Main Campus: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Additional Locations: Clearwater, FL

The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine is dedicated to student-centered osteopathic medical education to produce exemplary osteopathic physicians known for competent and compassionate care.

The Health Professions Division, with a student body of nearly 8,000, is home to Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine—the first osteopathic college established in the southeastern United States. As a student in the Health Professions Division of Nova Southeastern University, you can anticipate a remarkable experience. You will train, study, interact, and share facilities, faculty, and resources with other health professions students.

Campus setting:
Suburban Fort Lauderdale, FL setting
Suburban Tampa Bay/Clearwater, FL setting

Year founded: 1979

Type: Private, non-profit

Accreditation:
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program has been granted accreditation by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association. Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southeastern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist, doctorate, and professional degrees.

Institutional affiliation:
Nova Southeastern University (NSU)

Facilities:
KPCOM is located on the beautiful campuses in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa Bay/Clearwater, Florida. With a dedicated and professional faculty, the college maintains affiliations with many hospitals, clinics, and health care systems in these two areas as it fulfills its mission to educate professionals capable of providing the highest-quality health care. The college is a member of the Nova Southeastern University family, which has nearly 21,000 students. It is the second largest private, nonprofit university in the Southeast and one of only 37 universities (out of more than 4,000 in the United States) that have earned designations for both High Research Activity and Community Engagement from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university comprises undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools and programs of osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, optometry, health care sciences, nursing, medical sciences, allopathic medicine dental medicine, law, marine biology and oceanography, business and entrepreneurship, aviation, education, engineering and computing, conflict resolution, arts humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, family therapy, psychology and counseling, and early childhood and autism studies.

Student residence options:
Off-campus housing services provide incoming and current students with rental information concerning all types of local housing. Other resources include a roommate-finder service, moving tips, answers to frequently asked questions, and location area resource links to help make your move easier.

• Total medical school enrollment: 1,315
• Total male: 674
• Total female: 641
• First-year matriculants enrollment: 378
• First-year male matriculants: 153
• First-year female matriculants: 225
• Matriculants in-state: 181
• Matriculants out-of-state: 197
• Total Enrollment Affiliate Institutions: 1,315

NSU’s Health Professions Division is unique in that it has been developed as an interdisciplinary educational center from its inception. The division was founded on the concept that the interdisciplinary approach to education is beneficial to students of all professions, as well as the idea that by preparing students to work effectively with health care providers from different fields, barriers are broken and patient care is enhanced. Over the past 35 years, NSU’s Health Professions Division has developed into a multidisciplinary academic health center of international stature. The colleges within the HPD, which include osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine, optometry, health care sciences, nursing, and allopathic medicine, have redoubled their commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community service while expanding their missions in research and scholarship. Together as a team, the distinguished faculty prepares students for an exciting career on tomorrow’s dynamic health care team. The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a professional degree that requires four years of professional study. The osteopathic medical college program spans two campuses and a reach that crosses international borders. Our innovative curriculum is designed to fulfill our mission to produce exemplary osteopathic physicians known for competent and compassionate care. We offer students hands-on learning opportunities with standardized and simulated patients while exploring the latest virtual-world and 3-D technology. Invaluable elective predoctoral fellowships in research and osteopathic principles and practices are also available. International medical outreach programs in Cuba, Ecuador, India, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico broaden a share commitment to underserved populations. Our curriculum is updated continually, keeping students honed in on the evolution of the health care field.

DO/MBA
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Business Administration – The Master of Business Administration program runs in conjunction with the H. Wayne Huizenza School of Business and Entrepreneurship.

DO/MPH
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Public Health – The Master of Public Health program is designed to prepare students to define, critically assess, and resolve public health problems. The program emphasizes acquisition of knowledge and skills for promoting health, preventing disease, and conducting research.

DO/MS
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Science in Nutrition – Based upon the 2010 Patient Protection and Health Care Affordability Act Congress has put an increased demand on the health care delivery system for preventive services, which includes nutrition in almost all areas in primary care. NSU’s new Master of Science in Nutrition provides an excellent inter-professional graduate degree for student leaders who want to integrate nutrition into the field of osteopathic medicine.

DO/MS
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics – The Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics trains future leaders in the development, dissemination, and evaluation of information technology as it relates to the health care environment, which includes hospitals, health care delivery systems, health information technology system vendors, eHealth companies, insurers, pharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions.

DO/MS
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Science in Disaster and Emergency Management – The Master of Science in Disaster and Emergency Management trains future leaders in the field of emergency operations. This program is designed to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and applied skills needed to work in this rapidly growing field.

DO/MS
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Science in Medical Education – This program is designed to help faculty and preceptors enhance their professional education and teaching skills as well as to expand their ability to facilitate the learning process of students and residents in a variety of clinical teaching environments. With this knowledge, clinical educators will learn the skills to lead in dynamic and changing health care systems.

Certificate in Health Professions Preparation

The Certificate in Health Professions Preparation program in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM) is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution who have completed traditional pre-med coursework as well as the MCAT before applying. Students are trained in human biology and medicine to improve their academic credentials in order to be considered for admission to our professional schools. Those enrolled in this program take basic science courses. Courses offered include gross anatomy,histology, neuroanatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology and pathology.

Clinical Training Program
A notable aspect of our clinical training program is a three-month clinical rotation at a rural or urban underserved area. Students will have the opportunity to learn about health care needs of various cultural and ethnic groups whose lifestyles and attitudes toward health care differ from those the student will see in more traditional sites. It is an enriching educational experience, in which students may select an international site for one of the three months.

Osteopathic Principles and Practice Fellowship with a scholarship
The Predoctoral OPP Fellowship Program is a unique opportunity that is designed to expand the educational and clinical opportunities for selected students. It expands the medical school training period from four to five years by converting the two-year clinical clerkship into a three-year Fellowship. Each fellow completes a full complement of clinical rotations, in addition to a twelve-month fellowship period that is incorporated into the rotation schedule. The fellows assist in all classroom and practical training activities, as well as the development of, and participation in, research projects. Fellows also provide clinical services under the supervision of faculty members. A fellowship certificate is awarded upon completion of the program.

Osteopathic Medicine Research Fellowship
Students wishing to take part in the OSM II Fellowship Research program, will be considered after completion of OMS II. During this program students will learn and demonstrate their knowledge of research methods, enhance their skills in the written communication of scientific data (co-author paper peer reviewed journal), as well as, demonstrate oral communication of scientific results (present at a national or international meeting)and enhance their ability to understand research literature. Students will learn to incorporate the latest research findings into the practice of osteopathic medicine and exhibit improved insight into the ethical principles of treatment of human participants in research studies. Students will also gain extensive experience working with institutional review boards. Students taking part in the fellowship program will be responsible for preparing an individualized training plan in consultation with their advisor, completing all academic coursework as outlined in the individualized training plan and have taken the COMLEX-Level 1 Exam by the start of the fellowship year. In addition, students will complete CITI training. They will also participate in conducting an individual research project, the writing of scholarly articles, or participate in an ongoing study. In addition, they will attend in regular meetings with their research mentor and participate in scheduled rounds with other COM fellows. For the student’s involvement, NSU will pay the student’s tuition for years 3, 4, and 5 of the their Fellow’s medical training

International Medical Programs
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-KPCOM) coordinates and participates in international medical outreach programs that provide health care to underserved, international communities. The mission of the outreach programs is to provide access to medical care in underserved and vulnerable countries to improve the health and wellness of those populations most in need. Our goal is to establish long-term relationships that allow us to revisit each community multiple times over several years until the community can maintain its medical status independently. Moreover, volunteers experience and share in a new culture. Each visit brings progress and success in community wellness. In addition to attending to the health needs of those who do not usually have access to care, these rewarding experiences also offer our students, faculty members, and volunteers the chance to use their clinical skills in settings that may have medical and public health challenges different from their own. The exposure to varied cultures and the unique concerns that each present, provides participants with unparalleled real-world education that serves to enrich us all. NSU-KPCOM offers one-to two-week medical outreach trips for volunteer physicians, nurses, medical students, and other medical and non-medical individuals. Students of other disciplines are also allowed to participate, as each outreach trip allows. We provide medical assistance in areas where health care is limited or difficult to obtain and establish partnerships with the local clinics. The Medical Outreach Committee, comprised of faculty, staff and student representatives from various clubs, assist in the planning and coordination of various international medical outreach programs. This committee has collaborated with the following countries for international medical outreach trips: Ecuador, India, Bangladesh, Jamaica, and Dominican Republic. Fourth year students can complete rural/underserved selective rotations at international locations. These clinical sites are sought out by the students and must meet certain educational criteria prior to being approved by the department.

Required Community Service
NSU-KPCOM students are enrolled in the Community Service Course in order to provide direct community service to improve the world around them, in the best traditions of holistic and complimentary care. The goal of the NSU-KPCOM Community Service Program is to provide altruistic service to the community at large, treating all persons with dignity and respect, to foster among NSU-KPCOM students a sense of and habit of stewardship for people and the environment.

Admissions Process

NSU-KPCOM participates in the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) for the receipt and processing of all applications. Applicants must submit applications and all supporting documents electronically through AACOMAS online no later than January 15. Materials include:

1. A completed AACOMAS
2. An official transcript from all colleges and universities attended
3. MCAT scores (Must be no more than three years from date of expected matriculation.)
4. A letter of recommendation from a physician and from the applicants’ pre-professional committee or if such a committee does not exist, three letters of evaluation (two from science professors and one from a non-science professor) are necessary. (If the applicant has been out of school for at least two years, and his/her professors are no longer available, the applicant should contact the admissions counselor.)

Upon NSU’s receipt of the AACOMAS application, NSU-KPCOM will forward an online secondary application to the student. The applicant must submit a completed secondary application and a nonrefundable application fee of $50 no later than March 1 in order to be considered for admission. A personal interview is part of the admission process: however, being interviewed is not a guarantee of admission. Not all applicants will be granted interview. Those selected will be notified of the date and time of such interview by the Office of Admissions. Notice of acceptance will be on a rolling or periodic schedule; therefore, early completion of the application is in the best interest of the applicant because of the limited number of spaces available in each class. After acceptance, final and official documents and requirements must be received by the Office of Admissions within 90 days following the start of the first term.

Application Information

• Primary application service: AACOMAS
• Earliest application submission date: Opening Date of AACOMAS (5/4/2022)
• Primary application deadline: 1/15/2023
• Supplemental application deadline: 3/1/2023
• Submission timing for best consideration:
  KPCOM receives more than 8,000 completed AACOMAS applications and more than 6,000 secondary applications per year. Therefore, it is in the applicant’s best interest to apply as early as possible during the application cycle.

First-Year Class Matriculants’ Selection Factors

The Committee on Admissions recommends applicants to the dean based on demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, compassion, and commitment to the osteopathic medical profession.

International students (non-U.S. citizens or temporary residents) considered: Yes

International students enrolled in the last two academic cycles: TBA

MCAT

• Oldest MCAT considered: 7/24/2020
• Accept September 2022 MCAT scores: Yes
• Accept January 2023 MCAT scores: No

Accepted Sources for Letters of Recommendation

• AACOMAS
• Paper

Supplemental Application

• Supplemental application required? Yes
• Earliest supplemental application submission date: 6/15/2022
• Supplemental application deadline: 3/1/2023
• Supplemental application requirements:
  NSU requires the completion of a secondary application. Upon receipt of the AACOMAS application, NSU-KPCOM will forward an online, secondary application to the applicant. Applicants must complete and submit this application to NSU no later than March 1, 2023, along with a nonrefundable application fee of $50
• Fee waiver available: Yes
• Waiver conditions:
  Applicants who receive a fee waiver from AACOMAS and have been interviewed by KPCOM will be eligible to receive for a fee waiver (refund) for the applicants’ NSU secondary application fee.
• Supplemental application sent to the following prospective students:
  All Applicants
• Supplemental application fee: $50, non-refundable

Interview Format

A personal interview is part of the admission process. However, being interviewed is not a guarantee of admission. Upon completion of the applicant’s file, a review will be made to determine if the candidate will be granted an interview. Not all applicants will be granted an interview, and only those applicants whose files are completed will be considered. The Office of Admissions will notify selected candidates for interview. The interview experience is a full day and includes:

1. Meeting with the NSU-KPCOM Admissions Counselor
2. Information regarding the committee on admissions committee decision process
3. Overview presentation of the curriculum, facilities, and student support
4. Private interview with a small team of faculty members
5. Tour of the medical college facility by Student Ambassadors
6. Experience NSU-KPCOM as a student
7. Interactive lunch session
8. Questions and answers with the dean of NSU-KPCOM
9. Campus bus tour of the NSU campus

Science Courses

Required:

• Biology/Zoology, 8 semester hours with lab
• Organic Chemistry, 8 semester hours with lab
• Inorganic Chemistry, 8 semester hours with lab
• Physics, 8 semester hours with lab
• Biochemistry, 3 semester hours

Recommended:

• Anatomy
• Genetics
• Physiology

Non-Science Courses

Required:

• College English, 3 semester hours

Recommended:

• Behavioral Sciences, 3 semester hours
  
• Humanities, 3 semester hours

Applicants will be requested to submit necessary matriculation documents, including a deposit, according to the following AACOMAS traffic guideline schedule:

• Those accepted prior to November 15 will have until December 14
• Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 will have 30 days
• Those accepted between January 15 and May 14 will have 14 days
• Those accepted after May 15 may be asked for an immediate deposit
• After May 15 of the year of matriculation, each medical college may implement college-specific procedures for accepted students who hold one or more seats at other medical colleges

• Maximum time for applicant to accept offer: Maximum time varies based on the AACOMAS Traffic Guidelines
• Earliest acceptance date: 9/1/2022
• Latest acceptance date: 7/24/2023
• Deferred entrance requests considered: Yes.
• Orientation / start date for first-year students: 7/24/2023 (Subject to change)

• Early Decision Program (EDP) offered: No

Tuition and Fees

• 2021-22 annual resident tuition: $56,784
• 2021-22 annual non-resident tuition: $63,638
• 2021-22 annual resident fees: $4,168
• 2021-22 annual non-resident fees: $4,168
• 2021-22 annual health insurance fee: $2,068
• Fees include:
  • Student Services
  • Student Activities
  • Technology (not computer)
  • Other: Rotation Fees, Registration Fees
• Estimated annual room, board, books and living costs: $48,490
• Average 2021 graduate indebtedness: $309,270

Deposit

• Amount of deposit to hold place in class: $1,250, non-refundable
• Additional deposit amount: $750
• Deposit applied to tuition: Yes

Financial Aid

• Financial Aid Website
• Enrolled students with federal financial aid: 77%
• Scholarships: Yes
• Average scholarship/grant: $17,930

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

Address:
3200 South University Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328

Main phone: (866) 817-4068

Admissions Office

Email: hpdadmissionsinfo@nova.edu
Phone: (954) 262-1102