Barry PhilipsIf you are searching for the best DO schools in Texas, you may be surprised to learn that Texas currently has only three osteopathic medical schools. These institutions offer Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) programs for students who want to become licensed physicians through the osteopathic medical education pathway.
Although there are only three DO schools in the state, each has its own location, admission requirements, application system, educational approach and institutional mission.
For students considering a career in medicine, understanding these differences is important before applying. Your undergraduate courses, GPA, MCAT score, clinical experience, letters of recommendation and other experiences can all affect your medical-school application.
Top 3 DO Schools in Texas
1. Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM)
The Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) is located in Fort Worth and is part of the University of North Texas Health Science Center.
TCOM is one of the major osteopathic medical education institutions in Texas and provides students with extensive preparation in biomedical sciences and clinical medicine.
The school prepares future physicians to serve patients across different healthcare settings and medical specialties.
For prospective students, TCOM is particularly important to research because it is one of the public osteopathic medical-school options available in Texas.
TCOM admission requirements
Applicants to TCOM must satisfy the school’s academic prerequisites and other admissions requirements.
Required undergraduate preparation includes science coursework such as:
- Biology
- General chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Physics
- Appropriate laboratory courses
- Other required prerequisite coursework
Students should carefully review the school’s current prerequisite list because the required number of credit hours and acceptable courses can vary.
It is also important to complete prerequisite courses at an institution that meets the school’s eligibility requirements.
TCOM MCAT requirement
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required for admission to TCOM.
Applicants should plan their MCAT examination carefully so that their scores are available during the appropriate application period.
Preparing for the MCAT usually requires reviewing subjects including:
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- General chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Critical analysis and reasoning
Applicants should also confirm the school’s current policy regarding the age of acceptable MCAT scores.
TCOM application process
TCOM uses the Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS).
Applicants should be prepared to provide information about:
- Academic history
- Prerequisite courses
- MCAT results
- Extracurricular activities
- Volunteer experiences
- Employment
- Healthcare experiences
- Personal background
- Letters of recommendation
- Essays
Applicants who meet the initial requirements may be asked to provide additional information and participate in an interview.
Why consider TCOM?
TCOM offers prospective students the opportunity to study osteopathic medicine in the Fort Worth area while attending a public medical institution.
Its location also places students within a major North Texas healthcare environment.
Students interested in TCOM should pay close attention to the school’s mission and admissions criteria when preparing their applications.
2. Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM)
The Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) is located in Conroe, Texas.
The medical school is part of Sam Houston State University and has a strong emphasis on producing physicians who can contribute to communities with healthcare needs.
For applicants, this means that understanding the school’s mission can be useful when preparing personal statements, secondary application responses and interviews.
SHSU-COM admission requirements
Applicants must meet the school’s undergraduate education and prerequisite requirements.
SHSU-COM requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree completed before enrollment.
The required prerequisite coursework includes:
- English: 6 semester hours
- Biology with laboratory: 8 semester hours
- General chemistry with laboratory: 8 semester hours
- Organic chemistry with laboratory: 8 semester hours
- Physics with laboratory: 8 semester hours
- Mathematics: 6 semester hours, including statistics
Applicants should make sure that their courses meet the school’s specific requirements before submitting an application.
Courses that do not meet the required grade or credit-hour standards may not satisfy the prerequisite requirement.
SHSU-COM GPA requirements
SHSU-COM takes a holistic approach to admissions.
The school does not use a general minimum GPA or MCAT cutoff as the sole basis for determining whether an applicant should receive consideration.
However, applicants should not interpret this as meaning that grades and MCAT performance are unimportant.
Medical-school admission remains competitive, and a strong academic record can help demonstrate that an applicant is prepared for the demands of medical education.
The admissions process can also consider an applicant’s experiences, attributes, achievements and other relevant factors.
SHSU-COM MCAT requirement
An MCAT score is required when applying to SHSU-COM.
Students should take the examination early enough to ensure that their score is available within the school’s application timeline.
A well-prepared applicant should combine content review with practice questions, full-length examinations and careful time management.
SHSU-COM application process
SHSU-COM uses TMDSAS.
The application process includes the primary application and additional school-specific requirements.
Applicants may also be required to complete assessments such as Casper and Duet.
Candidates who progress through the admissions process may be invited to an interview.
Why consider SHSU-COM?
SHSU-COM may appeal to students interested in a medical education that places significant emphasis on community needs and service.
Its location in Conroe also provides students with a medical-school environment outside the traditional downtown Houston setting while remaining within the broader Houston metropolitan region.
3. University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM)
The University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) is located in San Antonio, Texas.
UIWSOM is a private osteopathic medical school and provides another pathway for students who want to earn a DO degree in Texas.
The school uses a holistic admissions approach that considers academic preparation alongside an applicant’s experiences, attributes, motivation and other factors.
UIWSOM admission requirements
Applicants must complete the required prerequisite coursework.
Major prerequisites include:
- Biology with laboratory: 8 semester hours
- General or inorganic chemistry with laboratory: 8 semester hours
- Organic chemistry with laboratory: 8 semester hours
- Physics with laboratory: 8 semester hours
- English: 6 semester hours
Required courses generally need to be completed with a grade of C or better.
UIWSOM also recommends additional courses that can help students prepare for medical school, including:
- Biochemistry
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Genetics
- Cell biology
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Behavioral sciences
Recommended courses should not be confused with mandatory prerequisites.
UIWSOM GPA requirements
UIWSOM uses a holistic admissions process rather than relying exclusively on a single GPA cutoff.
Academic performance is nevertheless an important part of the application.
The school publishes information about its entering classes, including GPA and MCAT data, which prospective students can use to understand the academic profile of students entering the program.
Applicants should remember that an entering-class average is not the same as an admission minimum.
UIWSOM MCAT requirement
The MCAT is required for applicants to UIWSOM.
Students should ensure that their scores fall within the school’s acceptable validity period.
Because MCAT policies can change, applicants should confirm the current requirements for the application cycle in which they intend to apply.
UIWSOM letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation are an important part of the UIWSOM application.
The school identifies recommendations that may include:
- A physician, preferably a DO
- A pre-medical advisor or health-professions admissions committee
- A science faculty member
Applicants following non-traditional academic or career paths may have alternative options for satisfying certain recommendation requirements.
UIWSOM application system
UIWSOM differs from the other two Texas DO schools because it uses AACOMAS rather than TMDSAS.
AACOMAS is the centralized application service used by participating osteopathic medical schools.
Therefore, students applying to all three Texas DO schools need to understand that they may be using two different application systems.
What Is a DO Medical School?
A DO medical school is an institution that trains students to become Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine.
DO physicians receive comprehensive medical education in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology and clinical medicine. Osteopathic medical education also emphasizes osteopathic principles, preventive care and treating the patient as a whole.
DO graduates can enter residency programs and pursue many of the same medical specialties available to graduates of MD programs.
Students interested in osteopathic medicine therefore have a broad range of career possibilities after completing medical school and residency training.
TMDSAS vs AACOMAS: What Texas DO Applicants Should Know
One of the most important differences between the three Texas DO schools is their application system.
TCOM uses TMDSAS.
SHSU-COM uses TMDSAS.
UIWSOM uses AACOMAS.
TMDSAS is the centralized application service used by participating Texas medical schools, while AACOMAS is the centralized application service for participating osteopathic medical schools.
Students should carefully check application deadlines, required documents and supplemental requirements for each school.
Common Prerequisite Courses for Texas DO Schools
Students interested in applying to DO schools in Texas should plan their undergraduate education carefully.
Common prerequisite subjects include:
- Biology
- General chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Physics
- English
- Mathematics or statistics
- Biochemistry
Many science prerequisites also require laboratory components.
One of the biggest mistakes prospective medical students make is assuming that simply completing a course with a similar title automatically satisfies a medical school’s prerequisite.
Always compare your transcript against the specific school’s current requirements.
Do Texas DO Schools Require Healthcare Experience?
Healthcare experience can be valuable when applying to medical school.
Examples include:
- Physician shadowing
- Hospital volunteering
- Clinical volunteering
- Healthcare employment
- Medical assistant work
- EMT experience
- Community health projects
- Patient-care experiences
The purpose of these experiences is not simply to accumulate hours.
They can help students understand what physicians actually do and provide experiences that they can discuss meaningfully in their applications and interviews.
Is DO Shadowing Important?
Students interested in osteopathic medicine should consider gaining exposure to a practicing DO physician.
Shadowing can help applicants understand:
- The physician-patient relationship
- Clinical decision-making
- Healthcare teamwork
- Osteopathic principles
- Preventive medicine
- The daily responsibilities of physicians
It can also help applicants explain why they chose the DO pathway instead of simply applying to medical school without understanding osteopathic medicine.
Community Service and Leadership Experience
Community service and leadership can also contribute to a medical-school application.
Examples include:
- Volunteering with nonprofit organizations
- Health education projects
- Community outreach
- Youth mentoring
- Leadership positions
- Research projects
- Social-impact initiatives
- Healthcare advocacy
Applicants should focus on meaningful involvement rather than simply creating a long list of activities.
Admissions committees may be interested in what an applicant actually contributed, learned and accomplished through an experience.
How to Prepare for a Texas DO School Application
A strong application requires preparation well before the application deadline.
Here are some practical steps prospective applicants can take:
Complete the Required Prerequisites
Create a checklist of the required courses for each Texas DO school and compare it with your undergraduate transcript.
Maintain a Strong Academic Record
Take your science courses seriously and develop effective study habits early.
Prepare for the MCAT
Give yourself enough time to review the material, complete practice questions and take full-length practice examinations.
Gain Healthcare Exposure
Look for meaningful opportunities to observe or participate in healthcare environments.
Learn About Osteopathic Medicine
Understand the principles and philosophy of osteopathic medicine before writing your application.
Develop Community Service Experience
Participate in service activities that genuinely interest you and demonstrate your willingness to contribute to others.
Build Relationships With Recommenders
Give potential recommendation writers enough time to understand your academic, professional and personal development.
Research Each School
Do not send identical applications to every medical school without understanding the institution’s mission and priorities.
Prepare for Interviews
Be ready to explain your motivation for medicine, your interest in osteopathic medicine, your experiences and your future goals.
Texas DO Schools Comparison Table
| Feature | TCOM | SHSU-COM | UIWSOM |
|---|---|---|---|
| School | Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine | Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine | University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine |
| Location | Fort Worth | Conroe | San Antonio |
| Institution Type | Public | Public | Private |
| Degree | DO | DO | DO |
| Application Service | TMDSAS | TMDSAS | AACOMAS |
| MCAT | Required | Required | Required |
| Biology | Required | Required | Required |
| General Chemistry | Required | Required | Required |
| Organic Chemistry | Required | Required | Required |
| Physics | Required | Required | Required |
| English | Required | Required | Required |
| Math/Statistics | See current requirements | Required | See current requirements |
| Letters of Recommendation | Required | Required | Required |
| Interview | For selected applicants | For selected applicants | For selected applicants |
| Admissions Approach | Holistic/competitive | Holistic | Holistic |
Frequently Asked Questions About DO Schools in Texas
How many DO schools are there in Texas?
There are currently three DO medical schools in Texas: TCOM, SHSU-COM and UIWSOM.
What are the three DO schools in Texas?
The three schools are Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Which Texas DO schools use TMDSAS?
TCOM and SHSU-COM use TMDSAS.
Which Texas DO school uses AACOMAS?
UIWSOM uses AACOMAS.
Do Texas DO schools require the MCAT?
Yes. The three Texas DO programs require applicants to submit MCAT scores, subject to each school’s specific admissions policies.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree to attend a DO school in Texas?
Degree requirements vary by school and by the stage of the application process. Applicants should review the current requirements of each institution.
Can I apply to multiple Texas DO schools?
Yes. Applicants can apply to multiple eligible schools, provided they meet each school’s requirements and complete the appropriate application process.
What major should I choose for DO school?
There is no single “best” undergraduate major for becoming a DO physician. Students can choose a major that interests them while completing all required medical-school prerequisites.
Is an MCAT score of a particular number required?
MCAT policies vary by school. A published minimum, where applicable, should not be confused with the typical academic profile of students who are admitted.
Are DO graduates licensed physicians?
Yes. DO graduates are physicians who can pursue residency training and practice medicine in a wide range of specialties.
Related
Conclusion
Texas currently has three DO medical schools, making it unnecessary—and potentially misleading—to create a list of 20 or more schools located within the state.
The three programs are Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM), Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM), and University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM).
Each school offers a DO pathway but has its own admissions requirements and application process. TCOM and SHSU-COM use TMDSAS, while UIWSOM uses AACOMAS.
For prospective medical students, the best approach is to start preparing early. Complete the required prerequisite courses, prepare thoroughly for the MCAT, gain meaningful healthcare and community-service experience, develop strong relationships with recommenders and learn what makes osteopathic medicine different.
Most importantly, always check the latest requirements directly from each medical school’s admissions office before applying, since prerequisites, deadlines and application policies can change from one admission cycle to another.