The best Osteopathic Medical Schools in California will prepare you to become an osteopathic physician (DO) who can provide the highest level of care to your patients, enabling them to achieve their highest levels of wellness and health.
Below, you’ll find some of the best osteopathic medical colleges in California, each with its own unique take on the field of osteopathic medicine.
Find out why you should consider attending one of these top-ranked schools if you want to become an osteopathic physician in California!
Why Choose An Osteopathic School?
The curriculum at an osteopathic medical school is very similar to one at a traditional medical school, but there are some important differences.
The most noteworthy of these differences is that an osteopathic medical degree focuses on a holistic approach to medicine—emphasizing prevention and wellness rather than just treating acute symptoms.
How do I find out more about osteopathic medicine?
- Application Process
- Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grants
- Deciding on the Right Program for You
Application Process
The application process for osteopathic medical colleges in California is similar to that of traditional medical schools.
Be sure to include;
- At least two personal statements
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- A CPT or MCAT score on your initial application.
If you’re interested in a specific program, contact admissions to determine whether an additional essay is required.
Some schools prefer you submit that essay as part of your initial application; others ask you to send it directly to them after receiving notice of your acceptance.
Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grants
Grants and scholarships are gifts, not loans, meaning you don’t have to pay them back.
Because of their non-repayment clause, grants and scholarships can seem like a free ride through school; however, there are several factors that go into qualifying for these free funds.
Specifically, there are two types of aid available: need-based aid and merit-based aid.
Need-based aid is based on your FAFSA (Federal Application for Federal Student Aid) form which considers your family’s income and assets when determining how much money you receive in financial aid per year.
Finally, Deciding on the Right Program for You
If you’re looking for a rewarding career in medicine, you should choose an osteopathic medical program.
There are several osteopathic medical schools in California, but some are better than others.
For example, Touro University is highly ranked among the best medical colleges in California located in Vallejo. It’s a good choice for those looking to live in one of America’s most vibrant cities.
List of the best osteopathic medicals schools in California
- Western University of Health Sciences
- California Health Sciences University
- Touro University
Western University of Health Sciences
Founded in 1977, the Western University of Health Sciences is one of the private DO medical schools in California.
Its campus includes an extended-care facility for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
The College of Osteopathic medicine offers some of the best programs in California for aspiring students.
Students will have access to a number of hospitals that include:
- Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center
- Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital
- Los Angeles County
- Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center
- Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and Long Beach Veterans Administration Hospital, etc.
Find out more about this school.
California Health Sciences University
If you’re looking for a strong program and a great opportunity to get into Osteopathic medical school, look no further than California Health Sciences University.
The program is built around learning how to think like a doctor with an emphasis on ethics and communication.
To ensure students get hands-on experience, they offer clinical rotations in both rural and urban areas.
Graduates have an excellent chance of getting into medical school right after graduation.
It has been ranked by many sources as one of the top osteopathic medical schools in California, CHSU will definitely help you achieve your goal.
Find out more about this school.
Touro University
It’s important to note that Touro is one of the accredited DO medical schools in California by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
The medical school is located in downtown San Francisco, established in 1997, and offers both a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree program for students who already have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree as well as a combined D.O./M.D.
Find out more about this school.
Things to know before applying to osteopathic medical schools
To gain acceptance into an osteopathic medical school, you’ll need high grades and a solid GPA, MCAT scores, and extracurricular activities to bolster your application.
However, in addition to these requirements, you must also submit your:
- Personal statement and
- Letters of recommendation.
If you’re planning on attending any of the osteopathic schools in California or are looking at nearby states, take some time now to learn about each school’s different characteristics.
Conclusion
Today’s medical colleges in California provide students with opportunities to study all kinds of medicine.
If you’re considering pursuing an education in any medical field, seek out a school that will provide you with the kind of education that will be beneficial for your future career.
What are the average MCAT scores for osteopathic medical schools?
The average MCAT score for osteopathic medical schools is 504.
What is the average GPA for osteopathic medical schools?
The average GPA for an osteopathic medical school is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
What percentage of U.S. medical schools are osteopathic?
Approximately 25% of medical schools in America are osteopathic.
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