Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine - MSOM
Hagerstown, Maryland
Main Campus
General Information
MSOM is located in Hagerstown, Maryland (70 miles from Washington, D.C. and 70 miles from Baltimore) and has an innovative collaboration with Meritus Health, a long-standing teaching hospital with residency programs. MSOM is committed to expanding access to physicians in underserved areas and disparate populations while providing excellent healthcare with an emphasis on patient wellness.
MSOM seeks to graduate professionally accomplished practitioners and future healthcare leaders who engage their patients and build healthier communities. Program highlights include:
- Research opportunities to improve the lives of our community residents by addressing social determinants of health for marginalized populations
- A curriculum that focuses on social determinates of health, justice and equality
- Volunteer activities that improve the health of MSOM’s community by emphasis on service over self
- Hands-on learning with the latest technology, preparing students to lead in the evolving field of osteopathic medicine
- A systems-based clinically integrated curriculum that incorporates Team Based Learning (TBL), interactive lectures, and immersive virtual anatomy
Mission Statement
The mission of MSOM is to prepare future generations of physicians who are professionally accomplished, socially responsible, and community-oriented.
Closest City Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD
Campus Setting
RuralStudent Residence Options
At Meritus Commons, we are creating a vibrant living environment tailored specifically for the students of the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM). As part of Meritus Health’s commitment to excellence in healthcare education, this new housing development is designed to provide a supportive and enriching community for our future medical students.
The adjacent Meritus Commons will provide student housing through 340 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The complex will also include a club house, commons area and dog park. The first 90 units will be completed in time for the first class.
As part of their academic studies at MSOM, students will be encouraged to participate and create clubs that fall in line with the mission, vision, and values of the institution. Additionally, MSOM students will be actively encouraged to participate in professional societies and attend national conferences.
Students at MSOM will become a part of our growing, vibrant region by participating in service, outreach, and research opportunities core to our Mission. Caring for communities is integrated into our curriculum. Students will expand the positive impact of current and future wellness initiatives led by Meritus Health including its loneliness outreach program, million-pound weight loss, and walking programs.
The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine provides career counseling to ensure that all students can be successful during medical school and ensure residency preparedness. Students will receive guidance from learning specialists, faculty advisors, career counselors, and other members of the MSOM team.
MSOM students will be advised and counseled on professional opportunities and career development throughout all four (4) years of the curriculum to prepare for residency placement. MSOM is committed to providing an environment of supportive care that meets the mission of the school regarding student osteopathic wellness, and because of this commitment there are many resources to equip our students for success. MSOM provides students with access to counseling and mental healthcare resources.
COM Accreditation Status MSOM has received the status of Pre-Accreditation by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). Pre-accreditation is the highest level a school can achieve prior to graduating the first class.
University Affiliation(s) None
Overview
Private Institution
Non-Profit
None
Institutional Affiliation
2022
Year Founded
Rural
Campus Setting
Campus Contact
Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine - MSOM
Address
(202) 313-9539
Phone
Website
Admissions Office
Curricular Offerings at MSOM
- Experience an innovative, systems-based, one-pass curriculum that integrates Team-Based Learning (TBL), interactive lectures, and immersive virtual anatomy.
- Engage in hands-on learning with state-of-the-art technology and simulation facilities, empowering students to excel in the dynamic field of osteopathic medicine and clinical skills.
- Benefit from dedicated Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) preparation time embedded within the curriculum.
- Participate in research opportunities aimed at improving the lives of marginalized populations in Western Maryland by addressing social determinants of health.
- Embrace a curriculum that incorporates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Interprofessional Education (IPE), and essential topics such as Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Obstetrics, and Nutrition.
- High-achieving students can enhance their education by enrolling in certificate courses such as Health Data Services and Equity & Quality Improvement.
- Gain invaluable training in underserved areas, including the Meritus Health System and other clinical affiliates, to effectively prepare for real-world challenges in healthcare delivery.
Pre-Clinical Phase (OMS I & II)
During the Pre-Clinical Phase, students will take the following courses:
- Foundations of Biomedical Sciences
- Immunology
- Musculoskeletal System
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Science
- Integumentary System
- Cardiovascular System
- Pulmonary System
- Renal System
- Hematology and Oncology
- Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat
- Endocrine System
- Reproductive System
- Gastrointestinal System and Preventive Medicine
- Capstone Review (Board Preparation)
- OMM Principles and Practice (I-IV)
- Clinical Skills (I-IV)
- Interprofessional Education (I-IV)
- Research (I-IV)
Clinical Phase (OMS III & IV)
Third- and Fourth-year Medical Students rotate through clerkships while taking the following courses:
- Introduction to Clinicals
- Family Medicine Clerkship
- Internal Medicine Clerkship
- General Surgery Clerkship
- Pediatrics Clerkship
- OB/Gyn Clerkship
- Psychiatry Clerkship
- Comprehensive Clinical Management (Board Preparation)
- Emergency Medicine Clerkship
- Family Medicine I Clerkship
- Family Medicine II Clerkship
- Elective Clerkships
Dual Degrees/Concurrent Programs Offered
Certificate Courses
Improving quality and reducing disparities in care is essential in the transformation of the health care system. To support this mission, students with good academic standards will have the opportunity to take certificate courses from the administration.
Students can register for the Health Data Services course in the Spring of the first year and the Health Equity and Quality Improvement course in the fall of the second year. These Certificate courses focus on understanding, measuring, and improving quality in health care, health data services, and health equity. Students are expected to complete all the course requirements to successfully achieve the certificates.
Premedical Coursework
Courses below are shown as either Recommended or Required and, when applicable, include the number of semester hours needed.
Anatomy
Recommended3 semester hours
Biochemistry
Recommended3 semester hours
Biology/Zoology
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Cell/Molecular Biology
Recommended3 semester hours
Chemistry (Inorganic)
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Chemistry (Organic)
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Genetics
Recommended3 semester hours
Immunology
Recommended3 semester hours
Microbiology
Recommended3 semester hours
Physics
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Physiology
Recommended3 semester hours
Behavioral Sciences
Recommended3 semester hours
College English
Required6 semester hours
Additional Non-Science Courses
Epidemiology
Recommended with 3 semester hours
Multicultural Studies
Recommended with 3 semester hours
Public Health
Recommended with 3 semester hours
Admissions
MSOM participates with other osteopathic colleges in a centralized application processing service called the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS). To start the application process, prospective students must apply directly to AACOMAS.
Applicants must request all official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended be sent electronically directly from the institution(s) to AACOMAS according to the AACOMAS instructions. Applicants must also ensure that all MCAT scores are forwarded directly to AACOMAS from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
After receiving the verified AACOMAS application, applicants will be invited to submit an online Secondary Application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring they have met MSOM’s admission requirements (e.g., specific letters of reference, prerequisites, minimum MCAT score) before submitting a Secondary Application.
Applicants will need to complete the MSOM Secondary Application and pay the $100 non-refundable secondary application fee. MSOM will waive the secondary application fee if the applicant has an approved AACOMAS fee waiver document. Applicants will be required to provide documentation of the AACOMAS fee waiver in the Secondary Application.
The MSOM Admissions Committee seeks individuals who are a good match for our mission and capable of meeting our academic and professional standards. Applicants are screened for academic achievement, clinical involvement, interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, service, perseverance, maturity, motivation, and knowledge of the osteopathic profession. Applicants who pass this screening will be invited for a virtual interview.
Admitted applicants must notify the Office of Admissions of their intention to enroll and pay the non-refundable enrollment deposit fee within a specified time period to secure their seat for fall 2025 (Class of 2029).
Interview Options: Virtual interviews only
Physician letter required? MD or DO
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
Will your institution waive MCAT exam requirements? No
Accepts online lab coursework? Yes, but only in certain circumstances
MSOM will accept online lab coursework completed between January 2020 and January 2023 for the 2024-2025 application cycle.Primary Application Service: AACOMAS
Earliest Application Submission Date: September 26, 2024
Primary Application Deadline: April 11, 2025
Submission Timing for Best Consideration
International Students Accepted? Does Not Accept International Students
Are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students considered for admissions? Yes
MSOM cannot guarantee the licensure of DACA students by state licensing boards. MSOM encourages all applicants with DACA status to contact the state where they plan to practice to determine their eligibility for a license issued by that agency.Application Interview Format: Traditional
Early Decision Program (EDP)
EDP Offered? No
EDP Applications Submitted To AACOMAS
Supplemental Application
Supplemental Application Required? Yes
Applicants invited to submit a Secondary Application will receive an email notification containing instructions on how to complete the Secondary Application. This email will also include instructions on how to submit the application fee ($100 non-refundable).
MSOM will waive the secondary application fee if the applicant has an approved AACOMAS fee waiver document. The MSOM secondary application includes three required short answer questions. Applicants are encouraged to submit their Secondary Application within two weeks of receiving the Secondary Application.
Earliest Supplemental Application Submission Date: September 26, 2024
Supplemental Application Deadline: May 31, 2025
Supplemental Application Sent To: All Applicants
Supplemental Application Fee: $100 - Applicants are responsible for ensuring they meet specific admissions requirements before submitting their Secondary Application.
Supplemental Application Fee Refundable? No
Supplemental Application Fee Waiver Available? Yes
MSOM will waive the secondary application fee if the applicant has an approved AACOMAS fee waiver document. Instructions are provided in the Secondary Application for submitting the AACOMAS fee waiver document.Earliest Acceptance Date
October 1, 2024
Latest Acceptance Date
July 14, 2025
Orientation/Start Date for First Year Students
July 21, 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 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.
Oldest MCAT Considered: January 1, 2021
Latest MCAT Score Accepted: June 30, 2025
Accepted Sources for Letters of Recommendation
- AACOMAS
Main Admissions Contact
(202) 313-9539
Phone
Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid
2024-2025 Academic Year
In-State Tuition
$55,000
Out-of-State Tuition
$55,000
Annual Fees
In-State Resident Fees
$3,500
Out-of-State Resident Fees
$3,500
Health Insurance Fee
$4,700
Tuition Fees Include
Estimates, Deposits, and More
Estimated Annual Room Board, Books, and Living Costs
$36,002
Average Graduate Indebtedness
N/A
Acceptance Deposit
$1,000 - After three days have passed, the deposit is non-refundable.
Additional Deposit
$1,700 - Additional housing deposit.
Deposit Applied to Tuition? Yes
Deposit Refundable? Yes
The housing deposit is refundable at end of residence if student complies with certain conditions.Financial Aid Website https://msom.org/financial-aid/applying-for-aid
Percent of Enrolled Students with Financial Aid N/A
Scholarships Offered? Yes
Annual Scholarship/Grant Per Student: $25,000