Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine: Shaping the Future of Healthcare
The Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) is dedicated to training altruistic and transformative osteopathic physicians and is focused on wellness, safety, and excellent student experience. Located in the Horizon West area of Orange County, near Walt Disney World, OCOM aims to be a leader in medical education.
OCOM's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Program
OCOM prepares students to become qualified osteopathic physicians, ready for postgraduate training programs and entry into the practice of medicine. The four-year program is divided into two phases: a pre-clinical phase (years 1 and 2) and a clinical phase (years 3 and 4).
The first two years involve basic science classes, while the last two years focus on clinical clerkships. OCOM's Leadership Team has meticulously designed every aspect of the institution to support student learning and success, from curriculum development to campus infrastructure.
Curriculum Overview
OCOM utilizes a modern, evidence-based curriculum that incorporates self-directed learning, case-based physician-led learning, simulation, and standardized patient encounters to facilitate clinical integration. The curriculum is designed to be lecture-less and systems-based. Patient-centered education is central to the OCOM model, integrating biomedical sciences with clinical scenarios to promote critical thinking.
Vertical and horizontal integration are key features of the curriculum. Vertical integration interweaves clinical skills and knowledge into the basic science years, reinforcing basic science concepts during the clinical years. Horizontal integration identifies clinically relevant concepts or skills across the basic sciences, using these as an integrated focus for learning sessions, clinical scenarios, and course materials.
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The Pre-Clinical Phase includes the Foundations of Clinically-Oriented Medical Sciences Course, Systems-Based Education, and On Doctoring courses. The Clinical Phase focuses on integrating and expanding the student's knowledge through patient experiences under the supervision of clinical faculty. Asynchronous and self-directed learning experiences are integrated into the required third-year rotations. The third year incorporates a Milestone Course and Core Externships. The fourth year includes Elective Externships and Residency Planning. The Osteopathic Principles and Practice and Learning Consolidation courses are longitudinal courses that span all four years.
Admissions Process
OCOM seeks applicants who align with its mission and values and who will be an asset to the osteopathic medicine profession. The admissions process considers various aspects of an applicant, including their academic background, achievements, personal statement, Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) scores, letters of recommendation, health-related work, and research and volunteer experiences.
OCOM emphasizes ethical treatment of all humanity, compassion, community involvement, communication skills, teamwork, leadership, professionalism, integrity, dedication to professional goals, and the promotion of diversity. The college also considers an applicant's interest in serving the regions included in OCOM’s mission and their potential for success in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Degree Program.
Application Requirements
Applicants must earn a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation from an accredited college or university in the United States. Required undergraduate coursework includes:
- Biological Sciences: One year with laboratory (8 semester hours/12 quarter hours)
- Physics: One year (6 to 8 semester hours/9 to 12 quarter hours)
- Inorganic Chemistry: One year with laboratory (8 semester hours/12 quarter hours)
- Organic Chemistry: One year with laboratory (8 semester hours/12 quarter hours)
- English: One year (6 semester hours/8 quarter hours)
- Six (6) additional science hours are highly recommended. OCOM recommends courses in the 300/400 level or beyond in subjects that will enhance performance in medical school such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology.
Students must obtain a grade of “C” or better in each of the required courses above to fulfill the prerequisite course requirement. Courses with equivalent content will be reviewed.
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Letters of Recommendation
All letters of recommendation must be original, on professional letterhead, signed by the evaluator, and sent directly to AACOMAS.
- The first letter must be from an osteopathic physician (DO) or an allopathic physician (MD). While shadowing a DO is not required, applicants who have shadowing experience with a DO demonstrate commitment to the profession and understanding of the practice of osteopathic medicine. Although a letter from an osteopathic physician is not required, it is strongly recommended.
- The second letter must be from a pre-medical advisory committee or science Ph.D. faculty member familiar with the academic work of the applicant. Letters of recommendation may not be written by a relative, including blood relatives and relatives through marriage.
Application Process
- Complete a Primary Application by visiting the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS).
- Upon receipt of a complete AACOMAS application, applicants who meet the minimum requirements are invited to submit a Secondary Application. A $75.00 non-refundable fee is required for the submission of the secondary application for admission.
- Virtual or in-person interview offers will be extended on a rolling basis.
OCOM may accept students who are US-born citizens, naturalized citizens, and permanent residents. Accepted students must meet all vaccination requirements fully or “in progress” by July 1, using CastleBranch. Applicants must submit all required paperwork per deadlines.
Applicants will be requested to submit necessary matriculation documents, including a deposit, according to the following schedule: Those accepted prior to January 14 will have 30 days. Those accepted between January 15 and April 30 will have 14 days. Those accepted after May 1 may be asked for an immediate deposit.
Campus and Facilities
The OCOM campus is designed to be the medical school of the future, combining elements of glass, steel, and stone in a modern aesthetic. Spaces include a variety of settings to learn, collaborate, and work with technology integrated throughout. Located in Horizon West, the campus is conveniently located near major metropolitan areas and the Orlando International Airport (MCO). There are numerous options for off-campus housing, such as apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes for rent or purchase conveniently located around the campus and surrounding communities. OCOM provides students with confidential access to an effective system of mental health counseling and mental health services.
Opportunities and Affiliations
OCOM holds a Pre-Accreditation Status with the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). OCOM has opportunities to visit the campus for in-person open house events, virtual open houses, and personalized tours.
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OCOM has launched a new Scholarly Journal to Advance Osteopathic Medical Research. The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science has announced the launch of a new Guaranteed Interview Program with the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM).
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