How to Become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Learn the Steps Involved in Becoming an Osteopathic Physician

A Doctor of Osteopathy, or Osteopathic Doctor, is a licensed physician who can treat general health conditions through holistic approaches. Osteopathic medicine started in European culture and then spread to the U.S. because of its complementary medicinal value focusing on musculoskeletal problems such as back and neck pain. A career in this medical field starts with learning some of the prerequisites of how to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

  1. Pre-medicine bachelor’s degree. The first step in becoming an Osteopathic Physician is obtaining a four-year bachelor’s degree in a pre-medicine major such as biology, chemistry or physics. You can enroll in an online medical school if you prefer to not attend a traditional college.  Some medical schools will accept students who finished a nonmedical related major as long they have the required number of units in the science courses relevant to medical school. Make sure to get a hefty dose of calculus courses as well, since most medical schools now require it.
  2. Take the MCAT. Once you graduate and attain your pre-medicine degree, your next step in the process is to take the MCAT or Medical College Admission Test. This test is a rigid requirement by all medical schools in the U.S. Register a date to take the MCAT by logging into the website at www.aamc.org/mcat. Make sure to read all the literature on the website about the exam and the requirements to take it. Enrolling in MCAT review courses would be a wise move, since passing the MCAT will be your number one priority to apply and get accepted by  any accredited medical school.
  3. Apply to a medical school. Once you have your pre-medicine bachelor’s degree and MCAT passing score in hand, the next step in the process is to apply at the various medical schools available to you.  Bear in mind that medical school is not cheap, so make sure to apply to schools well within your financial capacity or apply for tuition grants or loans. Choose a few schools and submit your application and other pertinent documents required.
  4. Complete an osteopathic medicine residency. While studying, make sure to allocate at least two years of residency in the osteopathic department of the school. This is, of course, after you have completed your general medical education. At this point, most of your time will be focused on fulfilling shift duties in the hospital as part of your medical training.
  5. Take the medical board examination. Upon completing medical school, including your internship and residency, your next step is to take your state’s medical board examination to be able to call yourself a Doctor.
  6. Further specialization. To advance your career in osteopathic medicine, after passing the board and becoming a Physician, evaluate the osteopathic specialization programs available in the U.S. There are around 19 osteopathic schools. Enroll in one and continue your advance education in the field.

Once you complete the specialization training in a particular osteopathic school, you will be a professional Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. At this point, you will need to start getting your office in shape by applying at  various hospitals with osteopath jobs needing someone with your credentials.