A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine is the founding college of osteopathic medicine. It has a rich history that spans more than 100 years. Although ATSU – Kirksville is located in the very small town of Kirksville, Missouri, it is home to state of the art medical resources and training facilities. The Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine has a total student body of just under 700 students.
School Mission/Focus: “Consistent with the university’s heritage as the founding school of osteopathic medicine, the mission of A.T. Still University of Health Sciences is to educate tudents to become competent health care professionals who continuously develop and demonstrate compassion, integrity and ability, while advancing osteopathic principles and philosophy. The institution is committed to scholarly inquiry that anticipates and addresses society’s health care needs. The university encourages its constituencies to become leaders in improving community health and wellness, with a comprehensive appreciation of the interaction of mind, body and spirit.” (aacom.org)
Location: ATSU – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine is located in Kirksville, Missouri. Students looking for a quiet, rural environment will enjoy living in Kirksville. Kirksville is located 3 hours from Kansas City (168 Miles).
Application Requirements:GPA (Cumulative)*: 2.5 (3.5 if you will not have a degree prior to matriculation) GPA (Science)*: 2.5 (3.5 if you will not have a degree prior to matriculation) MCAT: Required. No data is published in regards to minimum scores for acceptance although the Early Decision Program requires a minimum score of 24. Your MCAT must have been taken within the last 3 years to be considered. Student must have completed the follow undergraduate course work:
- English (6 semester hours)
- Biology (8 semester hours) – must include a laboratory and a basic course in General Biology or General Zoology
- Physics (8 semester hours) – must include a laboratory
- General or Inorganic Chemistry (8 semester hours) – must include a laboratory
- Organic Chemistry (8 semester hours) – must include a laboratory
Recommended courses:
- Biochemistry
- Anatomy
Background check required: Yes All students meeting the minimum application requirements will be sent a secondary application which should be returned as soon as possible. Secondary applications will require:
- Letters of reference – 1 letter from a physician or employer, 1 letter from Admissions Committee Boards, Science Faculty member or pre-medical advisor
- $60 application fee
Curriculum:The Curriculum during your first two years at KCOM is discipline based (meaning it focuses on one area of information at a time such as Biochemistry). KCOM uses several different methods of presentation for each course including problem-based sessions, case-based presentations, web-based instruction, and small-group labs, workshops and other activities. Clinical methods are an area of focus throughout the curriculum at KCOM. “Osteopathic theory and methods are taught throughout the first two years, integrated through an interdependent alignment with basic science and clinical courses. Courses in the first two years prepare the student for the curriculum expected during the clinical rotation experience. Clinical curriculum, including didactics, labs, workshops and osteopathic manipulative medicine, is delivered to students in regional sites during the third and fourth years.” (www.atsu.edu) Here is a typical course schedule:
1st Year Biochemistry I and II Clinical Experiences (2 week off-campus) rotation Histology I and II Human Gross and Developmental Anatomy I, II and III Human Nutrition Immunology Medical Microbiology Neuroscience I Osteopathic Theory and Methods I, II and III Pathology I Physiology I and II The Complete Doctor
2nd Year Dermatology Infectious Diseases Introduction to Clinical Rotations Neuroscience II Neuroscience III Ophthalmology Orthopedic Surgery Osteopathic Theory and Methods IV, V and V Otorhinolaryngology Pathology II, III and IV Pediatrics Pharmacology I and II Principles of Medicine I, II, and III Principles of Surgery I, II, and III Rheumatic Diseases The Complete Doctor Women’s Health Elective Courses Advanced Cranial Osteopathic Theory and Methods KCOM-CASA Service Learning Medical Spanish Professionalism
3rd Year Rotations Anesthesiology (2 weeks) Family Medicine (4 weeks) General Internal Medicine (8 weeks) Obstetrics/Gynecology (4 weeks) Pediatrics (4 weeks) Psychiatry (4 weeks) Rural or Underserved Family Medicine (4 weeks) Surgery (4 weeks) Radiology (2 weeks)
4th Year Rotations Critical Care (4 weeks) Emergency Medicine (4 weeks) Family Medicine (4 weeks) Internal Medicine or Surgery Electives (4 weeks) Orthopedics, Neurology or Physiatry (4 weeks) Pediatric Electives (4 weeks) Primary Care (4 weeks) Electives (10 weeks)
School Demographics:
Total enrollment: 697
Total male: 417
Total female: 280
First-year enrollment: 172
Cost of Attending:
Tuition: $38,980 Fees: $725
Living in Kirksville, MO:
Population: As of the 2000 census, Kirksville had a population of 16,988. Approximately 95% of the population in Kirksville is caucasian.
Demographics: The median income for a household in Kirksville is $22,836and the median income for a family is $36,772.
Housing: Cost of purchasing a house in Kirksville can be extremely low due to the rural location. Many houses are listed for sale for well under $150,000. Renting in Kirksville can be somewhat more difficult (although also very cheap) due to limited listings online. However, apartment, condo, house, and duplex rentals are available with some searching. CheckRentKirksville.com for a few current listing. Cost of
Living: Cost of living in Kirksville is significantly lower than many other areas of the country. Housing and transportation costs are about 80-90% of the national average. Click here for comparative data.
Employment Opportunities: Employment in Kirksville is limited but family of medical students can often find employment if necessary in a variety of places include schools and other public services.
Weather: Kirksville gets about 37 inches of rain per year and 22 inches of snowfall. Here are average temperatures for January and July (in Fahrenheit):
January: High = 32, Low = 13
July: High = 86, Low = 65
Things to do: Although Kirksville is a small rural town, there are always several things for you or your family to do for fun. Kirksville has a limited but diverse choice of restaurants in the area which includes fast food and sit down dining. Kirksville also has most of the major amenities that you will need such as grocery stores, Walmart, and a movie theater. Those who desire the options available in a metropolitan area can find everything they want in Kansas City which is about 3 hours away.
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