West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Introduction

The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine was founded in 1974 as Greenbrier College of Osteopathic Medicine. It became part of the West Virginia system of higher education in 1976. Its 43-acre campus is located in rural Appalachia. Its focus is on training primary care physicians for service in rural communities of West Virginia.

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Academics

4-year. The curriculum has been designed with the special medical needs of the population of Appalachia in mind. The program emphasizes both the basic and clinical sciences and extensive training in diagnostic skills, including early clinical experiences. Students are prepared for the challenges of a rural practice through exposure to family medicine clerkships. The school has 2 curricular tracts for its students during the first 2 years of the program. First year and second years: The System-Based Learning approach has both a classroom and laboratory focus in teaching the basic medical sciences. Integrated with these studies are the principles and practices of osteopathy, physical diagnosis, and physician skills. The Problem-Based Learning approach involves small-group and student-oriented education and involves case studies and structural exercises. Courses in osteopathic manipulative treatment, physical diagnosis, physician skills, and anatomy are taught. Third and fourth years: Involves providing students an opportunity to gain direct primary care clinical experience with patients in various settings in the major areas of general medicine, while assuming graduated responsibility. Training sites are distributed statewide in West Virginia. Affiliated Teaching Hospitals The college has contractual arrangements with offcampus hospitals and clinics that provide training in the clinical years. Housing There is no on-campus housing, but ample rentals are available in the immediate vicinity.

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Admissions

Completion of a minimum of 3 years of college, the MCAT, and at least a C+ grade point average are necessary. The basic premedical science courses plus 1 year of English are required. Additional courses in molecular and organic biology are strongly recommended. A CPR certificate is required prior to matriculation. It is expected that a class size of 200 will be selected from the applicant pool. First preference is given to West Virginia applicants. A supplementary application, recommendations from a preprofessional advisory committee and a physician, as well as an interview, are essential elements of the admission process.

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Special Focus Institutions — Medical schools and medical centers

General Characteristics

Highest offering	N/A
Calendar System	Semester
Years of college work required	3
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification