Best institutions to study Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of osteopathic medicine, involving a combination of medical principles and procedures and osteopathic principles of holistic medicine and the relationship of the musculoskeletal system to general health.
36 U.S. institutions graduated 8,814 Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.1202, a specialization of Medicine (CIP 51.12), and leads most directly to the Family Medicine Physicians occupation (BLS SOC 29-1215).
About Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy programs
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of osteopathic medicine, involving a combination of medical principles and procedures and osteopathic principles of holistic medicine and the relationship of the musculoskeletal system to general health. Includes instruction in the basic medical sciences, preventive medicine, family and community medicine, medical informatics, disease systems, organ and physiologic systems, osteopathic principles and practice, osteopathic manipulative treatment, musculoskeletal and skin systems, clinical specialty rotations, medical ethics, and professional standards and practice management.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy program prepares individuals for the independent practice of osteopathic medicine, emphasizing a holistic approach to healthcare. This program combines traditional medical principles with osteopathic principles, focusing on the musculoskeletal system's relationship to overall health. It is ideal for those interested in a comprehensive understanding of medicine and patient care.
Students in this program gain knowledge in basic medical sciences, preventive medicine, clinical specialty rotations, and osteopathic manipulative treatment. Core skills developed include critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication, which are essential for diagnosing and treating patients.
Credentials awarded
What Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Doctor's degree - professional practice8,814 graduates / yr · 36 institutions100%
Graduates over time
Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 6,943 |
| 2021 | 7,413 |
| 2022 | 7,699 |
| 2023 | 7,884 |
| 2024 | 8,465 |
| 2025 | 8,814 |
Top 36 institutions for Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Blacksburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 642 | — | — |
| 2 | Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Erie, PAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 623 | — | — |
| 3 | Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 452 | — | — |
| 4 | Kansas City University Kansas City, MOPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 417 | — | — |
| 5 | New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury, NYPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 404 | 59% | $22,158 |
| 6 | Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FLPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 395 | 63% | $31,672 |
| 7 | Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, TNPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 368 | 50% | $18,981 |
| 8 | Rocky Vista University Parker, COPrivate for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 333 | — | — |
| 9 | Western University of Health Sciences Pomona, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 318 | — | — |
| 10 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MIPublicDoctoral (prof.) | 303 | 81% | — |
| 11 | A T Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville, MOPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 284 | — | — |
| 12 | Touro University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 260 | 72% | $27,110 |
| 13 | Midwestern University - Glendale Glendale, AZPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 245 | — | — |
| 14 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicDoctoral (prof.) | 237 | 65% | — |
| 15 | University of North Texas Health Science Center Fort Worth, TXPublicDoctoral (prof.) | 222 | — | — |
| 16 | Des Moines University - Osteopathic Medical Center West Des Moines, IAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 214 | — | — |
| 17 | Rowan University Glassboro, NJPublicDoctoral (prof.) | 205 | 67% | — |
| 18 | Midwestern University - Downers Grove Downers Grove, ILPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 200 | — | — |
| 19 | West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Lewisburg, WVPublicDoctoral (prof.) | 185 | — | — |
| 20 | Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Dothan, ALPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 180 | — | — |
| 21 | Touro University Nevada Henderson, NVPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 171 | — | — |
| 22 | University of New England Biddeford, MEPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 170 | 68% | $34,673 |
| 23 | Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Tulsa, OKPublicDoctoral (prof.) | 168 | — | — |
| 24 | Arkansas Colleges of Health Education Fort Smith, ARPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 159 | — | — |
| 25 | Campbell University Buies Creek, NCPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 155 | 61% | $23,331 |
| 26 | William Carey University Hattiesburg, MSPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 154 | 60% | $17,205 |
| 27 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 153 | 65% | $28,911 |
| 28 | Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Las Cruces, NMPrivate for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 151 | — | — |
| 29 | Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Meridian, IDPrivate for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 149 | — | — |
| 30 | University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio, TXPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 148 | 51% | $21,745 |
| 31 | Marian University Indianapolis, INPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 143 | 67% | $23,371 |
| 32 | Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences Yakima, WAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 138 | — | — |
| 33 | University of Pikeville Pikeville, KYPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 135 | 42% | $13,886 |
| 34 | Touro University California Vallejo, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 126 | — | — |
| 35 | California Health Sciences University Clovis, CAPrivate for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 109 | — | — |
| 36 | Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TXPublicDoctoral (prof.) | 98 | 55% | — |
Offered in 28 states
Where Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy graduates come from. Each state links to all Medicine programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-1215, Family Medicine Physicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Osteopathic Medicine program typically pursue careers as Family Medicine Physicians, among other specialties. The job outlook for this field is about as fast as average, with an annual growth rate of 2.7% and approximately 3,300 annual openings. The median wage for these professionals is $238,380, requiring a doctoral or professional degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.1202
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Family Medicine Physiciansprimary SOC 29-1215 | $244,180 | +2.7% About as fast as average | ~3,300 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Physicians, All Other SOC 29-1229 | $265,930 | +2.5% About as fast as average | ~9,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
General Internal Medicine Physicians SOC 29-1216 | $256,560 | +3.3% About as fast as average | ~2,100 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Anesthesiologists SOC 29-1211 | $391,490 | +3.2% About as fast as average | ~1,300 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Pediatricians, General SOC 29-1221 | $210,040 | +0.8% Little or no change | ~1,200 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Emergency Medicine Physicians SOC 29-1214 | $335,550 | +2.7% About as fast as average | ~1,000 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Psychiatrists SOC 29-1223 | $281,870 | +6.1% Faster than average | ~900 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Radiologists SOC 29-1224 | $420,860 | +2.7% About as fast as average | ~800 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Cardiologists SOC 29-1212 | $496,010 | +4.1% About as fast as average | ~600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Obstetricians and Gynecologists SOC 29-1218 | $292,910 | +1.2% Little or no change | ~600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Surgeons, All Other SOC 29-1249 | $414,010 | +3.9% About as fast as average | ~600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Dermatologists SOC 29-1213 | $328,730 | +6.4% Faster than average | ~400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Physicians, Pathologists SOC 29-1222 | $312,400 | +4.2% About as fast as average | ~400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric SOC 29-1242 | $358,550 | +4.1% About as fast as average | ~400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Neurologists SOC 29-1217 | $248,560 | +5.4% Faster than average | ~300 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric SOC 29-1241 | $300,080 | +4.3% About as fast as average | ~300 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Pediatric Surgeons SOC 29-1243 | $559,030 | +1.5% Little or no change | ~0 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Prescribe or administer treatment, therapy, medication, vaccination, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury.
- Order, perform, and interpret tests and analyze records, reports, and examination information to diagnose patients' condition.
- Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical history, reports, or examination results.
- Monitor patients' conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.
- Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.
- Advise patients and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, and disease prevention.
Tools and technology used
Other Medicine specializations
The 3 other 6-digit CIP codes under Medicine (CIP 51.12).
- MedicineCIP 51.120121,453 graduates / yr151 institutions
- Podiatric Medicine/CIP 51.1203
Podiatry partial data536 graduates / yr9 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Medicine51.1299
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What is osteopathic medicine?+
Osteopathic medicine is a branch of medicine that emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on the relationship between the musculoskeletal system and overall health.
What degree do I earn in this program?+
Students earn a Doctor's degree in professional practice upon completing the Osteopathic Medicine program.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication skills, along with a solid foundation in medical sciences.
What are the career prospects?+
The field offers a median wage of $238,380, with a growth rate of 2.7% and about 3,300 annual job openings.
What is the CIP code for Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy?+
Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy is CIP 51.1202 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Medicine (CIP 51.12). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of osteopathic medicine, involving a combination of medical principles and procedures and osteopathic principles of holistic medicine and the relationship of the musculoskeletal system to general health. Includes instruction in the basic medical sciences, preventive medicine, family and community medicine, medical informatics, disease systems, organ and physiologic systems, osteopathic principles and practice, osteopathic manipulative treatment, musculoskeletal and skin systems, clinical specialty rotations, medical ethics, and professional standards and practice management.
How many institutions offer Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy programs?+
36 U.S. institutions reported Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 28 states, awarding 8,814 credentials in the year. That is 28.6% of all Medicine graduates.
How much do Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Family Medicine Physicians occupation, which Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy most directly leads to, pays a median of $244,180 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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