Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
General Information of Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Overview
The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) is a private institution of higher education dedicated to preparing physicians who practice through the holistic tenets of osteopathic medicine. Established in 2016 and located in Meridian, Idaho, ICOM is the first medical school founded in the state, addressing physician shortages in the Mountain West and serving underserved communities. The curriculum emphasizes a whole-person approach to health, integrating biomedical sciences, osteopathic principles and immersive clinical training in its four-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program.
Undergraduates spend their first two years on campus in Meridian, followed by clinical rotations in the third and fourth years at regional clinical sites across Idaho and neighboring states. The institution focuses on primary care and rural medicine but also supports specialty preparation. With modern facilities, simulation labs and close connections to health systems in Idaho’s Treasure Valley, ICOM offers students the opportunity to develop clinical competence, professional identity and community engagement. Because of its focus and regional mission, ICOM is especially attractive to students seeking to make an impact in underserved areas while receiving medical training in a region known for outdoor recreation and quality of life.
Contact Information
Address: 1401 E Central Drive, Meridian, ID 83642, United States
Phone Number: (208) 795-4266
Email Address: admissions@icom.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2016 |
| Type | Private-for-profit osteopathic medical school |
| Campus Setting | Urban/suburban – Meridian, Idaho |
| Degrees Offered | Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and concurrent degrees (MPH/MHA) |
| Accreditation | Fully accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) |
| Parent/Partner Institution | Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (stand-alone) |
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Rankings
| Ranking Organization | National / US Position | Other / Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Student Doctor Network reported acceptance rate | Approx. 10% | – Student Doctor Network+1 |
| Match rate into residency programs | 99% for recent graduating classes | – Default+1 |
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Academics
Faculties / Departments
At Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, academic structure focuses on integrated medical education but includes key organizational units such as:
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (Years 1-2)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Osteopathic Principles & Practice (OPP)
- Department of Clinical Clerkships and Rotations (Years 3-4)
- Department of Concurrent Programs (DO + MHA, DO + MPH)
- Student Affairs & Interprofessional Education Office
These units coordinate teaching, simulation, clinical placements and research support for ICOM’s mission of training osteopathic physicians. Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine+1
Courses and Programs / Majors
ICOM offers:
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) – four-year professional program
- DO + Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) – concurrent five-year program combining medical training with administration leadership
- DO + Master of Public Health (MPH) – concurrent degree blending medical training with public health practice and policy
These programs reflect ICOM’s emphasis on whole-person care, leadership and public health awareness. Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Online Learning
While the core DO program requires in-person attendance due to lab, simulation and clinical requirements, ICOM offers certain adult-learner friendly options and hybrid formats for concurrent degrees (MHA/MPH). Some courses for the concurrent degree programs may be delivered online or in blended formats, providing flexibility for learners who balance study with other responsibilities.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Typical Range / Middle 50% |
|---|---|
| MCAT – entering class | Mean ~504.7 Student Doctor Network+1 |
| Undergraduate GPA (entrants) | Average ~3.57 Student Doctor Network |
Retention and Graduation Rates
ICOM reports very high outcomes for its graduates, including a reported 99% placement into residency programs. Default+1 Because the school’s curricula are cohort-based and structured with strong support, student retention through the four-year DO program is strong. Graduation data are less publicly granular by year but the institution’s full accreditation status indicates successful completion and licensure preparation.
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Applicants to Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine must have completed prerequisite undergraduate coursework and typically present a cumulative GPA around 3.5 or higher and MCAT scores in the vicinity of the mean (~504-507). The admissions process looks at academic preparation, service and leadership alignment with ICOM’s mission, healthcare exposure and readiness for osteopathic professional training. Student Doctor Network+1
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Acceptance Rate
| Program | Approximate Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| DO Program | Approximately 10% Student Doctor Network |
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Application Requirements
To apply to the DO program at ICOM applicants must submit the standardized application through AACOMAS, provide official transcripts showing completion of required prerequisite courses (biology, chemistry, physics, English, etc), submit MCAT scores (up to three years old), provide letters of recommendation, participate in an admissions interview, and demonstrate alignment with ICOM’s mission. Applicants must also satisfy health-clearance, immunization, background check and technical standards for clinical practice. ICOM emphasizes holistic review, interest in serving Idaho and medically underserved populations, and potential to succeed in the osteopathic curriculum. Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Application Process
- Submit AACOMAS application with transcripts and required fees
- Provide MCAT scores and complete required prerequisite coursework
- Submit letters of recommendation and verify healthcare or service experience
- Participate in interview and holistic applicant review
- If admitted, complete matriculation and orientation, health clearance and technical standards
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program | Deadline Approximation |
|---|---|
| DO Program First-Year Entry | Rolling admissions with early submission recommended; EDP by August 1 for selective early decision Student Doctor Network |
Essay Prompt
Applicants are typically asked to craft a personal statement reflecting their motivation for osteopathic medicine, understanding of whole-person care, experiences in service or healthcare settings, leadership or community engagement, and how they plan to contribute to ICOM’s mission of serving Idaho and underserved populations.
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Scholarships
ICOM offers scholarships and institutional aid in addition to federal loan programs. Candidates are encouraged to apply early for merit-based awards, service-oriented scholarships and state-specific funding for Idaho residents entering medicine. While student debt remains significant in medical training, ICOM highlights its lower cost of living for students in Meridian compared to many U.S. medical schools. Student Doctor Network
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Level | Estimated Annual Tuition / Fees |
|---|---|
| DO Program | $62,792 tuition per year (2024-25) for both in-state and out-of-state Student Doctor Network+1 |
| Annual Fees | $2,500 annual fees plus additional costs for living, books and equipment Student Doctor Network |
| Total cost of attendance inclusive of living expenses may exceed $90,000 per year when factoring books, supplies and housing. |
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The class profile at ICOM includes approximately 144 first-year matriculants, of which ~88 are male and ~56 female. The ethnic/racial composition of the entering class includes ~13.2% Asian, ~11.8% Hispanic/Latino, ~64.6% White, ~1.4% Black/African American, ~4.2% multiple races, ~4.9% undisclosed. Out-of-state students comprise about 105 of 144 matriculants with 39 in-state for one entering cohort. Default
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
ICOM provides accessibility services and accommodations for students with disabilities consistent with federal requirements. The institution also participates in financial-aid programs aimed at supporting students from low-income backgrounds and encourages applicants committed to underserved community service—although specific percentages of Pell-grant recipients are not publicly highlighted.
Student Body
| Category | Value (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | Approx. 640 medical students (all years) Default |
| First-Year Matriculants | ~144 students Default |
| International Students | Institution does not currently accept applicants requiring F-1 visa status Student Doctor Network |
University Diversity
ICOM places emphasis on recruiting a diverse student body and training physicians who will serve rural, underserved and diverse communities in Idaho and beyond. The demographic data indicate representation of Hispanic/Latino and Asian students and the institution promotes community-engagement, rural medicine exposure and holistic care. Although representation among Black/African American students remains small, ICOM actively participates in outreach and pipeline programs designed to broaden participation in osteopathic medicine. The focus on the Mountain West region—including Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and other states—underscores the school’s commitment to service area alignment and regional health equity. The learning environment emphasizes inter-professional teamwork, simulation experience with diverse patient populations and community-based clinical sites. Together, these features foster cultural competence and prepare graduates to practice in a variety of settings with sensitivity to social determinants of health.
Average Earnings
Graduates of ICOM’s DO program enter residency training across the nation. Given the typical salary for first-year residents in the U.S. (~$65,000-$75,000), ICOM alumni follow this pattern initially, with earnings increasing significantly once board certification, specialty training or practice ownership are achieved. The lower cost of living in the Meridian region compared with many major metropolitan areas may enhance relative financial outcome. Additionally, ICOM’s strong placement into residency (99 %) suggests graduates are well-positioned for professional success. Over time, those practicing in rural or underserved regions or advancing into specialties can expect earnings substantially higher, reflecting national trends for osteopathic physicians.
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty and staff at ICOM consist of biomedical science professors, osteopathic manual-medicine instructors, clinical preceptors, simulation and anatomy lab staff, student-success advisors, community engagement coordinators and administrative personnel. Their collective work supports a student-faculty ratio conducive to personalized learning, individual mentorship, and professional development. The simulation centre, standardized-patient labs and clinical site coordination reflect the institution’s investment in educational infrastructure. Default
Faculty Profiles
ICOM faculty include osteopathic physicians, researchers, educators and practitioners with expertise in osteopathic principles and practice (OPP), rural and underserved medicine, inter-professional care, and simulation-based education. Some faculty are recognized for their research in biomedical sciences, health-systems leadership and community health. Their achievements in clinical education, service and scholarship enhance the academic environment and prepare students to step into professional roles with competence and confidence.
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Located in Meridian, Idaho, ICOM’s campus is a modern facility adjacent to the Idaho State University Health Sciences Center. The campus features large classrooms, a simulation-centre, osteopathic manipulative medicine labs and student study spaces. Housing options in the area include apartments and townhomes convenient to campus; cost of living in the Treasure Valley region is generally lower than many metropolitan U.S. markets, which may provide financial advantage for students. Student life includes over 30 organizations, interest committees and service-learning opportunities, enabling students to engage academically, socially and professionally within a supportive environment. Default
Transportation
Meridian, Idaho is part of the Boise metropolitan area and offers accessible transportation options, including regional highways, commuter routes, and proximity to Boise Airport. Students may drive, car-pool or bike to campus and clinical sites. On-campus parking, student-housing transit options and proximity to local amenities contribute to a manageable commute. For third- and fourth-year clinical rotations, students may travel to regional hospitals across Idaho and surrounding states, requiring planning for mobility and logistics as part of their medical education.