College of Health Professions · Pre-Professional Program

Pre-Osteopathic Medicine

Program Overview

A patient-centered approach to medicine.

Maryville University's Pre-Osteopathic Medicine program prepares students for osteopathic medical school through rigorous science coursework, personalized advising and opportunities for undergraduate research, job shadowing and volunteer experiences. Students also have the opportunity to pursue early acceptance through Maryville's partnership with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM).

What sets the program apart

    • Complete the prerequisite coursework for osteopathic medical school through biology, biochemistry or another science major
    • Receive guidance from the Pre-Health Professions advisor and advisory committee
    • Participate in undergraduate research opportunities
    • Gain job shadowing and volunteer experience in healthcare settings
    • Pursue early acceptance through Maryville's partnership with LECOM

An Overview of the Pre-Osteopathic Medicine Program at Maryville

 
[MUSIC PLAYING] Pre-osteopathic medicine is a pre-professional program where we give you the foundations to pursue a career in the osteopathic medicine. Our program features small class sizes, each taught by faculty with a PhD. You'll form a tight knit group with students and your professors, all sharing a keen interest in science. You'll learn together and support each other. Another great program feature is the sophomore review, which is a way for you to practice the process of applying and interviewing for graduate school. This helps you focus on preparing a competitive application package. Another program feature that sets Maryville apart is our commitment to undergraduate research. There's numerous benefits to this approach, including exposure to an experiential learning methodology, a natural development of a like-minded high-achieving peer group, and perhaps most importantly learning a practical approach to data and evidence-based problem solving. We have articulation agreements with early acceptance programs for several programs including the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. If you're ready for a career in osteopathic medicine, schedule a visit and let's chat about your future.
Why Maryville

Our partner program means early acceptance to medical school.

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

Get Started

Ready to apply or want to visit campus?

We've made it easy: free transcript evaluation, quick admission decisions, and no application fee.

  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

Osteopathic physicians (DOs) diagnose and treat illnesses while emphasizing whole-person care, preventive medicine and the body's ability to heal itself. They practice in every medical specialty, with many choosing careers in primary care.

Osteopathic physicians earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree after completing a bachelor's degree and medical school, followed by residency training and state licensure.

Career Paths

Provide comprehensive primary healthcare for patients of all ages while emphasizing preventive care and wellness.
Diagnose and treat diseases affecting adults while managing chronic and complex health conditions.
Provide preventive and acute healthcare services for infants, children and adolescents.
Diagnose and treat life-threatening illnesses and injuries in emergency departments.
Diagnose and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders using medical and therapeutic approaches.
Perform operations to treat injuries, diseases and congenital conditions while working as part of multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
$239,200+Median annual wage

The median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was equal to or greater than $239,200 in May 2024.

3%Projected employment growth

Employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034.

Salary and employment data are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and may vary by location, experience and specialty.

Admission Requirements, Curriculum & Courses

Our partner program means early acceptance to medical school

At Maryville, you can major in biology or biochemistry or choose from other science programs, and then move right into your medical training at our partner program with Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). You’ll meet annually with LECOM staff for advising and workshops that will help prepare you for medical school.

No Additional Interviews

Guaranteed Seat

Your seat to a LECOM professional school is reserved, which means you bypass almost 95% of the competition.

    • Reserve your seat at a LECOM professional school while completing your undergraduate studies.
    • Bypass nearly 95% of the competition for admission.
    • Move directly toward medical school without additional admissions interviews.

No MCAT Required

Test Optional

Our early acceptance program does not require you to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to get into medical school.

    • Apply through the LECOM Early Acceptance Program without taking the MCAT.
    • Meet annually with LECOM representatives for advising and workshops.
    • Focus on preparing for medical school instead of standardized testing.

Lower Tuition

Save More

You’ll pay lower tuition compared with other medical schools.

    • Benefit from tuition that is lower than many other medical schools.
    • Reduce the overall cost of earning your medical degree.
    • Begin your medical career with less student debt.

Want to learn more about our course offerings?

Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in our catalog.

Related Programs

Early acceptance pathways

Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Pre-Osteopathic Medicine program.

Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges  2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Students may major in biology, biochemistry or another science program while completing the prerequisite coursework required for osteopathic medical school.
Yes. You'll work closely with the Pre-Health Professions advisor and advisory committee throughout your undergraduate experience.
Yes. Students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research and project-based learning opportunities.
Yes. The program helps students identify physician shadowing and volunteer opportunities that strengthen medical school applications.
Qualified students may reserve a seat at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine while completing their bachelor's degree at Maryville.
Application to the early acceptance program can occur as early as your senior year in high school and up until the start of your third year of undergraduate school, depending upon the program and track desired. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.