Texas’ three doctors of osteopathy (DO) schools train physicians to take a more holistic approach to medicine than their allopathic (MD) cousins. Home to what’s considered one of the best DO schools in the country, Texas is also one of the cheaper places to train in if you’re applying from in-state.
This article takes a look at each of the states’ DO options and provides you with all the key facts and figures you’ll most likely want to know.
As a med student myself, I appreciate how valuable quick overviews like this can be!
List of DO Schools In Texas
Data and ranking positions are determined by U.S. News reports and individual medical school data.
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (University of North Texas)
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) is renowned as one of the best DO schools in the country. U.S. News ranks it #57 for Best Primary Care and between #49-123 for Research in its national medical school rankings.
The majority of graduating osteopathic doctors here go on to practice in primary care. TCOM is the biggest feeder school for producing osteopathic medical practitioners community-wide across Texas.
From the first year of study, prospective DO’s will be placed in primary care clinics to experience community health care firsthand. Later, students will continue their clinical studies working through rotations in Surgery, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Psychiatry, and more.
TCOM’s acceptance rate is roughly 11% with in-state applicants outweighing out-of-state by a ratio of approximately 5:1. You can find more data on TCOM’s admission statistics page here.
Here’s a glance at how life could look for you as a medical student at TCOM…
School Requirements
To be eligible for application you must either be a U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident.
The selection process is one of the most competitive in the country. Prospective graduates need to have a minimum 90 semester credit hours towards a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
You’ll also need to match prereqs in the following:
- Biology (at least 12 semester credits and 2 lab credits)
- Chemistry (at least 6 credits and 2 lab credits)
- Organic Chemistry (at least 6 credits and 2 lab credits)
- Physics (at least 6 credits and 2 lab credits)
- Statistics (a minimum of 3 semester credit or 5 quarter credits)
- English (two 3-credit semester courses)
TCOM also requests that all applicants take the MCAT.
How to Apply
You’ll need both a primary and secondary application to be submitted via the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS).
All course work, MCAT scores, and official transcripts should be submitted with 3 letters of recommendation (LOR) from faculty members or advisors qualified to comment on your suitability for medical school.
LOR’s from osteopathic clinicians familiar with the applicant are looked on favorably.
The application deadline is in mid-February.
DETAILS
- Name: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine – The University of North Texas
- Phone: 817-735-2000
- Website: unthsc.edu/about-tcom
Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) is one of the newest DO schools in America, founded in 2019.
Due to its relatively new status, it remains unranked in U.S. News Best Medical School rankings list.
Situated in a 107,000-square-foot building in Conroe’s Grand Central Park Development, SHSU-COM prepares DO physicians with an emphasis on serving the rural communities in the eastern part of Texas state.
SHSU COM’s vision is to provide an excellent academic experience via a vertically integrated basic science/clinical curriculum alongside strong clinical training programs.
Here’s a snapshot of what they offer…
School Requirements
To be eligible for admission SHSU-COM asks for the following:
- Bachelor’s degree from a U.S. College or University
- English (6 credit hours)
- Biology (including lab, 8 credit hours)
- Physics (including lab, 8 credit hours)
- General Chemistry (including lab, 8 credit hours)
- Organic Chemistry (including lab, 8 credit hours)
- Mathematics (6 credit hours – 3 hours must be statistics)
SHSU-COM accepts online coursework (including lab).
More information on their admissions policy can be found in this document.
How to Apply
Applications are made via TMDSAS. After submitting your forms via TMDSAS you’ll then be asked to complete your application file (including a non-refundable, flat fee of $200), enclosing your official transcripts, MCAT score report, and letters of evaluation.
A supplemental application will then need to be made directly to SHSU-COM after your primary has been received.
A physician letter, while not mandatory, is recommended.
The primary application deadline is at the beginning of November while supplemental applications can be submitted up until mid-December.
DETAILS
- Name: College of Osteopathic Medicine – Sam Houston State University
- Phone: 936-202-5202
- Website: shsu.edu/osteopathic-medicine
University of Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
The University of Incarnate Word is the largest Catholic university in Texas but it’s not required that prospective osteopathic physicians need be Catholic to study here.
The college’s School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) stands out as one of the newest DO schools in Texas, taking its first admissions in 2017.
The average age of their DO matriculants is 26 years, with 66% of an average first-year cohort coming from in-state applicants.
Besides the four-year DO course, UIW’s Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) is a one-year program designed to prep students for application onto the DO program, helping bolster their competitiveness prior to application.
Here’s a quick look at how attending the school might look…
School Requirements
To be eligible to train as a DO here you’ll need a bachelor’s degree with the following prereqs:
- Biology
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physics
- English
The school also recommends applying with coursework in the advanced sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, etc.) along with semester hours in philosophy (or other humanities) and math/statistics.
UIWSOM accepts online coursework (including lab).
The school requests you sit for the MCAT and that you obtain three letters of recommendation (one each from a physician, pre-med advisor, and science faculty member). Nontrads can submit one faculty or HPAC letter with a reference from an employer, community service supervisor etc.
Related: 9 Best Medical Schools For Nontraditional Students (Explained)
You’ll also need to ensure you meet the school’s minimum technical standards too. More information on that can be found here.
How to Apply
Application cycles usually begin in early May. Unlike other Texas DO schools, UIWSOM uses AACOMAS as its main application portal (not TMDSAS).
You’ll need to submit official transcripts, your MCAT score, letters of recommendation, etc. all via the above service. Once verified, qualified applicants will then be invited to complete a secondary application and answer essay questions specific to the school.
Interview invites (sent via -email) can take up to 8 weeks following the submission of secondaries.
Financial aid is available via UIWSOM’s Mission Scholarship, Baptist Health Foundation Scholarship, Nancy Ann Wilson Scholarship, and several more (refer to the website for details).
Refer to AACOMAS’ timeline for precise guidelines.
DETAILS
- Name: UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine
- Phone: 210-283-6998
- Website: osteopathic-medicine.uiw.edu
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Born and raised in the UK, Will went into medicine late (31) after a career in journalism. He’s into football (soccer), learned Spanish after 5 years in Spain, and has had his work published all over the web. Read more.