ATSU School of Osteopathic Medicine AZ

Admission Requirements

ATSU-SOMA’s Admissions Committee seeks individuals who will be a good match to SOMA’s mission and are capable of meeting the school’s academic and professionalism standards. Applicants are screened for academic achievement, clinical involvement, interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, service, perseverance, maturity, motivation, and knowledge of the osteopathic profession. Applicants who pass this screening will be invited for an interview. Application Process

Applicants for admission to the first-year DO class must meet the following requirements prior to matriculation.

  1. The applicant must have achieved a minimum 2.8 cumulative grade-point average (GPA) and a minimum 2.8 science GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  2. Applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Arts or Science from a US college or university accredited by a US Department of Education institutional accreditor.
  3. Applicants must have successfully completed one full academic year (or equivalent) with a grade (or equivalent) of “C-” or better in each of the following courses prior to matriculation:
    • English
    • Biology/Zoology (with laboratory)
    • Inorganic/General Chemistry (with laboratory)
    • Physics (with laboratory)
    • Organic Chemistry (with laboratory)
  4. Applicants are required to submit scores from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The exam must have been taken within three years of application.
  5. Applicants are required to submit two letters of evaluation, one from a premedical committee or basic science faculty member and another letter from a physician (DO or MD).
  6. Matriculants are required to submit complete official transcripts from each school attended by the date of matriculation.
  7. ATSU-SOMA requires criminal background checks for all applicants. The criminal background checks are conducted by a vendor selected by ATSU. The applicant will be responsible for the cost of the background check and will make payment directly to the vendor. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in denial of acceptance into ATSU-SOMA. Prior to clinical rotations, students are generally required to submit to another background check per the policies of the clinical sites.
  8. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  9. Applicants must be fluent in the oral and written use of English.
  10. Applicants must have basic computer literacy.

Technology Requirements: Matriculants will have computer hardware and software that meets the minimum technology specifications found at: http://its.atsu.edu/knowledgebase/soma-technology-requirements/

Preparing for Admission

A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona’s ideal candidate for admission understands and identifies with the tenets and philosophy of osteopathic medicine and is able to demonstrate a strong and compassionate commitment to medically underserved populations in the form of volunteerism and/or work experience. An ideal candidate is well-aligned with SOMA’s mission to create empathetic physicians aspiring to provide healthcare to medically underserved communities.

Candidates for admission to SOMA are strongly encouraged to spend time shadowing an osteopathic physician and obtain a letter of support from that physician. Candidates are also strongly encouraged to provide a letter of support from a supervisor of activities involving outreach to medically underserved populations.

The ideal candidate for admission to SOMA has the ability to manage a rigorous academic schedule and can demonstrate proficiency in biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology.

  • General Biology – one year with laboratory (8 semester hours or 12 quarter hours)
  • Physics – one year with laboratory (8 semester hours or 12 quarter hours)
  • General or Inorganic Chemistry – one year with laboratory (8 semester hours or 12 quarter hours)
  • Organic Chemistry – one year with laboratory (8 semester hours or 12 quarter hours)
  • English – one year (6 semester hours or 8 quarter hours)
  • Bachelor's degree from US regionally accredited institution

The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required for Admissions to ATSU-SOMA. The MCAT examines knowledge and skill in areas such as biology, math, reading, and problem-solving. A pre-medical advisor can assist applicants in scheduling and preparing for this examination.

Most applicants major in the sciences, such as biology or chemistry, in their undergraduate studies. However, applicants may major in any area as long as they meet the minimum course and grade requirements and demonstrate their potential for successfully completing an osteopathic medical curriculum.

Prospective SOMA students will be evaluated in three major areas: academic accomplishment, personal characteristics of a healer, and propensity to serve the underserved. Prospective students must exhibit a genuine concern for people. Osteopathic medicine is a people-oriented profession that demands dedicated and empathetic individuals. Osteopathic colleges require a personal interview during the application procedure. The applicant is strongly encouraged to have clinical exposure in a healthcare environment.