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Admissions Requirements

Applicants are required to review the following requirements for Admission:

Minimum Requirements for Admission

Students must complete courses in biology, physics, inorganic chemistry, English, and demonstrate the ability to master the subject matter of those courses.  The student’s grade point average (GPA) in required courses weighs heavily in the admissions consideration.  Applicants are required to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).  In addition to demonstrated knowledge, acceptance is also based on the interview process.  The applicant’s ability to demonstrate a history of compassion, empathy, dedication and interest in patient care, an orientation to a rural or primary care medicine, and/or to research is considered in the admissions process.  Other qualities that reflect the student’s ability to adapt to a rigorous academic environment and to a future as a professional provide an advantage in the application process.
Applicants for admission must meet the following requirements prior to matriculation:

  1. Applicants must have completed 90 hours or three-fourths of the required credits for a degree in a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting body in order to be considered for an interview.  In addition, the candidates must earn a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation.  The only exception to the 90 hour requirement is where the college has a formal articulation agreement with VCOM for a combined studies program, and the candidate must receive a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation and continue to do well in all the required courses until they matriculate.
  1. GPA: To be considered a competitive applicant to VCOM, candidates should have achieved at least a 3.2 science and cumulative grade point average, on a 4.0 scale.  The minimum overall GPA for acceptance is generally 3.2 in the last 120 hours.  The admissions process is competitive; however, and a higher grade point average (above 3.4 in the last 120 hours) results in improved chances for acceptance.  VCOM places emphasis on the last 120 credit hours and on the science and required courses when choosing between competitive applicants.  VCOM also places emphasis on the applicant’s interview, commitment to the mission, and commitment to osteopathic philosophies.  The average GPA for acceptance is 3.5 to 3.6.
  1. The required undergraduate courses for entry are:
    • Biological Sciences: One year with laboratory (8 credit hours/12 quarter hours)
    • Physics: (6 to 8 credit hours)
    • Inorganic Chemistry:(6 to 8 credit hours)
    • Organic Chemistry: (6 to 8 credit hours)
    • English: (6 credit hours)
    • A requirement for 6 additional biomedical science credit hours at the 300 level or above is required for matriculation (Faculty recommend courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, Virology, or Genetics to enhance the student’s success in medical school).

Note: Courses with equivalent content will be reviewed.  VCOM follows the AACOMAS definition of science courses to determine science GPA and science hours.  See AACOMAS website.

  1. MCAT: Applicants must submit scores from the MCAT.  For the current admissions cycle, the College will accept the April MCAT administration from up to four years prior to the date of matriculation.  A competitive MCAT score usually begins at 24; however, at VCOM the MCAT is weighed in connection with GPA and other personal qualities we see in each applicant.  The overall GPA and the interview are considered of the most importance.  (The average MCAT is 25-26 with a standard deviation of 4)
  1. VCOM offers special consideration for practicing Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants and Pharmacists, in reviewing courses for course equivalency for a required course.  This is performed by the Assistant Vice President for Admissions and Student Services, the Vice Dean, and the Dean.  GPA and experience are also considered.
  1. In rare circumstances a degree from a national accreditor recognized by the Department of Education (i.e., a religiously based institution) may be considered by VCOM.  Contact the Office of Admissions in advance of applying.
  1. Students who have taken coursework and/or earned a degree from a foreign institution must submit an evaluation of their transcripts to AACOMAS from World Education Service (WES) or Silny and Associates.
  1. All students are required to meet the Technical Standards for Admission and Continued Enrollment.  All students must affirm that he or she meets the standards.  Any falsification or misinformation regarding the ability to meet technical standards is a reason for dismissal.  The Technical Standards can be viewed below.
  1. Students must submit all required paperwork and deposits per deadlines.  If paperwork is not submitted as required, the offer of admission may be retracted.

Technical Standards for Admission and Successful Completion of the Osteopathic Program at VCOM

It is important that students review the Technical Standards for Admission and Successful Completion of the Osteopathic Program in the "Recruitment and Admissions" section of the College Catalog and Student Handbook at VCOM prior to beginning clinical rotations, just as they did prior to enrollment.  The student must self identify if they do not meet technical standards, especially those related to safety and proficiency in patient care.

Background Checks and Illegal Behavior

A background check is mandatory prior to matriculation and will be required again during enrollment.  The policy can be found in in the "Recruitment and Admissions" section of the College Catalog and Student Handbook.

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