Programs

BS Premedical and Health Studies /Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine with A. T. Still University (Professional Pathway)

Boston

Overview

Through this combined program, students earn a bachelor of science degree from MCPHS and a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree (DO) from A.T. Still University (ATSU) in Kirksville, Missouri. This eight-year program includes four years of study at MCPHS and four years at ATSU. ATSU offers the oldest program in osteopathic medicine in the United States.

The combined BS/DO degree program provides a professional pathway and unique educational opportunity for the highly motivated high school student with a professional goal of becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

A.T. Still founded the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in the late nineteenth century; it is the oldest school of osteopathic medicine in the United States.

The Premedical and Health Studies major provides ideal preparation for entry into the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Program Requirements

MCPHS students are encouraged to apply to A.T. Still University, KCOM program at the end of their sophomore year (approximately 45 credit hours). If accepted, they are awarded reserved admission into the KCOM program. In addition, MCPHS students accepted into the program as sophomores would not be required to the take the MCAT. Applications for entry into A.T. Still University, KCOM program will be available to MCPHS students through a premedical advisor. Students would meet with the advisor in January of their sophomore year and complete the application for admission by April 1. Applicants will interview at A.T. Still University, KCOM in the summer following their sophomore year.

Eligibility criteria for admission into the professional pathway program with the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and A.T. Still University (ATSU), Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine program includes:

  • Minimum 1860 SAT score or 28 composite ACT score
  • Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.40 overall and 3.40 in sciences
  • Submission of application and official transcripts by specified date

Application Process

  • Submit application to the MCPHS pre-health advisor by specified date
  • Applicant must forward letters of evaluation from the MCPHS premedical advisor and/or a MCPHS science faculty member

Selection Criteria
Selection committee will rank the top students using the following criteria:

  • Fulfillment of all academic course requirements
  • Commitment to osteopathic medicine
  • Community service/leadership positions held
  • Successful interview with the KCOM selection committee

Participant Criteria

  • Maintain a minimum 3.4 overall and science GPA
  • Continue to gain clinical experience/exposure
  • Continue community service/leadership opportunities
  • Demonstrate commitment to osteopathic medicine
  • Participate in KCOM Still Scholars Events
  • Maintain accurate contact information with ATSU Admissions
  • Participate in KCOM final pre-matriculation review
  • Complete AACOMAS application by July 1 prior to senior year
  • Complete KCOM secondary application by August 1 prior to senior year
  • Successfully complete prerequisite coursework at MCPHS

Participant Opportunities

  • Academic Skills Workshop/Shadowing Experience
  • Professionalism Workshop
  • Alumni Ambassador Shadowing Experience

Medical Education at A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

The osteopathic curriculum involves four years of post baccalaureate academic study. Reflecting the osteopathic philosophy, the curriculum emphasizes preventive medicine and holistic patient care. Medical students learn to use osteopathic principles and techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

KCOM students spend the first two years studying the basic sciences and clinical introductions in a classroom setting. The Complete Doctor, a course specific to KCOM, incorporates early clinical experiences with didactic study in medical law and ethics, physical exam skills, cultural diversity and spirituality in medicine, and communication skills.

Third and fourth year students have the option of completing their clinical rotations in one of KCOM’s National Rotation Regions. These regions currently include Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Utah.

Postgraduate Medical Education
After completing osteopathic medical program, DOs serve a one-year transitional or traditional internship, gaining hands-on experience in internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, general practice, pediatrics, and surgery. This experience ensures that osteopathic physicians are first trained as primary care physicians even if they plan to pursue a specialty. The internship provides every DO with the opportunity to see and treat every patient as a whole person. After the one-year internship, DOs enroll in a residency program of their choice. A residency typically requires from two to six years of additional training, depending on their chosen area of medicine.

About A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
ATSU began with the founding of the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, located in Kirksville, MO in 1892 by Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO KCOM has a rich history of providing leadership for comprehensive medical education, research and health care and is consistently ranked highly in U.S. News and World Report in rural and family medicine.

Accreditation
To become an osteopathic physician, an individual must be a graduate of one of 19 osteopathic medical schools. The A.T. Still University, KCOM program is accredited by the Bureau of Professional Education of the American Osteopathic Association and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.