Location: Stratford, NJ
Additional Location: Sewell, NJ

Mission Statement

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine prepares future physicians and scientists who are committed to improving health in New Jersey and throughout the nation. To advance our mission we:

• Develop clinically skillful, compassionate and culturally competent physicians from diverse backgrounds who are grounded in our osteopathic philosophy and ready to meet future healthcare workforce needs.
• Advance research, innovation and discovery to improve health and solve the medical challenges of today and the future.
• Provide exceptional patient-centered care, with an emphasis on primary and interprofessional team-based care that responds to the needs of the community including underserved and special needs populations.

College Description

Rowan-Virtua SOM has been training osteopathic physicians for over 40 years. The school has graduated over 3000 alumni who practice all over the country in a variety of specialties from family medicine to neurology (and more). Located just 14 miles from Center City Philadelphia, under two hours from bustling New York City and just one hour from the famous Jersey Shore, Rowan-Virtua SOM offers an accredited four-year program leading to a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. We are a consistent leader among osteopathic medical schools in academics, research, funding and student diversity. The school offers two campuses and two curriculum tracks to choose from. Our new Rowan-Virtua SOM Sewell campus includes facilitating a new model of integrated clinical services to address health care needs of our patients. Students who choose to attend Rowan-Virtua SOM are trained in an academic/clinical model that is not found at all medical schools. We offer a premier educational experience balanced with a truly supportive atmosphere that offers a diverse and welcoming student body, along with tremendous opportunities for research and community service.

Campus setting:
The school is located in a suburban setting. The nearest metropolitan area is Philadelphia.

Year founded: 1976

Type: Public, non-profit

Accreditation:

The Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine is fully-accredited by the COCA and by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Institutional affiliation:

• Rowan University

Facilities:

Stratford Campus
The centerpiece of the campus is the Academic Center; a three-story, 110,000-square-foot building that houses the library, basic sciences and anatomy labs, classrooms, lounges, students services, cafeteria, prayer/meditation room and wellness center. The 74,000-square-foot Science Center houses laboratories and facilities used for leading-edge research and experimentation. The 54,000-square-foot University Education Center (UEC) now houses the state-of-the-art PBL classrooms and the Rowan-Virtua SOM Student Services Department. The Rowan Medicine building is home to our new state-of-the-art Simulation Center providing a unique experience across all four years of undergraduate medical training. The Simulation Center contains 14 ambulatory-themed and four hospital-themed exam rooms with attached observation areas for standardized patient and simulator experiences. Watch our video to capture the simulation experience, as well as hear first-hand accounts from students and faculty on the vital role our center plays in their medical education at https://som.rowan.edu/education/academic/simlab/about.html.

Sewell Campus
The Centerpiece of the Rowan-Virtua SOM, Sewell Campus includes over 55,000-square-foot space that includes the Rowan Integrated Special Needs Center (RISN) on the first floor and a state-of-the-art teaching facilities that houses nine cohorts of eight students in the PBL curriculum track. Other academic spaces include the Library Learning Center, OMM Lab, Lecture Hall, and Research Lab. Dynamic Synergy of learning is created by the presence of a unique medical practice model located ONLY one floor beneath the classroom. Students in their first and second years will be welcomed to join the faculty who are actively engaged in treating patients on the first floor. In addition Students will be able to rotate through these Clinical Sites as part of their 3rd and 4th year elective and core rotations.

Student residence options:
Though on-campus housing is not provided, there are a number of apartment communities in close proximity to the Rowan-Virtua SOM campuses. Rowan-Virtua SOM also provides a number of housing resources and guides that provide students access with a variety of housing options.

2021-2022 Enrollment

• Total medical school enrollment: 850
• Total male: 412
• Total female: 438
• First-year matriculants: 216
• First-year male matriculants: 105
• First-year female matriculants: 111
• Matriculants in-state: 150
• Matriculants out-of-state: 66
• Total enrollment affiliate institutions: 850

Rowan-Virtua SOM has two different curriculum tracks to choose from: Students with an interest in the PBL curriculum will be required to fill out an essay explaining why they should be selected for the PBL track. Both curricular tracks will prepare students to become excellent physicians who will provide exceptional care and become leaders within their community. Our students consistently perform well on National Board Exams.

Synergistic Guided Learning
The evolution of our Synergistic Guided Learning (SGL) track is centered on a single-pass system-based design, where organ systems are combined into blocks that reflect a more intuitive progression of learning. Each block repeats a cyclical process that presents ideal/normal human structure and function, then describes the progression of diseases, their diagnosis and treatments. For example, basic science sessions that are centered on normal regulation of blood pressure are followed by clinical sessions that focus on the evaluation and management of hypertension. This allows the relevance of basic sciences to be immediately apparent to the learner, offers more team teaching by clinical and basic science faculty, and reduces redundancy. In addition to classroom and clinical-based learning, our students are engaged in activities that affect the health of the whole patient, which is a principle of osteopathy. This is accomplished through courses that incorporate community service, end of life care, sexuality, and the science behind health systems.

Problem Based Learning Problem-Based Learning
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a student-centered approach to curriculum, where clinical case presentations are the stimulus for acquiring the basic science knowledge needed to understand underlying mechanisms, as well as means of developing clinical reasoning skills. Our students follow a double-pass systems-based model, which allows them to develop integrated learning issues, including both the basic and clinical sciences, over two years. Our students will be engaged in additional activities that affect the health of the whole patient, which is a principle of osteopathy. Our courses incorporate community service, end of life care, sexuality, and the science behind healthcare systems.

BS/DO
Three-plus-four articulation agreements with select colleges allow qualified candidates to apply during their junior year and begin osteopathic medical studies in what would traditionally be their senior year. Participants of the Baccalaureate/DO program must take the MCAT, complete all course requirements, and interview with members of the admissions committee to be considered for a seat in the class. Acceptance into the undergraduate college and pursuing the three-plus-four track does not guarantee acceptance into RowanSOM. (Contact Admissions for more information.)

DO/MBA
The joint DO/MBA program is offered in cooperation with Rowan University. The Master of Business Administration is designed to prepare future physicians to establish, build, and manage medical practices and/or other business endeavors and assume leadership positions within for-profit and not-for-profit organization.

DO/MPH
The joint DO/MPH program is offered in cooperation with the Rutgers University School of Public Health. The Masters in Public Health degree is designed to prepare future physicians to address a multitude of health issues within our society

DO/JD
The joint DO/JD program is offered in cooperation with Rutgers University – School of Law Camden Campus. The program is designed to prepare future physicians for joint careers in medicine and law.

DO/PhD
The joint DO/PhD program is a unique interdepartmental program between the departments of Cell Biology and Molecular Biology that is intended to prepare future physicians anticipating careers in biomedical research or teaching.

Masters in Biomedical Sciences
Offered to students interested in research or enhancing their science background in preparation for application to DO or MD programs. Students are required to take credits of GSBS courses.

Masters in Histopathology
Hands-on experience using in vivo models and primary tissue to prepare students for a career in histopathology. Students are required to take credits of GSBS courses.

Masters in Anatomical Sciences
Innovative program focused on training individuals qualified to teach gross anatomy to medical students and other allied health students

Masters in Cell and Molecular Biology
Designed for students considering a doctoral program, a career in academia or biomedical research.

Masters in Molecular Pathology and Immunology
Prepares students for careers in molecular diagnostics.

Special Programs

None Offered

Admissions Process

Our admissions committee uses the holistic review process when reviewing applicants to Rowan-Virtua SOM. Unless a BS/DO student, applicants must have completed their bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation to Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. Any undergraduate major is acceptable, however, students must complete prerequisite coursework prior to matriculation. Applicants must show academic ability and the ability to succeed in a medical school program. Applicants are also evaluated on their knowledge of osteopathic medicine, their exploration of the profession and their motivation to enter the profession. An admission to Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine is on a rolling admissions basis and favors the early applicant. Out-of-state applicants are encouraged to apply. All application materials should be received prior to the application deadline to be given adequate consideration. Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability.

• Primary application service: AACOMAS
• Earliest application submission date: Opening Date of AACOMAS (5/4/2022)
• Primary application deadline: 2/1/2023
• Supplemental application deadline: 2/15/2023
• Submission timing for best consideration: For best consideration applicants should submit their application at least four weeks prior to the deadline. Our admissions process favors the early applicant.

First-Year Class Matriculants’ Selection Factors

• Volunteering and medically related experiences
• Knowledge of Osteopathic Medicine
• Leadership skills and the journey to medical school
• Strong academic background
• Quality interpersonal skills and a demonstrated compassion for others
• Selfless motivation of intense lifelong service to their patients

International students (non-U.S. citizens or temporary residents) considered: Yes
Applicants should contact the Rowan-Virtua SOM Admissions Office at (856) 566-7050 for more information.

International students enrolled in the last two academic cycles: 4

MCAT

• Oldest MCAT considered: 1/31/2018
• Accept September 2022 MCAT scores: Yes
• Accept January 2023 MCAT scores: Yes

Accepted Sources for Letters of Recommendation

• AACOMAS
• Interfolio

Supplemental Application

• Supplemental application required? Yes
• Earliest supplemental application submission date: 6/22/2022
• Supplemental application deadline: 2/15/2023
• Supplemental application requirements:
  All applicants are required to complete a supplemental application. In addition, letters of recommendation from a pre-medical committee or two science faculty professors and the Medical College Admissions Test, (MCAT) are required.
• Fee waiver available: Yes
• Waiver conditions:
  AACOMAS waiver
• Supplemental application sent to the following prospective students:
  All applicants
• Supplemental application fee: $90, non-refundable

Interview Format

The interview is generally a closed file interview conducted and could be conducted by a faculty member(s) and/or faculty member and medical student. Interviews are approximately 30 minutes long.

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

Recommended:

• Anatomy, 3 semester hours
• Biochemistry, 3 semester hours
  
• Genetics, 3 semester hours
  
• Physiology, 3 semester hours
  

Non-Science Courses

Required:

• College English, 3 semester hours
• Behavioral Sciences, 6 semester hours
• Math/Statistics, 6 semester hours

None recommended

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
• Earliest acceptance date: 9/19/2022
• Latest acceptance date: 4/15/2023
• Deferred entrance requests considered: Yes, The RowanSOM Deferment Policy can be found here: https://som.rowan.edu/education/admissions/transfer.html
• Orientation / start date for first-year students: 7/11/2023

Early Decision Program

• Early Decision Program (EDP) offered: Yes
• EDP available for: Residents, Non-residents
• EDP application due date: 8/15/2022
• EDP applications submitted to: AACOMAS
• EDP supplemental materials due: 8/31/2022
• Date EDP applicants notified: 10/21/2022

Tuition and Fees

• 2021-22 annual resident tuition: $41,339
• 2021-22 annual non-resident tuition: $66,324
• 2021-22 annual resident fees: $3,351
• 2021-22 annual non-resident fees: $3,351
• 2021-22 annual health insurance fee: $5,384
• Fees include:
  • Student Services
  • Lab
  • Computer
  • Student Activities
  • Technology (not computer)
  • Health Service
  • Other
• Estimated annual room, board, books and living costs: $23,029
• Average 2021 graduate indebtedness: $231,137

Deposit

• Amount of deposit to hold place in class: $500, non-refundable
• Additional deposit amount: $0
• Deposit applied to tuition: Yes

Financial Aid

• Financial Aid Website
• Enrolled students with federal financial aid: 75%
• Scholarships: Yes
• Average scholarship/grant: $5,800

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Rowan-Virtua SOM

Address:
One Medical Center Drive
Stratford, NJ 08084

Main phone: (856) 566-7050

Admissions Office

Email: somadm@rowan.edu
Phone: (856) 566-7050
Fax: (856) 566-6895