The applicant may wish to spend some time with a D.O. or do volunteer work in healthcare before applying. Continuing Medical Education Continuing Medical Education, as the term implies, is a lifetime commitment to learning by osteopathic physicians in full recognition of the fact that the study of medicine does not end with graduation from medical school. The American Osteopathic Association requires its members to complete a specific number of continuing medical education credits during each three-year period in order to maintain membership. The first two years of the osteopathic medical curriculum focus on basic sciences such as anatomy and physiology, often enhanced by early exposure to clinical work. The third and fourth years emphasize the clinical work and much of the teaching takes place in community hospitals, major medical centers and doctors' offices.
Students rotate through urban, suburban and rural settings, experiencing all areas of medicine.
Osteopathic principles and practices are integrated throughout the four-year curriculum. Students learn to use osteopathic techniques for diagnosis and treatment of disease, as well as for disease prevention. The curriculum emphasizes the relationship of body systems and holistic patient care. Interns rotate through major hospital departments such as internal medicine, general practice and surgery. Many D.O.s then choose to take a residency program in a specific area, requiring four to six years of additional training.