Osteopathic Medical College Enrollment Continues Growth Trend

More than 21,000 medical students are enrolled at the nation’s colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs), nearly double the number enrolled in osteopathic medical schools just a decade ago. With more than 5,800 first-year students expected to enter one of the nation’s COMs this year, more than 20 percent of the nation’s medical students will be studying to become osteopathic physicians. 

This growth is expected to continue as new campuses are developed, and as established colleges fill previously approved increases in their class sizes.  In fall 2013, the new Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) in Dothan, Alabama; Campbell University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) in Buies Creek, North Carolina; and Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM) in Indianapolis, Indiana, will each welcome their inaugural class of students. 

Reflecting this growth trend, applications for 2013 entry into one of the 29 osteopathic medical colleges are arriving in record numbers. More than 9,500 aspiring physicians have already submitted applications for 2013 entry, and the application cycle does not close until April 2013. 

To learn more about osteopathic medical college enrollment and application growth, visit the Data and Trends page of the AACOM website.

From AACOM’s Inside OME September 12, 2012