Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine - RVUCOM
General Information
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) was founded in 2006 to educate osteopathic physicians and prepare them to meet the diverse needs of their patients. It is our goal and standard that upon graduation, our students will be qualified to enter any medical specialty. Our emphasis, however, is the training of students who are committed to entering community-based and primary care disciplines to meet the needs of those who are underserved or disadvantaged in Colorado, Utah, and the Mountain West Region.
We are committed to producing graduates who not only are knowledgeable and skilled, but who also are ethical, compassionate, holistic, and patient-centered. It is our goal that all RVUCOM students will practice the traditions of osteopathic principles, philosophy and heritage and will become well-rounded physicians equipped to meet the needs of patients today and into the future. The RVUCOM-Utah campus, located in Ivins, UT matriculated its first class in 2017.
Additional Locations
Additional Locations offer the same programs as the main campus. Use the main campus' application to apply to additional locations.
RVUCOM Utah Campus - RVUCOM-UT
Affiliation
Address
Campus Setting
Website https://www.rvu.edu/ut/
Phone
Mission Statement
Closest City Denver is the closest city for the Colorado campus; St. George for the Utah campus.
Campus Setting
SuburbanFacilities
The Colorado campus includes a 145,000-square-foot educational facility constructed to advance the education of RVUCOM students and graduates. The Utah campus features a 104,000-square-foot medical education facility, including a full simulation center featuring an emergency room, OR, ICU, and labor and delivery suite. RVUCOM has designed and equipped a standardized patient lab that is based on the requirements established for the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners as well as the United States Medical Licensing Examination. A simulator laboratory is available to provide students with the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills, competencies and confidence. The auditoriums, laboratories, and study and learning areas of the college have been engineered to develop a positive learning environment.
Student Residence Options
RVU provides a wide range of resources, opportunities, and services to enhance student experience including:
- Career Advising and Planning
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Educational Learning Support
- Mental Health and Wellness
- Tutoring
- Disability Services
- Student Interest Groups
- Student Government (SGA)
- Peer Mentor Program
- Physical Health Services
- Student Clubs and Organizations
- Volunteer Opportunities
COM Accreditation Status RVUCOM is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
University Affiliation(s) Rocky Vista University (Parker, CO & Ivins, UT)
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Entering Class 2023
Academic Year Enrollment
Total Medical School Enrollment
374
Total Male
167
Total Female
207
Total Enrollment Affiliate Institutions
454
First-Year Matriculants
361
First-Year Male Matriculants
158
First-Year Female Matriculants
201
First-Year Other Matriculants
2
Matriculants In-State
113
Matriculants Out-of-State
248
Self-Reported Race/Ethnicity
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.0%
Asian
14.1%
Black/African American
2.8%
Hispanic/Latino
9.7%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.0%
White
66.2%
Multiple Races
3.6%
Undisclosed
2.8%
Majors of First-Year Matriculants
Science Majors
87.2%
Non-Science Majors
12.8%
Graduate Degrees
14.1%
Overview
Private Institution
For Profit
Rocky Vista University (Parker, CO & Ivins, UT)
Institutional Affiliation
2006
Year Founded
Suburban
Campus Setting
Campus Contact
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine - RVUCOM
Address
(303) 373-2008
Phone
Website
Admissions Office
Social Media
Curricular Offerings
The design of the curriculum is based on a proven systems-based integrated academic model. It emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, guiding students to develop a holistic, and more importantly, an osteopathic approach to medicine. In utilizing a systems approach to medical education, basic biomedical science disciplines are integrated with clinical sciences in a fashion that reflects clinical relevancy, rather than broken down into individual segregated disciplines. RVUCOM continually correlates basic scientific information and methodology with fundamental clinical application.
Students are exposed to clinical settings in their first semester, which gives them the opportunity to prepare for the “real world” of medicine. We believe that by adding early clinical exposure and active learning in a team or small-group setting early in the curriculum, we will strengthen the students’ ability to think critically, solve clinical problems and develop the skills they will require to continue to learn throughout their careers. Professionalism and ethics are key components for a physician and are emphasized throughout the entire curricular experience at RVUCOM.
- Third and fourth-year students are placed at one of our regional centers throughout the state and region to ensure continuity and coordination of clinical education within RVU’s vast and growing clinical training network. The competency-based curriculum is designed to fulfill our mission of training students who are competent and ready to enter graduate medical education and training, with an emphasis on preparing students to become primary care physicians.
- RVUCOM has a dedicated faculty; established affiliations with medical centers, hospitals and health care systems; a structured and supported rural medicine program; and a mission to educate the finest osteopathic physicians possible.
Educational Tracks
Educational Tracks offered in: Military Medicine, Global Medicine, Rural/Wilderness Medicine, Physician-Scientist, Academic Medicine and Leadership, Long Term Care Medicine (Utah location only) Urban Underserved
(Colorado location only) and Digital Health.
Preparatory/Postbaccalaureate Programs Offered
Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS)
The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences is a 9-month (31 semester hours) degree program designed to strengthen the academic background of qualified applicants who are seeking acceptance into graduate health programs, such as medical, veterinary, dental, physician assistant, or other professional programs. The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences currently offers a core curriculum in Biomedical Sciences designed to prepare students to enter professional education and/or advanced degree programs in the biomedical disciplines. The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences aims at enhancing the student’s academic record and competitiveness of his or her candidacy for a professional or graduate degree.
Special Programs
Tracks and Special Programs
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine has developed several specialized educational tracks and programs to further develop the education of interested students. For a list of offerings, please see https://www.rvu.edu/tracks-and-special-programs/
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 Lab8 semester hours
Physics
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Physiology
RecommendedBehavioral Sciences
RecommendedCollege English
Required6 semester hours
Math/Statistics
RecommendedAdmissions
Interview considerations are only given to candidates possessing a minimum of 3.00 science GPA and 3.00 cumulative GPA. An MCAT score is required and must be within the immediate three years. MCOM does not require a minimum MCAT score.
Three letters of recommendation are required including an academic reference (pre-med committee or advisor, science faculty or anyone who can address the candidate’s academic aptitude), a credentialed healthcare provider (DO, MD, PA, or NP) who supervised the candidate’s work (voluntary or paid) in a clinical setting in a clinical setting, and a third letter of the candidate’s choice.
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? No
Only if documentation can be provided that the P grade is equivalent to a grade of 'C' or higher.Will your institution waive MCAT exam requirements? No
Accepts online lab coursework? Yes
Earliest Application Submission Date: May 6, 2024
Primary Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
Submission Timing for Best Consideration
First Year Class Matriculant's Selection Factors
International Students Accepted? Accepts International Students
RVUCOM considers international applicants. Demonstrated English language proficiency is required; preference will be given to applicants who have previously attended a regionally-accredited college or university in the U.S.Are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students considered for admissions? No
Application Interview Format: Traditional
Interviews will be conducted virtually in an online format. Each candidate will interview with one-to-two individuals selected by the RVUCOM Office of Admissions.
Interviewers will only have access to personal statements, work and volunteer experience, honors and awards, RVUCOM supplemental questions, and letters of recommendation. Interviewers will not have access to a candidate’s academic information or MCAT scores.
Interview questions may be based only on information from the supplemental application and non-academic information from the primary AACOMAS application. The length of the interview is approximately 30 minutes, and the style is relaxed and conversational to help determine a candidate’s fit for the expected culture of RVUCOM.
Early Decision Program (EDP)
EDP Offered? No
EDP Applications Submitted To AACOMAS
Supplemental Application
Supplemental Application Required? Yes
Verified AACOMAS applications will be screened for our minimum requirements. Candidates must posses a 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science) and a qualifying MCAT score taken within the last three years prior to matriculation. Qualifying applications will be invited to submit the supplemental application. A candidate’s file is considered complete upon receipt of verified AACOMAS application, supplemental application, official MCAT score and required letters of recommendation.Earliest Supplemental Application Submission Date: May 15, 2024
Supplemental Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
Supplemental Application Sent To: Screened Applicants
Verified AACOMAS applications will be screened for our minimum requirements. Candidates must possess a 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science) and a qualifying MCAT score taken within the last three years prior to matriculation.Supplemental Application Fee: $60
Supplemental Application Fee Refundable? No
Supplemental Application Fee Waiver Available? Yes
Supplemental fee waivers are available for candidates who are eligible to receive an AACOMAS fee waiver; and for U.S. Armed Forces Veterans or active duty (applicant or spouse of applicant).Earliest Acceptance Date
August 15, 2024
Latest Acceptance Date
July 21, 2025
Orientation/Start Date for First Year Students
July 14, 2025
Deferred Entrance Requests Considered? Yes
Admissions deferral requests are considered for accepted students with valid reasons like medical emergencies, personal hardships, or military service, subject to evaluation by the Dean.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
504.4
Avg. Cum. Undergrad GPA Score
3.56
Oldest MCAT Considered: January 31, 2022
Latest MCAT Score Accepted: January 31, 2025
Accepted Sources for Letters of Recommendation
- AACOMAS
Main Admissions Contact
Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid
2024-2025 Academic Year
In-State Tuition
$64,500
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,500
Annual Fees
In-State Resident Fees
$0
Out-of-State Resident Fees
$0
Health Insurance Fee
$4,589
Tuition Fees Include
Estimates, Deposits, and More
Estimated Annual Room Board, Books, and Living Costs
$41,568
Average Graduate Indebtedness
$273,370.65
Acceptance Deposit
$2,000
Additional Deposit
$0
Deposit Applied to Tuition? Yes
Deposit Refundable? No
Financial Aid Website https://www.rvu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/
Percent of Enrolled Students with Financial Aid 90%
Scholarships Offered? Yes
Annual Scholarship/Grant Per Student: $5,000