Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
General Information
Overview – Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM) is a leading medical institution committed to training physicians with a comprehensive understanding of osteopathic principles and patient-centered care. Established as New Jersey’s only public osteopathic medical school, RowanSOM offers a rigorous curriculum that integrates basic sciences, clinical training, and osteopathic manipulative medicine to prepare graduates for holistic, evidence-based medical practice. The school emphasizes community engagement and encourages students to serve diverse populations, including underserved and rural communities, through innovative outreach programs and clinical rotations across a network of hospitals and healthcare facilities.
RowanSOM provides students with access to state-of-the-art simulation centers, research laboratories, and modern clinical environments, fostering hands-on learning in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The program also focuses on interprofessional collaboration, allowing students to work alongside nursing, pharmacy, and public health professionals to enhance patient care outcomes. Research opportunities at RowanSOM are abundant, ranging from biomedical sciences to population health studies, enabling students to contribute to medical knowledge while developing skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific inquiry. Graduates are well-prepared for residency programs nationwide and are recognized for their clinical competence, ethical standards, and commitment to lifelong learning in medicine.
Contact Informations
Address: 42 E Laurel Rd, Stratford, NJ 08084
Phone Number: (856) 566-6500
Email Address: admissions@rowan.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1976 |
| Type | Public |
| Motto | “Excellence in Osteopathic Medicine” |
| Dean | Dr. Lori Shapiro |
| Programs Offered | DO, Graduate Medical Education, Postdoctoral Fellowships |
| Student Enrollment | Approximately 700 |
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Rankings
| Metric | Ranking |
|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report – Best Medical Schools (Primary Care) | 56th in the U.S. |
| Global Medical Reputation | Top 200 worldwide |
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Academics
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Faculties / Departments
- Department of Biomedical Sciences
- Department of Clinical Skills and Simulation
- Department of Osteopathic Principles and Practice
- Department of Family Medicine
- Department of Internal Medicine
- Department of Pediatrics
- Department of Surgery
- Department of Psychiatry
- Department of Population Health and Community Medicine
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Courses and Programs / Majors
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Program
- Graduate Medical Education (Residencies in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine)
- Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biomedical Research and Clinical Specialties
- Research tracks in Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, and Clinical Outcomes
- Interdisciplinary courses combining medicine, ethics, and healthcare policy
Online Learning
RowanSOM offers online modules for continuing medical education, hybrid lectures for preclinical courses, and virtual workshops focusing on osteopathic manipulative medicine, medical ethics, and research methodologies. These resources provide flexibility while maintaining high educational standards.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average |
|---|---|
| MCAT | 509–513 |
| GPA | 3.5–3.8 |
| GRE (for graduate programs) | 310–320 |
Retention and Graduation Rates
RowanSOM maintains a retention rate above 95%, with the majority of students completing the DO program in four years. Graduate and residency programs also demonstrate high completion rates, reflecting strong academic support, clinical mentorship, and student engagement.
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Admissions
GPA Range and MCAT Range
Successful applicants typically possess a GPA between 3.5 and 3.8, with strong performance in sciences. MCAT scores generally fall within the 509–513 range, emphasizing competency in critical analysis, reasoning, and foundational medical knowledge.
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Acceptance Rate
| Program | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| DO Program | 8–10% |
| Residency Programs | 15–20% |
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Application Requirements
Applicants must submit official transcripts, MCAT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement describing their motivation for pursuing osteopathic medicine. Interviews are required for DO candidates and may include multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) to assess ethical reasoning, communication skills, and professional demeanor. Graduate and postdoctoral applicants must also provide CVs, research experience summaries, and letters of reference. The admissions process evaluates academic excellence, commitment to community service, and alignment with the osteopathic philosophy.
Application Process
- Submit primary application via AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service)
- Submit official transcripts and MCAT scores
- Provide letters of recommendation and personal statement
- Participate in interviews (including MMIs for DO applicants)
- Receive admission decision and confirm enrollment
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program | Deadline |
|---|---|
| DO Early Decision | August 1 |
| DO Regular Decision | October 15 |
| Graduate Medical Education | Varies by specialty |
Essay Prompt
Applicants are asked to describe their motivation for osteopathic medicine, relevant clinical or volunteer experiences, understanding of holistic patient care, and career goals in medicine.
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Scholarships
The school offers merit-based awards, need-based financial aid, and diversity-focused scholarships to support students committed to osteopathic medicine, research, and service to underserved communities.
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program | Tuition |
|---|---|
| DO In-State | $55,000 per year |
| DO Out-of-State | $55,000 per year |
| Graduate Medical Education | Varies by program |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student body is composed of roughly equal numbers of men and women, with ages ranging from early twenties to early thirties. Racial and ethnic diversity is actively promoted through targeted recruitment, inclusive admissions practices, and support programs for underrepresented minorities in medicine.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
RowanSOM provides extensive support for low-income students, including financial aid packages, grants, and scholarships. Students with disabilities have access to accommodations, adaptive technology, and mentorship to ensure equitable participation in preclinical and clinical education.
Student Body
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 700 |
| International Students | 5% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 7:1 |
University Diversity
RowanSOM prioritizes a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The school actively recruits students from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds to ensure that the physician workforce reflects the communities it serves. Diversity initiatives include mentorship programs, cultural competency training, and community outreach projects. These efforts equip students to provide compassionate care to diverse patient populations while fostering an environment of mutual respect and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Average Earnings
Graduates of RowanSOM enter residency programs across the nation, with average starting salaries for primary care residents around $60,000–$65,000 annually. Specialty-trained physicians generally earn between $180,000 and $250,000 upon entering independent practice. Alumni pursuing academic, research, or public health careers also achieve competitive compensation while contributing to the advancement of osteopathic medicine and healthcare systems.
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Faculty members at RowanSOM are experienced clinicians, researchers, and educators dedicated to student development. Staff provide support in academic advising, clinical rotations, research mentorship, and wellness programs, fostering a comprehensive educational experience.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty expertise spans internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, osteopathic manipulative medicine, biomedical research, and public health. Many faculty hold national leadership positions, conduct funded research, publish extensively, and mentor students in both clinical and academic capacities.
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
RowanSOM provides a modern campus with access to clinical training facilities, research laboratories, and student lounges. Housing options include on-campus residences and nearby apartments. Student life emphasizes professional development, leadership, wellness, and community service, with numerous student organizations and events fostering collaboration and networking.
Transportation
The campus is accessible via public transportation, with bus services and shuttles connecting students to clinical sites, research facilities, and residential areas. On-campus accessibility is supported with pathways, parking, and mobility accommodations for students, faculty, and staff.