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• What is the difference between a DO and an MD degree?
• Can osteopathic physicians practice in other countries? Where?
• Does it matter that I'm older than your average applicant?
• Do you give preference to California State residents?
• Can international students apply?
• Can I transfer into your osteopathic medical program from another medical school?
• Is tuition the same for in-state and out-of-state residents?
• How can I learn more about the financial aid available to me?
• How can I learn more about the Western University osteopathic medicine program?
• How can I contact an osteopathic physician to interview or shadow?
• Do you offer any information sessions on campus?
• When are campus tours available?

There are two pathways to becoming a physician: the osteopathic route (DO), and the allopathic route (MD). Regardless of which you choose, you will spend four years in medical school, including two years of rotations, and take a board (COMLEX exam for osteopathic students or the USMLE exam for allopathic students) prior to and following graduation. As an osteopathic trained physician, you will be able to: prescribe medication, make referrals, open your own practice, specialize in any field, etc. However, there are two primary differences between the training that a DO receives and the training an MD receives. The first primary difference is in philosophy. Osteopathic medicine practices a holistic approach to medicine in which the physician treats the whole person, not just the disease and considers the idea that the ailment his/her patient is suffering from could have an external influence that should be addressed with more than just medication. It's a century-old tradition of caring for people, not just treating symptoms. The second primary difference is that osteopathic physicians receive additional training in what is called Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). DOs may also use their hands to diagnose and treat injury and illness and encourage the body's natural tendency toward good health. Combined with other medical procedures, OMM enables physicians to not ONLY treat their patients with medication, but also with manipulation. This form of treatment can often result in immediate relief and/or increased speed of healing. Click here to read the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine's (AACOM) Definition of osteopathic medicine.

Can osteopathic physicians practice in other countries? Where?

Yes, some countries recognize physicians with a DO degree. For example, Germany recently announced its recognition of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree in 1999. Contact the AOA-Net for further information.

Does it matter that I'm older than your average applicant?

No. We encourage applications from qualified applicants regardless of age. The average age of our students is approximately 27, and ranges from 20-45.

Do you give preference to California State residents?

No. Although a significant portion of our student body is from California, we consider candidates from throughout the United States.

Can international students apply?

Yes, we consider international applicants for admission. Applicants with foreign coursework must have their transcripts evaluated by one of the following pre-selected evaluation services.

Can I transfer into your osteopathic medical program from another medical school?

Yes, in certain instances. The institution from which you transfer must be American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accredited. You can transfer from an osteopathic medical school in the second or third year and from an allopathic school in the second year only.

Is tuition the same for in-state and out-of-state residents?

Yes. We are a private institution, therefore the tuition assessed is the same for in-state, out-of-state and international students. Tuition for the 2006-07 academic year will be $37,190.

How can I learn more about the financial aid available to me?

Click here to go to our Financial Aid Web page.

How can I learn more about the Western University osteopathic medicine program?

Join us for a presentation, come for a campus tour or attend an Osteopathic Medicine Awareness Conference. These conferences provide an opportunity for you to meet faculty and learn more about Western University, the osteopathic profession and the DO program curriculum. A student panel, campus tour and Osteopathic Manipulation demonstration are also highlights of our conferences. Information packets may be requested online or by calling (909) 469-5335.

How can I contact an osteopathic physician to interview or shadow?

Go to the AOA Web site, from there you can access state Web sites, most of which have listings of osteopathic physicians you can contact in your area.

Do you offer any information sessions on campus?

We host three Osteopathic Medical Awareness Conferences each year on the Western University campus. These conferences provide an opportunity for you to meet faculty and learn more about Western University, the osteopathic profession and the DO curriculum. A student panel, campus tour and Osteopathic Manipulation demonstration are also highlights of the conferences. Contact us or check the Recruitment Activities Section of our Web site to find when the next conference is scheduled.

When are campus tours available?

Click here to schedule a tour of the campus.