Before entering medical school, students complete approximately four years of preprofessional education in an accredited college or university. Later, students participate in clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics to observe and work with experienced physicians and begin to learn aspects of patient care. Students also explore various career paths, including direct patient care, medical administration, academic medicine, and research. Students undertake increasingly complex clinical rotation responsibilities while continuing to satisfy elective course requirements. Before entering an osteopathic college, students complete four years of preprofessional education in an accredited college or university.
Students rotate through urban and rural settings, experiencing all major 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. All IMGs must undertake residency training in the United States before they can obtain a license to practice medicine in the United States even if they were fully trained, licensed, and practicing in another county. Training occurs in accredited hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities where resident physicians work under the supervision of physicians that are recognized as experts in their chosen specialty or subspecialty.