Build a Successful Career
At the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, you do not simply learn to be a doctor. To become an osteopathic physician, you will learn to treat patients as unique persons with biological, psychological, and sociological needs, deserving of compassionate, dedicated care. AZCOM's student-centered faculty and curriculum will prepare you for a career as a physician with rigorous, yet rewarding hands-on programs that emphasize direct patient care experience. We will help build your future as a member of tomorrow's healthcare team.
Program
Doctoral
Location
Glendale, AZ
Duration
4 Years
Intake
August
Class Size
250
Graduation Rate
89-96%
The educational mission of AZCOM is to produce qualified osteopathic physicians. Because the D.O. degree signifies that the holder is a physician prepared for entry into the practice of medicine within postgraduate training programs, 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 assessment and treatment.
As scientists and practitioners of the healing arts, osteopathic physicians subscribe to a philosophy that regards the body as an integrated whole with structures and functions working interdependently. Therefore, 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 and sociological/spiritual needs.
The AZCOM course of study is typically 4 academic years. The first 2 years cover primarily didactic instruction with simulated patient clinical experiences and standardized patient experiences, followed by 2 years of primarily clinical rotations, including applicable didactic material. Upon graduation with the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, AZCOM graduates are eligible for postdoctoral residency training in all fields of medicine.
AZCOM's four-year curriculum educates students in the bio psychosocial approach to patient care, as well as the basic medical arts and sciences, including an integrated ultrasound curriculum. AZCOM students spend their first two years completing a rigorous basic science curriculum and preparing for clinical studies. During their third and fourth years, students rotate through a variety of clinical training sites, accruing an impressive 84 weeks of direct patient care experience. By stimulating intellectual curiosity and teaching problem solving skills, the AZCOM curriculum encourages students to regard learning as a lifelong process.
The Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA)/Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). COCA is recognized as the accrediting agency for colleges of osteopathic medicine by the United States Department of Education and the Council of Postsecondary Accreditation (COPA). AZCOM is currently accredited through 2028 having received a 7 year accreditation. For further information, please contact the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, American Osteopathic Association, 142 E. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-202-8097.
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.
2021 Match by Specialty:
- Internal Medicine: 83 Students
- Family Medicine: 50 Students
- Emergency Medicine: 23 Students
- Surgery (General, Ortho, Prelim Year): 19 Students
- Anesthesiology: 13 Students
- Pediatrics: 12 Students
- Psychiatry: 10 Students
- OB/GYN: 5 Students
- Radiology: 5 Students
- Neurology: 3 Students
- PM&R: 2 Students
- Military: 10 matches (included in the above specialties)
Examples of Match Locations in the Past Three Years:
Top Arizona Hospitals: Valleywise/Maricopa Integrated Health System (Creighton Affil. Hospital), Banner University Medical Center, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Mountain Vista Medical Center, HonorHealth, Canyon Vista Medical Center, Abrazo Community Health Network, St. Joseph's Medical Center, Kingman Regional Medical Center, and Verde Valley Medical Center.
Other ACGME-accredited programs: Cleveland Clinic, Campbell University, Mayo Clinic, Swedish Covenant, Ohio Health-Doctors Hospital, Detroit Medical Center, Loma Linda University, Legacy Emanuel-Good Samaritan (Portland, OR), Western Michican University-Stryker, Midwestern University OPTI-AZ, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, UC Irvine, Loyola University Medical Center, University of California, Scripps Mercy Hospital, Texas Tech, Temple University Hospitals, University of Washington, University of Texas, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, Rush University, Riverside University Health System, Kaiser Permanente, Garden City Hospital, McLaren Health Care, South Pointe Hospital, Sky Ridge Medical Center, the Wright Center, and Community Memorial Health System.
Military: National Capital Consortium/Ft. Belvoir Hospital, Navy Medical Center (San Diego and Portsmouth), Tripler A.M.C., Wright Patterson A.F.B., Madigan A.M.C., SAUSHEC, Walter Reed Medical Center, Camp Pendleton, Elgin A.F.B., Keesler A.F.B., and Lackland A.F.B.
General Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum total and science GPA of 2.75
- MCAT scores
- Two letters of recommendation
Students seeking admission to AZCOM must submit the following documented evidence:
- Completion of the prerequisite coursework.
- 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
- Completion of a bachelor's degree at regionally accredited colleges or universities prior to matriculation.
- Competitive test scores on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
- Average MCAT score for students entering AZCOM in 2020 was 507.
- Only MCAT exam scores earned from tests taken no more than 3 years prior to the matriculation date of the planned enrollment year are acceptable.
- Register for MCAT tests through the MCAT Program Office at 202/828-0690 or visit http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat for information.
- MCAT exams are offered multiple times per year.
4. Two letters of recommendation are required.
-
- One letter from either a premedical advisory committee or science professor who has taught the applicant
- Second letter from either a D.O. or an M.D. Letters from osteopathic physicians are strongly recommended, and letters written by immediate family members are not acceptable.
Students seeking admissions to AZCOM must:
- Demonstrate understanding of and sincere interest in osteopathic medicine.
- Demonstrate service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities.
- Demonstrate motivation for and commitment to health care as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences.
- Demonstrate oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues.
- Pass the Midwestern University criminal background check.
- Commit to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.
- Meet each of the Technical Standards for the College.
Admission Prerequisites
Prerequisite Course |
Sem Hrs |
Qtr Hrs |
Biology with lab |
8 |
12 |
General Chemistry with lab |
8 |
12 |
Organic Chemistry with lab |
8 |
12 |
Physics |
8 |
12 |
English Composition |
6 |
9 |
Courses that may contribute to success in medical school include Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry.
AZCOM Bridges Program
To matriculate a diverse class, students entering either the Biomedical Sciences MA Program, or the second year of the Biomedical Sciences MBS program at Midwestern University, College of Graduate Studies, and who are either an URM or meet other HRSA qualifications, may be eligible for the AZCOM Bridges Program.
AZCOM Bridges Program Prerequisites
- Bachelor's Degree
- Minimum total and science GPA of 2.75
- MCAT score of 490 or better
- One letter of recommendation from a science advisor or a physician
- Good academic and professional standing in Midwestern University program in which enrolled
- Maintain GPA in Master's program of 3.2 or better
- Participate in Bridges programming during Master's year
- Receive letter of recommendation from Master's program
Eligibility for AZCOM Matriculation Agreements
AZCOM maintains matriculation agreements with the following programs:
- Midwestern University College of Graduate Studies
- Biomedical Sciences Program
- Bridges Program
- Arizona Christian University
- Arizona State University
Applicants who believe they may meet matriculation agreement eligibility requirements should contact the Midwestern University Admissions Department at 623/572-3275.
$232,000 to $459,000
Salary Range
95.28%
Pass Rate on COMLEX
89-94%
Graduation Rate
General Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum total and science GPA of 2.75
- MCAT scores
- Two letters of recommendation
Class of 2025 Profiles
- Female: 122
- Male: 132
- Average Age: 25
- Average Overall GPA: 3.53
- Average Science GPA: 3.46
- Average Composite MCAT: 507
- Class Size: 254
- Top Home States: Arizona, California, Illinois, and Utah
Graduation Rates
4-year graduation rates for the Classes of 2021, the 5-year graduation rate for the Class of 2020, and the 6-year (fully mature) graduation rate for the Class of 2019.
Graduating Class |
Graduation Rate |
Class of 2019 |
94% |
Class of 2020 |
93% |
Class of 2021 |
89% |
Residency Placement Statistics
Graduation Year | Number of Graduating Students Entering the Match | Number of Students Offered A Position | Number of Students Attempting to Match Who Were Not Placed in GME | Percent Matched |
2022 | 225 | 221 | 4 | 98% |
2021 | 250 | 238 | 12 | 95% |
2020 | 239 | 229 | 10 | 96% |
2019 | 225 | 220 | 5 | 98% |
2018 | 260 | 256 | 4 | 98% |
Important: Completion of a program of study does not guarantee placement in a residency program, future employment, licensure, or credentialing.
2022 Match by Specialty: (starting with 2020 match, no osteopathic match)
- Internal Medicine: 66
- Family Medicine: 34
- Surgery (all sub-specialties): 13
- Emergency Medicine: 25
- Anesthesiology: 23
- Pediatrics: 12
- Psychiatry: 11
- Dermatology: 5
- Radiology: 5
- OB/GYN: 5
- Neurology: 4
- Pathology: 4
- PM&R: 3
Examples of Match Locations in the Past Three Years
Military: Navy Medical Center (San Diego and Portsmouth), Tripler A.M.C., Wright Patterson A.F.B., Madigan A.M.C., Brooke Army Medical Center, Walter Reed Medical Center, Camp Pendleton, Elgin A.F.B., Keesler A.F.B., and Lackland A.F.B.
Top Arizona Hospitals: Valleywise Integrated Health System/Creighton, Abrazo Health Network, Banner University Medical Center, St. Joseph's Hospital/Dignity Health and Medical Center, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Mountain Vista Medical Center, Honor Health, University of Arizona (Tucson), Kingman Regional Medical Center, Canyon Vista Medical Center, and Verde Valley Medical Center
ACGME-accredited programs: University of Oklahoma, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Loyola University Medical Center, University of California, Kaiser, Scripps Mercy Hospital, Loma Linda, Drexel University, University of Washington, University of Texas, Baylor, Henry Ford, OUHCOM/Doctors Hospital, Genesys, Geisinger, Botsford Hospital, Campbell University, Case Western, CHRISTUS Health, Community Memorial Health System, Detroit Medical Center, Legacy Emanuel-Good Samaritan (Portland OR), Mercy Health System, Ohio Health-Doctors Hospital, Midwestern University OPTI-AZ, and Swedish Covenant.
COMLEX-USA Board Pass Rates
COMLEX-USA LEVEL 1 BOARD SCORES (NBOME REPORTING)
Year |
AZCOM Percent Pass Rate and Average Score |
National Percent Pass Rate and Average Score |
2019-20 |
95.28%/541.29 |
94.34%/534.22 |
2018-19 |
92.4%/535 |
93.0%/526 |
2017-18 |
95.8%/571 |
96.0%/558 |
2016-17 |
93.1% / 530 |
92.7% / 519 |
COMLEX-USA LEVEL 2CE BOARD SCORES (NBOME REPORTING)
Year |
AZCOM Percent Pass Rate Average Score |
National Percent Pass Rate Average Score |
2019-20 |
95.40%/567.33 |
96.84%/561.06 |
2018-19 |
96.6%/574 |
95.6%/569 |
2017-18 |
93.2%/547 |
92.8%/549 |
2016-17 |
94.1% / 558 |
93.2% / 520 |
COMLEX-USA LEVEL 2PE BOARD SCORES (NBOME REPORTING)
Year |
AZCOM Percent Pass Rate |
National Percent Pass Rate |
2019-20 |
94.9% |
92.1% |
2018-19 |
96.2% |
93.2% |
2017-18 |
97.2% |
93.2% |
2016-17 |
97.0% |
92.9% |
COMLEX LEVEL 3 BOARD SCORES (NBOME REPORTING)
First-time Takers in Year |
AZCOM Percent Pass Rate and Average Score |
National Percent Pass Rate and Average Score |
2019-20 |
unavailable/unavailable |
unavailable/unavailable |
2018-19 |
96.9%/567.41 |
97.49%/571.94 |
2017-18 |
97.2% / 568 |
95.4% / 561 |
2016-17 |
96.9% / 576 |
96.7% / 570 |
Program Description
The AZCOM course of study is typically four academic years. The first two years cover primarily didactic instruction with simulated patient clinical experiences and standardized patient experiences, followed by two years of primarily clinical rotations, with applicable didactic material. Upon graduation with the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, AZCOM graduates are eligible for postdoctoral residency training in all fields of medicine.
Using this philosophy, AZCOM's four-year curriculum educates students in the bio-psychosocial approach to patient care, as well as the basic medical arts and sciences. AZCOM students spend their first two years completing a rigorous basic science curriculum and preparing for clinical studies. During their third and fourth years, students rotate through a variety of clinical training sites, accruing an impressive 84 weeks of direct patient care experience. By stimulating intellectual curiosity and teaching problem solving skills, the AZCOM curriculum encourages students to regard learning as a lifelong process.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The educational mission of AZCOM is to produce qualified osteopathic physicians. Because the D.O. degree signifies that the holder is a physician prepared for entry into the practice of medicine within postgraduate training programs, 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 evaluation and treatment.
As scientists and practitioners of the healing arts, osteopathic physicians subscribe to a philosophy that regards the body as an integrated whole with structures and functions working interdependently. Therefore, osteopathic physicians treat their patients as unique persons with biological, psychological, and sociological/spiritual needs—an approach that underscores the osteopathic commitment to patient-oriented versus disease-oriented health care.
Accordingly, the following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to AZCOM with reasonable accommodation. A candidate must have abilities and skills in five areas: 1) observation; 2) communication; 3) motor; 4) intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative; and 5) behavioral and social. Technological compensation can be made for some limitation in areas, but a candidate certain should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.
- Observation: The candidate must be able to accurately make observations at a distance and close at hand, including those on a computer screen or electronic device. Observation necessitates the functional use of vision and sense of touch and is enhanced by the functional use of all of the other senses. (The candidate must be able to accurately auscultate lung/breath, heart and bowel sounds to complete the curricular requirement to individually complete physical examination of a patient.)
- Communication: The candidate must be able to communicate in English, proficiently and sensitively, in verbal and written form, and be able to perceive verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Motor: Candidates must be able to coordinate both gross and fine motor movements, maintain equilibrium and have functional use of the senses of touch and vision. The candidate must possess sufficient postural control, neuromuscular control, and eye-to-hand coordination to perform profession-specific skills and tasks. Candidates must be able to lift 20 lbs.
- Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: The candidate must be able to problem solve, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, record and synthesize large amounts of information in a timely manner. The candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand spatial relationships.
- Behavioral and Social Attributes: a. The candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment and the consistent, prompt completion of all responsibilities and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically, mentally and emotionally taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. The candidate must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, effective interpersonal skills, willingness and ability to function as an effective team player, interest, and motivation to learn are all personal qualities required during the educational process. b. The candidate must agree to participate in touching/palpating on the skin and being touched/palpated on the skin by individuals regardless of gender in all academic settings, including osteopathic manipulative techniques. These activities will take place in large and small group settings as directed in the College's curricular requirements.
Candidates are required to verify that they understand and are able to meet each Technical Standard at least four weeks prior to matriculation (or if admitted later, within one week of deposit). Candidates who may only meet Technical Standards with accommodation, must contact the Office of Student Services to make a formal request for accommodation. The Dean of Students, in consultation with the College Dean/Program Director, will determine what reasonable accommodations can be provided. The College is not able to grant accommodations that alter the educational standards of the curriculum.
Students must meet the Technical Standards for the duration of enrollment at the College. After matriculation, if a student fails to continue to meet the Technical Standards during subsequent enrollment, the student may apply for accommodation by contacting the Office of Student Services. If the accommodation needed to meet the Technical Standards alters the educational standards of the curriculum, the student's ability to satisfactorily progress in the curriculum will be evaluated by the appropriate College's Student Promotion and Graduation Committee.
PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS
For the 2020-2021 academic year, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in modifications of AZCOM's curricular delivery designed to prepare students for training in a socially-distanced setting and to keep students on track with their learning. Lectures were delivered synchronously, both in the lecture hall and virtually delivered using Web-Ex. Lecturers maintained interactivity with all attendees. Preclinical courses requiring hands on learning, such as Anatomy Lab, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine workshops, and Introduction to Clinical Medicine workshops were all delivered in person. Students were matched with a single partner each quarter and were provided personal protective equipment (PPE). The smaller numbers allocated to each classroom resulted in a more favorable faculty:student ratio. Virtual and hybrid clinical rotation materials were developed to replace unavailable rotations, supplement live rotations, or serve as training for quarantined students who were unable to attend in-person clinical rotations. To address social unrest, AZCOM has developed a Humanity in Medicine first year requirement and has reviewed its admissions process to increase diversity.
Improvements for the 2021-2022 academic year include strengthening partnerships with hospitals in Arizona, California and Illinois, and continuing to update and work with the Student House System. Midwestern University is also updating policies and procedure, including those in AZCOM, to assure equity and inclusion for all. In 2021, the first AZCOM Bridges Program applicants will matriculate with the Class of 2025. This program seeks a more diverse student body through a partnership with the College of Graduate Studies and the Biomedical Sciences Program.
MISSION
Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine educates students to become qualified osteopathic physicians who provide quality patient care, exhibit professionalism, and serve their communities.
The mission will be achieved by meeting the following objectives:
- Incorporate clinical teaching into the curriculum.
- Incorporate osteopathic principles and practice including osteopathic manipulative treatment into the curriculum.
- Incorporate basic scientific principles.
- Provide opportunities for research and scholarly activity for students, residents, and faculty.
- Prepare students for COMLEX-USA Level 1, Level 2 CE, and Level 2 PE to support completion of the program and graduation.
- Demonstrate student acquisition of the osteopathic core competencies.
- Assess the performance of AZCOM graduates.
- Encourage participation in community service by students, residents, and faculty.
- Support postgraduate training programs associated with Midwestern University, including osteopathic recognition program development.
- Equip students to be successful in residency placement.
- Provide faculty and staff development opportunities.
- Provide financial literacy programs and events.
- Support mental health and wellness for students, residents and faculty.
AZCOM Leadership
Dean's Office
- Dean of AZCOM: Lori Kemper, D.O., M.S., FACOFP, Associate Professor
- Associate Dean for Academic Affairs: Randall L. Nydam, Ph.D., Professor
- Associate Dean for Clinical Education: Sean Reeder, D.O., AOBFP, Associate Professor
- Associate Dean for Curricular Integration and Faculty Development: Katherine Mitzel, D.O., FACEP, Associate Professor
- Assistant Dean of AZCOM, Shannon Scott, D.O., FACOFP, Associate Professor
Department Chairs
- Chair of Osteopathic Family and Community Medicine: Tracy Middleton, D.O., FACOFP, Clinical Professor
- Vice Chair of Osteopathic Family and Community Medicine: Lawrence Sands, D.O., M.P.H., Associate Clinical Professor
- Chair of Integrated Medicine Charles Finch, D.O., FACOEP, FACEP, Clinical Professor
- Chair of Internal Medicine: William Peppo, D.O., FACOI, FCCP, FACP, Clinical Professor
- Chair of Maternal and Child Health: Farshad Agahi, M.D., FACOG, Associate Clinical Professor
- Vice Chair of Surgery and Anesthesia: Tanya Gunsberger, D.O., FACOS, Assistant Professor
Mean Salaries
2020 NATIONWIDE MEAN SALARIES VARY BY SPECIALTY-FROM -MEDSCAPE PHYSICIAN COMPENSATION REPORT
- Family Medicine: $234,000
- Internal Medicine: 251,000
- Pediatrics: $232,000
- General Surgery: $364,000
- Anesthesiologists: $398,000
- Emergency Medicine: $357,000
- Obstetrics and Gynecology: $308,000
- Psychiatry: $268,000
- Radiology: 427,000
The estimated number of physicians needed to serve patients in the U.S. is expected to increase from 691,000 in 2010 to 879,300 in 2020
US Employment Projections 2010 - 2020 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)