Pre-Osteopathic Medicine

There are two types of complete physicians in the United States - doctors of osteopathy (DOs) and medical doctors (MDs). Both are fully qualified physicians licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery. However, osteopathic physicians practice a "whole person" approach to medicine. They receive additional training in the musculoskeletal system which provides them with a greater understanding of how an illness or injury affects not only the ailment or injury, but the entire body as well.

DOs and MDs have many things in common. Both may become board certified; both practice in all spectrums of medicine; both offer comprehensive care. Osteopathic practitioners approach patient care with a different philosophy. With their additional 300-500 hours of study in "hands-on" medicine, DOs bring a unique perspective to health care.

First Year Advisor

CSET Advising Center

Office: 125 Trafton Center
Phone: 507-389-1521
Email: csetadvising@mnsu.edu

Faculty Advisor

Marie Pomije, Ph.D.
Office: 345 Ford Hall
Phone: 507-389-5917
Email: marie.pomije@mnsu.edu

Colleges of osteopathic medicine and surgery require a minimum of 90 semester hours for admission. Students admitted to a college of osteopathic medicine and surgery have completed their undergraduate degree. Students interested in osteopathic medicine will find that majoring in Biomedical Sciences or Biochemistry will provide them with appropriate undergraduate training. The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required for all applicants to colleges of osteopathic medicine and surgery. Since admissions requirements vary, students should consult their advisor.

General Education:

ENG 101 - English Composition (4)
ENG 201W - Intermediate Writing (4)
MATH 112 - College Algebra (4) AND
MATH 113 - Trigonometry (3) OR
MATH 115 - Pre-Calculus (4)

Required for Advising Track (34 credits):

BIOL 105 - General Biology I (4)
BIOL 106 - General Biology II (4)
CHEM 201 - General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 202 - General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 324 - Organic Chemistry II (3)
CHEM 325 - Organic Chemistry II Lab (1)
PHYS 211 - Principles of Physics I(4)
PHYS 212 - Principles of Physics II (4)

Required Electives (40-43 credits):

Electives to yield a total of 90 semester credits are required.