation.

Dual degree

Students can develop their leadership skills, understand health care needs and enhance their careers with a dual degree leading to a Master of Public Health, Master of Health Care Administration, Master of Science in Anatomy or Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences.

Global health

Students can do one of their rotations overseas through the Global Health department.