Back to Nova Southeastern University
Graduate-level
- Direct entry into the D.O. program upon completion of the two-semester program
- Enhanced prep for the basic biomedical sciences you will encounter during your first two years at any medical school
Be at the forefront of the most popular way to practice medicine by pursuing a master’s with a built-in pipeline into the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. Immerse yourself in all aspects of the medical school experience while building a strong foundation in the integrated medical sciences with the Master of Science in Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences (M.S. F.I.M.S.) program from Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.
This unique program not only prepares you academically for entry into medical school, it reserves your seat in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program and better prepares you for your eventual transition into residency.
Earn Your Medical Degree with a Unique Skill Set
Master the unique combination of scientific knowledge and study skills foundational for success in preclinical coursework in medical school during the first year of the curriculum. Showcase your unique interests in medicine by choosing courses within six related disciplines:
- Couple and Family Therapy
- Disaster and Emergency Management
- Health Informatics
- Nutrition
- Public Health
- Medical Education
Students who matriculate into the D.O. program at the conclusion of year one have the ability to finish their master’s coursework simultaneously with their D.O. classes. This affords you the opportunity to earn your medical degree and emerge from the program with a unique skill set that will set you apart as you apply for residency.
Join us and develop a strong, patient-focused mindset that will distinguish you as a future clinician with expert medical skills and a human touch.
Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences was a truly transformative experience that equipped me with the tools to excel academically and grow personally. I developed effective study techniques and mastered time management—balancing school with life’s milestones. The professors were incredibly supportive and genuinely cared about our success, always encouraging us to reach our full potential.
Romon Thach | President | Class of 2027 Treasurer | Neurology & Psychiatry Club Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Candidate | NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic
I am so grateful for Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences because I was able to learn the whole first semester of medical school over the year-long program which allowed for deeper understanding, closer connections with professors, and more confidence in my study skills. The first semester of medical school sets the tone for the next four years, and my time in FIMS set me up for a hugely successful preclinical experience.
Sydney Elness | OMS-2, Class of 2027 Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Candidate | NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic
As a non-traditional applicant, this program made all the difference for me. In Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences, I mastered the art of studying, time management, and most importantly, gained academic confidence. I truly owe my successes in medical school to this program. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Sierra Scott, OMS-II | Class of 2027 Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Candidate | NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic
I get to work with future medical students – students who want to go out into the world and make it a better place, heal people, and improve the quality of people’s lives. To be a small piece of that puzzle is really gratifying.
Christina Brown-Wujick, Ph.D., M.Ed., M.A. Director | Master of Science in Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences Program (M.S. FIMS)
Quick Facts
Tuition
Credits & Requirements
Application Deadlines
AACOMAS application due: January 15
PostBacCAS application due: October 1
*One, not both, of these applications is required for all M.S. F.I.M.S. applicants.
Delivery Options
Reserve Your Seat in NSU's D.O. Program
Designed by the College of Osteopathic Medicine faculty members, NSU's innovative Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences master's program is unique in that it offers direct entry into the D.O. program at two distinct points within the master's program.
This direct entry can be attained by students upon completion of year one's curriculum, or year two upon program completion, with a 500 or higher cumulative MCAT by May 1st and a 3.6 or higher program GPA. Students are also guaranteed an interview at the conclusion of both year one and year two, with a 500 or higher cumulative MCAT score by March 15 and a program GPA of 3.3-3.59. Every student who enters our M.S. F.I.M.S. program has a seat reserved just for them in the following fall's D.O. class until they finish the year.
Why Prepare for Medical School in the M.S. F.I.M.S. Program?
Direct Entry into D.O.
From the moment you enroll, a seat in NSU's D.O. program is held for you. Complete
Year 1 or Year 2 with a 3.6+ program GPA and the required MCAT score by the date set
by the Dean and that seat is yours — guaranteed, no reapplication required.
Medical School Immersion
M.S. F.I.M.S. students study the same curriculum, with the same faculty, in the same
facilities as first-year D.O. students at NSU's Tampa Bay Regional Campus — using
Canvas, Lecturio, and Complete Anatomy.
Faculty Focused on Your Success
The M.S. F.I.M.S. curriculum was designed by College of Osteopathic Medicine faculty
specifically to prepare students for the academic demands of the D.O. program. The
same faculty who teach M.S. F.I.M.S. teach in the D.O. program.
Learn More at a Virtual Open House
Our virtual open houses are your chance to ask specific questions and learn more about the M.S. F.I.M.S. program. Hosted on the Zoom platform, all open houses are free and require no reservations.
Upcoming Virtual Open House Sessions
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Day |
Date |
Time |
Zoom |
|
Friday |
October, 2, 2026 |
10:30 AM |
|
|
Friday |
October 16, 2026 |
10:30 AM |
|
|
Friday |
November 13, 2026 |
10:30 AM |
|
|
Friday |
December 4, 2026 |
10:30 AM |
M.S. F.I.M.S. Curriculum
Master the fundamentals of medicine including anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, genetics, and immunology. Two courses focused on academic success will give you strategies for excelling during your future in medical school.
View CurriculumWhich Path is Right for Me?
Four Year Track (D.O.) or Five/Six Year Track (M.S. F.I.M.S.)
Master of Science in Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences
A full-time master's degree program with D.O. program entry points at the end of year one and two.
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
The D.O. track is a professional degree that requires four years of study.
Doctoral program
- Professional internships
- Residencies
- All medical, surgical, and obstetric specialties
Admission Requirements
3.0
Or Higher Cumulative and Science GPA
Bachelor's
Degree from a Regionally Accredited Institution
Transcripts
From All Schools Attended or Agency Evaluation of Foreign Degree
6 Hours
With at Least a 2.0 GPA in English and 3 Hours of Biochemistry
8 Hours
With at Least a 2.0 GPA in Lab Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics
2-4 Letters
Of Recommendation, Including One from a Physician
Ready for the Next Step?
Great! The first step is to complete your application and submit supporting documents. You can choose to do this through one of the two application services: the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) or PostBacCAS.
Option One: The AACOMAS Application
NSU participates in the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application
Service, which provides an interactive, web-based application that can be accessed
through aacom.org, for the receipt and processing of all applications. AACOMAS takes
no part in the selection of students.
Go to the AACOMAS Application
Option Two:
The PostBacCAS Application
While this application option is acceptable for admission into the M.S. F.I.M.S.,
please note that you will need to fill out an AACOMAS application in order to matriculate
into the D.O. program at a later date. PostBacCas takes no part in the selection of
NSU students.
Go to the PostBacCAS Application
Complete your application
Choose from the AACOMAS or PostbacCAS application services.
Request your transcripts
Request transcripts be mailed to the AACOMAS or PostbacCAS by the registrars of all
colleges and universities attended.
Preprofessional letters of recommendation
If a preprofessional committee does not exist, three letters of evaluation are necessary (two from science professors and one from a nonscience professor).
All letters should be signed on official letterhead and submitted directly through the application portal you chose.
Letter of recommendation from a physician (D.O. or M.D.)
This letter should be signed on official letterhead and submitted directly through
the application portal you chose.
Submitting Your Materials
Please mail all documents to:
Mailing Address (Domestic)
Nova Southeastern University
Enrollment Processing Services (EPS)
College of Osteopathic Medicine
3301 College Avenue
P.O. Box 299000
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33314-9905
Mailing Address (International)
For International Students:
Nova Southeastern University
Attn: Enrollment Processing Services
3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33329-9905
After Applying, What Happens Next?
If selected, you’ll receive an invitation by the Health Professions Division Admissions
Office 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.
Interview Process
If you are selected for an interview, you will receive an email invitation from the Health Professions Division Admissions Office. A confirmation email will provide an agenda and other important information. Applicants may view their status at any time on the NSU Self-Service Banner (WebSTAR).
Interview Day
The candidate experience is a virtual half day and includes:
- Meeting the College of Osteopathic admissions counselor
- Information regarding the admissions committee decision process
- An overview presentation of the curriculum, facilities, and student support
- A private interview with a small team of faculty members
Still Have Questions? We're Here to Help.
Feel free to reach out to any of our admissions counselors or program directors listed
below.
Christina Brown-Wujick, Ph.D., M.Ed., M.A.
Assistant Professor and Director of the M.S. in Foundational & Integrated Medical
Sciences
cbrownwu@nova.edu
cbrownwu@nova.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
The Master of Science in Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences (M.S. F.I.M.S.) is a 36-credit pathway master's degree at Nova Southeastern University's Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. It prepares students for entry into NSU's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program through medical school-level coursework in anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, genetics, and immunology.
Yes. Students who complete Year 1 or Year 2 of the M.S. F.I.M.S. curriculum with a cumulative program GPA of 3.6 or higher and a cumulative MCAT score of 500 or higher by May 1 receive guaranteed direct entry into NSU's D.O. program. Students with a GPA of 3.3 to 3.59 and an MCAT of 500 or higher by March 15 are guaranteed a D.O. admissions interview.
A GPA of 3.6+ guarantees admission. A GPA of 3.3–3.59 guarantees an interview.
Year 1 of the M.S. F.I.M.S. program is offered on NSU's Tampa Bay Regional Campus using a flipped classroom model. Year 2 can be completed online from Tampa or the Davie campus.
The program can be completed in as little as two years (four semesters). Students who earn direct entry into the D.O. program after Year 1 can complete their remaining master's coursework concurrently with their D.O. classes.
Yes. Students who matriculate into the D.O. program at the conclusion of Year 1 can finish their remaining M.S. F.I.M.S. coursework alongside their D.O. classes, earning both degrees.
Applicants can apply through either AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service) or PostBacCAS. The AACOMAS deadline is January 15 and the PostBacCAS deadline is June 15. Only one application is required.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, a cumulative and science GPA of 3.0 or higher, 8 hours of lab sciences (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics), 6 hours of English, 3 hours of biochemistry, and 2 to 4 letters of recommendation including one from a physician.
No. The M.S. F.I.M.S. is a pathway to NSU's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program at the College of Osteopathic Medicine. The M.B.S. program is housed at NSU's Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine and provides linkage to the M.D. program. They are separate programs at separate colleges within NSU.