Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine - DMUCOM
West Des Moines, Iowa
Main Campus
General Information
Des Moines University offers a premier academic experience guided by dedicated faculty and a rigorous curriculum. Its cutting-edge campus is designed to meet evolving educational needs and promotes a dynamic and diverse space for learning and research.
DMU prioritizes service learning and emphasizes culturally sensitive health care provision. It prepares students to excel in general practice or in specialty areas such as surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, cardiology, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and others.
Mission Statement
Facilities
In the summer of 2023, DMU unveiled its new visionary medical and health sciences campus, heralding a new era of education and training excellence. Located on 88 acres in West Des Moines, Iowa, the new campus features learning spaces that foster expertise, engagement and collaboration.
Students thrive within adaptable learning spaces tailored to accommodate various pedagogical approaches, including didactic lectures, active-learning sessions and small group work. DMU’s new campus also boasts advanced simulated health care environments mirroring those found in modern medical facilities, offering students an unparalleled setting to hone their patient care skills.
Explore the DMU website to learn more about this extraordinary educational environment.
Student Residence Options
Campus life at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences encourages students to immerse themselves in learning while fostering opportunities to unwind and recharge. Whether grabbing a latte or a bite to eat at Summerfield’s Café, taking a break in one of the meditation rooms or participating in various activities, campus life at DMU is enriching.
With more than 50 clubs, student organizations, honorary societies, interfaith groups, service learning and student government associations, there’s something for everyone to get involved in and develop their leadership skills. DMU’s state-of-the-art Wellness Center provides convenient access to exercise machines, free weights, and group fitness classes led by expert instructors. Plus, DMU’s intramural teams compete for basketball, volleyball and pickleball championships, fostering a sense of community and healthy competition.
The university’s 88-acre campus offers expansive spaces where students can enjoy the beauty of nature, play soccer by a scenic pond, take a power walk on the extensive trail system through campus or unwind and connect with friends at designated spots like the Council Ring.
DMU's meditation rooms are inclusive for those seeking moments of reflection and relaxation and promote physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. Equipped with massage chairs and featuring feet washing stations to accommodate diverse faith practices, the rooms are open to all students.
DMU’s commitment to student wellness extends to primary care services available through DMU’s University Health Clinic, conveniently located on campus. In addition, the Student Counseling Center provides a range of supportive services to assist students in their personal and academic journeys.
COM Accreditation Status Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
University Affiliation(s) Des Moines University
-
2023-2024
Academic Year Enrollment
Total Medical School Enrollment
873
Total Male
437
Total Female
431
Total Enrollment Affiliate Institutions
873
First-Year Matriculants
227
First-Year Male Matriculants
130
First-Year Female Matriculants
97
Matriculants In-State
38
Matriculants Out-of-State
189
Self-Reported Race/Ethnicity
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
23.3%
Black/African American
0.9%
Hispanic/Latino
5.7%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
%
White
62.6%
Multiple Races
5.7%
Undisclosed
%
Majors of First-Year Matriculants
Science Majors
88.3%
Non-Science Majors
11.7%
Graduate Degrees
7.0%
Overview
Private Institution
Non-Profit
Des Moines University
Institutional Affiliation
1898
Year Founded
Suburban
Campus Setting
Campus Contact
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine - DMUCOM
Address
(515) 271-1499
Phone
Website
Admissions Office
Curricular Offerings
- State-of-the-art basic surgical skills training, providing a strong foundation in clinical/surgical skills prior to rotations.
- Clinical skills and clinical reasoning courses that employ simulation medicine and Standardized Patients (SPs).
- Wide range of elective offerings to individualize each student’s medical education.
- Global health opportunities ranging from short service trips to extended-length international clerkships.
- Lecture and laboratory encounters coupled with experiences in teaching hospitals, clinics, and community service agencies.
- Small group clinical cases with direct application of basic science knowledge to clinical care (SKIPPS).
- Courses in preventive medicine and evidence-based medicine, geriatrics, and rural medicine.
- Integration of medical humanities and bioethics throughout the curriculum.
- Ultrasound Technology integrated within the curriculum.
- Extensive training in osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Preparatory/Postbaccalaureate Programs Offered
MS in Anatomy
While there isn’t a direct bridge between the master’s program and the College of Medicine, enrolled students who meet specific criteria may interview for admission.
MS in Biomedical Sciences
While there isn’t a direct bridge between the master’s program and the College of Medicine, enrolled students who meet specific criteria may interview for admission.
Special Programs
Extensive Research Opportunities
International Medicine Programs
Opportunities range from short service trips to extended-length international clerkships for credit in the third and fourth years. Numerous electives offered at DMU support a track or emphasis in global health. DMU also is home to several student clubs dedicated to addressing global health issues. Explore this interactive map showcasing DMU’s global health locations to gain insights into the diverse regions DMU students have made impactful contributions.
Dual Degrees/Concurrent Programs Offered
DO/MHA
Hospitals, healthcare systems, and healthcare providers today have tremendous need for high-performing, high-achieving leaders. The Master of Health Care Administration program provides students with the knowledge, skills and understanding for this vital role. A tuition discount is provided to AOA members for MHA courses.
DO/MPH
The Master of Public Health program at Des Moines University is vital to support professionals working in public health. Courses provide an opportunity for health professionals and health profession students to further develop their skills to lead community efforts in improving the health of populations.
DO/MS
The Master of Science in Anatomy program provides advanced training in anatomy and is designed to prepare students for a professional career in academic teaching or research. Educators and scientists who wish to further enhance their careers as teachers of the anatomical discipline will also benefit from this program.
DO/MSBS
The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program is designed to enable students to further develop their careers in medical and scientific research and academic medicine, with the goal of improving human health.
DO/PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences (Ph.D.) trains physician/scientists to combine research skills and clinical practice with broad knowledge of the foundational disciplines –biochemistry, molecular genetics, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology and immunology.
Premedical Coursework
Courses below are shown as either Recommended or Required and, when applicable, include the number of semester hours needed.
Anatomy
RecommendedBiochemistry
Required3 semester hours
Biology/Zoology
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Chemistry (Inorganic)
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Chemistry (Organic)
Required With Lab4 semester hours
Genetics
RecommendedPhysics
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Physiology
RecommendedBehavioral Sciences
Recommended6 semester hours
College English
Required6 semester hours
Additional Non-Science Courses
Recommended: Humanities, 6 semester hours
Admissions
Please review our How to Apply page on the DMU website for details on the admissions process:
Interview Options: Virtual interviews only
Physician letter required? N/A; no physician letter required
Virtual Shadowing Options? Will accept EITHER virtual or in-person shadowing
Accepts online coursework to fulfill prerequisite requirements? Yes
Accepts prerequisite coursework pass/fail grades? Yes, but only in certain circumstances
Case-by-case considerationWill your institution waive MCAT exam requirements? No
Accepts online lab coursework? Yes
Primary Application Service: AACOMAS
Earliest Application Submission Date: May 6, 2024
Primary Application Deadline: April 11, 2025
Submission Timing for Best Consideration
First Year Class Matriculant's Selection Factors
DMU seeks to enroll candidates who demonstrate the greatest potential for success in providing culturally responsive care and compassion as a future physician. Candidates should have successfully completed or be working toward successful completion of a bachelor’s degree (any major is acceptable) as well as all required coursework.
The MCAT should be taken for the first time no later than September; however, it is advisable to take prior to the start of the application cycle (spring). Successful applicants will have extensive exposure to the medical field in a role that involves direct patient contact. DMU is participating in the use of the Association of American Medical Colleges Professional Readiness Exam (AAMC PREviewTM), this cycle. Although highly encouraged, the PREview is not a requirement. An interview will explore the applicant’s personal characteristics (integrity, professionalism, compassion, work ethic, etc.) as well as the motivation required to pursue a career in medicine.
DMU-COM operates under a rolling admission policy; thus, timely submission of the AACOMAS application and supporting materials is to the candidate’s advantage. DMU-COM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, creed, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.
International Students Accepted? Does Not Accept International Students
Are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students considered for admissions? No
Application Interview Format: See Below
DMU operates on rolling admission and generally schedules interviews from August to March of the application year. Candidates will receive information on the curriculum, clinical rotations, financial aid, student life, and student counseling and have the opportunity to interact with current students.
Early Decision Program (EDP)
EDP Offered? No
EDP Applications Submitted To AACOMAS
Supplemental Application
Supplemental Application Required? No
Supplemental Application Sent To: All Applicants
Supplemental Application Fee Refundable? No
Supplemental Application Fee Waiver Available? No
Earliest Acceptance Date
September 1, 2024
Latest Acceptance Date
July 31, 2025
Orientation/Start Date for First Year Students
July 31, 2025
Deferred Entrance Requests Considered? Yes
Acceptance/deposit deadlines conform to the AACOMAS Traffic Guidelines Schedule? Yes
Osteopathic Medical College (COM) applicants may be asked to submit necessary matriculation documents, including a deposit, according to the following AACOMAS traffic guideline schedule:
- Those accepted prior to November 15 to have until December 14.
- Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 to have 30 days.
- Those accepted between January 15 and April 30 to have 14 days.
- Those accepted on or after May 1 may be asked by the accepting COM for an immediate deposit.
- After May 1 of the year of matriculation, each COM has the discretion to implement COM-specific procedures for accepted students who hold one or more seats at other COMs.
Mean MCAT Score
507.5
Avg. Cum. Undergrad GPA Score
3.66
Oldest MCAT Considered: January 1, 2022
Latest MCAT Score Accepted: January 1, 2025
Accepted Sources for Letters of Recommendation
- AACOMAS
Main Admissions Contact
Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid
2024-2025 Academic Year
In-State Tuition
$64,370
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,370
Annual Fees
In-State Resident Fees
$89
Out-of-State Resident Fees
$89
Health Insurance Fee
$3,699
Tuition Fees Include
Estimates, Deposits, and More
Estimated Annual Room Board, Books, and Living Costs
$30,003
Average Graduate Indebtedness
$272,484
Acceptance Deposit
$1,500, non-refundable
Additional Deposit
$0
Deposit Applied to Tuition? Yes
Deposit Refundable? No
Financial Aid Website https://www.dmu.edu/financial-aid/
Percent of Enrolled Students with Financial Aid 84%
Scholarships Offered? Yes
Annual Scholarship/Grant Per Student: $10,499
