Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

The CCOM course of study is typically 4 academic years. The first 2 years cover primarily didactic instruction, followed by 2 years of primarily clinical rotations, including applicable didactic material. Upon graduation with the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, CCOM graduates are eligible for postdoctoral residency training in all fields of medicine.

As scientists and practitioners of the healing arts, osteopathic physicians subscribe to a philosophy that regards the body as an integrated whole with structure and function working interdependently. As an extension of this philosophy, osteopathic physicians treat their patients as unique persons with biological, psychological, and sociological needs, an approach that underscores the osteopathic commitment to patient-oriented versus disease-oriented health care.

CCOM proactively modifies its curriculum to meet the needs of the practice of osteopathic medicine in the 21st century. To that end, the curriculum is being progressively enhanced with increasing alignment and integration of basic science and clinical sciences material. CCOM courses maintain rigorous standards by introducing the course material with interactive presentation methods in the manner that osteopathic physicians approach the patient in the clinical setting.

To produce competent osteopathic physicians, CCOM's program emphasizes primary care but includes traditional specialties and subspecialties. Because the DO degree signifies the holder is a physician prepared for entry into the practice of medicine within postgraduate training programs, CCOM graduates must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care, including direct hands-on analysis and treatment.

Accordingly and with reasonable accommodation, all candidates for admission to the CCOM program must have abilities and skills in five areas: 1) observation; 2) communication; 3) motor; 4) conceptual, integrative, and quantitative; and 5) behavioral and social. Technological compensation can be made for some limitation in certain of these areas, but a candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.

The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). COCA is recognized as the accrediting agency for colleges of osteopathic medicine by the United States Office of Education and the Council of Postsecondary Accreditation (COPA). CCOM is currently accredited through 2023.

For further information, please contact the American Osteopathic Association, 142 E. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60611, or 1-800-621-1773. The website can be accessed at aoacoca.org

Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission/A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413.

Primary care, surgery, emergency medicine, pediatrics, anesthesiology, plus other medical specialties and options in hospitals, medical schools, private practices, and government facilities

Median Salaries in the Midwest (varies by specialty) - Source: MGMA 2017 Provider Compensation and Production Report: Based on 2016 Survey Data

• Family Medicine: $233,129
• Pediatricians: $226,896
• Internal Medicine: $252,396
• General Surgeons: $446,763
• Anesthesiologists: $468,434
• Emergency Medicine: $360,000
• Obstetrics and Gynecology: $350,000

Students seeking admission to CCOM must submit the following documented evidence:

1. Completion of the admissions course requirements
   • Grades of C or better (grades of C- are not acceptable)
   • To be competitive, students should have minimum cumulative GPAs and science GPAs over 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
   • To receive a supplemental application, students must have minimum science and cumulative GPAs of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale
2. Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to matriculation
3. Competitive test scores on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
   • Average MCAT score for students entering CCOM in 2017 was 507 (29 on previous MCAT format)
   • Only MCAT exam scores earned from tests taken no more than 3 years prior to the planned enrollment year are acceptable
   • Candidates can register for MCAT tests through the MCAT Program Office at 202/828-0690 or visit www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat for information
4. Two letters of recommendation
   • One letter from either a premedical advisory committee, prehealth advisor or basic science professor who has taught the applicant;
   • Second letter from either a U.S. licensed D.O. or M.D. Letters from osteopathic physicians are strongly recommended. Letters written by family members are not acceptable.

Students seeking admission to CCOM must provide:

1. Demonstrate sincere understanding and interest in osteopathic medicine;
2. Demonstrate service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities;
3. Show motivation for, and commitment to, healthcare as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences;
4. Possess verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues;
5. Pass the Midwestern University fingerprint-based background check;
6. Commit to abide by Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy;
7. Meet the Technical Standards of the College.

Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry are recommended courses that may contribute to success in medical school.