4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131

Students looking to pursue careers in health-related fields such as psychology, osteopathic medicine and health policy would be wise to consider Philadelphia college of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Since is was established by two doctors of osteopathy in 1899, more than 12,000 people have graduated from PCOM, and there are currently more than 1,000 students enrolled in its various graduate programs. Philadelphia college of Osteopathic Medicine offers degrees in fields such as osteopathy, clinical psychology, school psychology, organizational development and leadership, forensic medicine and biomedical sciences. Upon finishing their studies, Osteopathic Medicine students are granted Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Psy.D, Master of Public Health (MPH), Ph.D or M.S. degrees. The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine also operates a branch campus in Gwinnet County, Georgia, just north of Atlanta. Its mission is to train physicians to work in under-served inner cities and rural areas in Georgia and surrounding southern states.

Clinical clerkships for D.O. students takes place during the third and fourth years of study, are an important part of the educational program at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. These real-world experiences take place in 32 affiliated hospitals, five health care centers and a variety of outpatient facilities and physicians' offices, in both rural and urban settings throughout Pennsylvania. Osteopathic Medicine students can also choose to arrange elective rotations at sites across the United States and around the world. Many other programs at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine also require students to complete internships or other hands-on learning experiences.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine's 17-acre, park-like campus is just 15 minutes from historic downtown Philadelphia. Students at the school come from a variety of backgrounds (In 2004, entering D.O. students came from 27 states and 136 different colleges). In recent years, women made up over half of the student body, and 20 percent of students were from under-represented minority groups. Non-traditional students are welcomed, and many people at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine are embarking on a second career or have served in the military or already hold graduate degrees in different fields. Support services include the Office of Student Affairs, which provides PCOM students with career development support and assistance in preparing resumes, CVs, personal statements and cover letters. In addition, there are more than 40 student clubs and organizations at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (such as the Wilderness Medicine Club and A Capella), and more than 100 students participate in the PCOM Student Government Association.

Quick Facts

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine's Georgia campus opened in 2005 with 85 students.

Close to 65 percents of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduates have pursued careers in primary care, family practice, general internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics.

The mean MCAT score and the average age of entering students in PCOM's D.O. class of 2007 was 24.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine's M.S. in forensic medicine is designed to meet the needs of working professionals ⎯ classes meet just one weekend a month for the first year.

This school profile has been compiled and updated by The CollegeBound Network. The school is not affiliated with The CollegeBound Network and shall not be considered a sponsor of this program.