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The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program at Nova Southeastern University’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine is a four-year doctoral degree designed to prepare students to become licensed physicians. Rooted in a holistic, patient-centered philosophy, the program combines rigorous scientific training with a focus on treating the whole person—mind, body, and environment.
Students gain hands-on experience through early clinical exposure, comprehensive coursework, and customized rotation opportunities in diverse healthcare settings. With an emphasis on compassionate care, preventive medicine, and serving underserved communities, graduates are prepared to enter residency training and pursue careers across a wide range of medical specialties.
Program Highlights
Designed to prepare future physicians for success, NSU’s D.O. program combines rigorous academics, hands-on clinical training, and a clear pathway to residency and medical licensure.
- Degree: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
- Accreditation: Fully accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
- Timeline: Complete in 4 years.
- Career Outcome: Eligible for residency and medical licensure.
- Residency Placement Rate: Residency Placement Rate: 99% GME placement rate (Class of 2024); 98.3% (Class of 2026) — consistently above 97% across seven consecutive graduating classes.
- Annual Tuition (2025–2026): $71,617 per year
- Campuses: Fort Lauderdale/Davie, Florida and Tampa Bay Regional Campus (Clearwater, Florida).
- Class Size: Approximately 322 students per class across both campuses
- Enrollment Rank: 10th-largest among 35 accredited U.S. osteopathic medical schools
- COMLEX-USA Level 1 First-Time Pass Rate: 85% (2024–2025)
- COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE First-Time Pass Rate: 86% (2024–2025)
- Retention Rate: 98% (2023–2024)
- Application Deadlines: AACOMAS application due January 15 | NSU supplemental due March 1
- Concurrent Degrees Available: M.P.H., M.S. in Health Informatics, M.S. in Disaster and Emergency Management, M.S. in Medical Education, M.S. in Nutrition — two degrees in four years at reduced cost.
As we explore the next chapter of medical education here at NSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine, we are committed to pursuing a pathway that provides our students with the most comprehensive, equitable and inclusive, cutting-edge, and compassionate learning experience possible.
Elaine M. Wallace, D.O., Dean | Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
What's the Difference Between a D.O. and an M.D.?
The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) and Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) are both fully accredited medical degrees that qualify graduates to become licensed physicians in all 50 states. D.O.s and M.D.s can prescribe medications, perform surgery, and practice in every medical specialty. Both compete in the same National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and are accepted into the same residency programs.
What sets the D.O. apart is its foundational philosophy: treating the whole person — mind, body, and environment — rather than focusing solely on symptoms. D.O. students complete dedicated training in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), a hands-on approach that addresses the musculoskeletal system and supports the body's natural healing. D.O. programs also carry a strong commitment to primary care and serving medically underserved communities.
Quick Facts
January 15: AACOMAS App Due
March 1: NSU Supplemental App Due
Specialize Your Studies: Explore Academic Departments
Family Medicine
Department of Family MedicineFamily Medicine
Department of Family Medicine
Geriatrics
Department of Geriatric MedicineGeriatrics
Department of Geriatric Medicine
Internal Medicine
Department of Internal MedicineInternal Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine
Nutrition
Department of NutritionNutrition
Department of Nutrition
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyObstetrics and Gynecology
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Osteopathic Principles and Practice
Osteopathic Principles and PracticeOsteopathic Principles and Practice
Osteopathic Principles and Practice
Pediatrics
Department of PediatricsPediatrics
Department of Pediatrics
Psychiatry
Department of PsychiatryPsychiatry
Department of Psychiatry
Rural and Urban Underserved
Rural and Urban Underserved MedicineRural and Urban Underserved
Rural and Urban Underserved Medicine
Surgery
Department of SurgerySurgery
Department of SurgeryChoose Your Path to Becoming a Physician (D.O.)
NSU offers multiple entry points into the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program — whether you are ready to begin your doctoral training now, want additional preparation before applying, or are a high school student planning your path to medical school. Every track leads to the same outcome: a fully accredited D.O. degree and the credentials to pursue residency training in any medical specialty.
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) is a four-year professional medical degree that prepares you to become a licensed physician.
- Preclinical training in foundational sciences, clinical skills, and clinical reasoning
- Clinical rotations across all major specialties, including rural and urban underserved settings
- Elective opportunities in subspecialty training
- Prepares you to match into medical, surgical, and obstetric specialties
M.S. in Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences (M.S. F.I.M.S.)
A full-time graduate program designed to strengthen your academic preparation for medical school.
- 18-credit program completed over two semesters
- Direct entry into the D.O. program upon completion with a 3.6 GPA
- Advanced preparation in biomedical sciences aligned with medical school coursework
D.O. and Master's Degree (Concurrent Programs)
Earn your D.O. while completing a master’s degree, expanding your expertise and career opportunities.
- Complete two degrees in four years at a reduced cost
- Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
- M.S. in Health Informatics
- M.S. in Disaster and Emergency Management
- M.S. in Medical Education
- M.S. in Nutrition
D.O. and Bachelor's Degree (Dual Admissions Programs)
Designed for high school students, this pathway allows you to secure your place in the D.O. program while completing your undergraduate degree.
- Early assurance pathway into medical school
- Complete both degrees in approximately seven to eight years
Accreditation
NSU's Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) of the American Osteopathic Association — the sole accrediting body for D.O. programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Following a comprehensive review in Spring 2025, KPCOM's accreditation was reaffirmed through AY 2034-2035. COCA currently accredits 46 colleges of osteopathic medicine nationwide. With 1,644 students enrolled in 2024-2025, NSU KPCOM is one of the largest medical schools in the United States.
The NSU Edge: What Sets KPCOM Apart
At NSU KPCOM, students train in advanced simulation labs, complete a required three-month rotation serving medically underserved communities, and learn alongside students from NSU's colleges of pharmacy, optometry, nursing, and dental medicine. With 50+ student clubs, active practitioner faculty, and the option to earn a concurrent master's degree in four years, graduates leave with more than a D.O. — they leave ready to lead.
The results reflect it: NSU KPCOM graduates have achieved residency placement rates of 97% or higher across seven consecutive graduating classes, with the Class of 2024 reaching 99% and the Class of 2022 achieving 100%.
D.O. Career Outlook & Salaries
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine practice across every medical specialty. The following reflect compensation data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Physicians & Surgeons (all specialties) — median $239,200+/year
Family Medicine Physician — average $256,830/year
Pediatrician — average $222,340/year
Emergency Medicine Physician — $310,000+/year
Psychiatrist — $269,120/year
Obstetrician / Gynecologist — $281,130/year
General Surgeon — $282,500+/year
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3% growth in physician employment from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 23,600 new openings projected each year — driven by an aging population, rising chronic illness rates, and growing demand for mental health services.
Making the Match: Residency Outcomes
NSU KPCOM graduates consistently excel in the competitive residency match process. Across seven consecutive graduating classes from 2020 through 2026, residency match (GME placement) rates have remained at 97.3% or higher — with the Class of 2024 and Class of 2023 each achieving 99%, and the Class of 2022 reaching 100%.
The Class of 2026 placed 354 graduates into ACGME-accredited residency programs and 11 into military programs, for a combined GME placement rate of 98.3%.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NSU D.O. program is a four-year doctoral degree. The first two years cover preclinical training in foundational sciences, clinical skills, and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). Years three and four are core and elective clinical rotations at hospitals across Florida and other states. After graduation, D.O.s complete a residency of 3-7 years depending on specialty before practicing independently.
D.O.s and M.D.s are both fully licensed physicians who can -diagnose, treat, prescribe, and perform procedures in all 50 states. D.O. training adds 200+ hours of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and emphasizes whole-person, preventive care. D.O. graduates compete in the same NRMP residency match as M.D. graduates and are accepted into the same residency programs.
NSU KPCOM has maintained a GME placement rate of 97.3% or higher across every graduating class from 2020 through 2026. The Class of 2024 achieved a 99% placement rate, with 367 graduates matching into ACGME-accredited programs and 9 into military programs. Source: NSU KPCOM GME Placement Data, 2020-2026.
Rotations take place at partner hospitals throughout Florida, Mississippi, and New York, among other states. All students complete a required three-month rotation in a rural or urban medically underserved setting. Elective sub-specialty rotations are also available.
Yes. NSU KPCOM's concurrent degree programs let you earn your D.O. alongside a master's degree in four years at a reduced cost. Options include the M.P.H., M.S. in Health Informatics, M.S. in Disaster and Emergency Management, M.S. in Medical Education, and M.S. in Nutrition.
For Fall entry: AACOMAS application due January 15; NSU Supplemental Application due March 1. Decisions are made on a rolling basis - applying early is strongly recommended.
Tuition for the 2025–2026 academic year is $71,617 per year. For a complete breakdown of fees and financial aid options, visit the Tuition and Fees page. NSU offers scholarships, grants, and financial aid to help offset costs. The average student loan debt for the Class of 2025 was $363,753.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and complete prerequisite coursework in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and English. MCAT scores are required and must be no more than three years old. A minimum cumulative and science GPA of 3.0 is required. Applications are submitted through AACOMAS by January 15. The NSU supplemental application is due March 1. Selected applicants are invited for a personal interview.
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View Program Curriculum
Professional Licensure Disclosure
For professional licensure disclosure information, including state-by-state determinations, view the below PDF.
Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement (PDF) Tuition for the 2025–2026 academic year is $71,617 per year. For a complete breakdown of fees and financial aid options, visit the Tuition and Fees page. NSU offers scholarships, grants, and financial aid to help offset costs. The average student loan debt for the Class of 2025 was $363,753.
Checking Your Application Status
You can check your application anytime on the NSU Self-Service Banner (WebSTAR).
After Applying, What Happens Next?
Competitive applicants will receive an invitation from the Office of Admissions to schedule an interview. This personal interview is the next step and does not guarantee admission. Acceptance is on a "rolling" or periodic schedule, and you will receive decision notices via email and mail.