Michigan State University

College of Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic Medical Scholars

The Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program (OMSP), gives Michigan State University undergraduate students the chance to explore health care, osteopathic medicine and the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Selected participants can gain early exposure to clinical skills, community involvement and leadership roles. They develop a strong support network of peers who share similar goals, explore personal strengths and weaknesses, and develop a deeper understanding of the osteopathic profession.

OMSP is a selective program that guides students through their undergraduate experience and through the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine application process.  Those who maintain a science GPA of at least 3.5 and complete the OMSP Requirements can waive the MCAT requirement for admission into the college. OMSP participation does not guarantee admission into MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.  If students plan to apply to other medical schools, this waiver will not apply to those schools.

Advantages of Becoming an Osteopathic Medical Scholar

  • Opportunity to work in an environment of students who excel academically
  • Ability to build leadership experience through community service
  • Gain early exposure to osteopathic principles and practice
  • Experience an environment conducive to studying osteopathic medicine and research 
  • Receive academic guidance for osteopathic medical school admission and preference among those who apply for admission to MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Admission Requirements

  • High school GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Record of volunteerism and community service.
  • Knowledge of osteopathic medicine.
  • Must be accepted to Michigan State University to participate in this program.
  • MSU students with two academic years left before applying to MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine may also apply.
    • Typically, this will mean that an MSU applicant will participate in the program for at least two year after acceptance into OMSP however this will be determined on an individual basis so a meeting with director is recommended prior to applying.
    • The same application and criteria will be used to determine acceptance into the program.

Note: Those interested in OMSP must apply to the MSU undergraduate program.  All questions about admission and finances must be referred to MSU Admissions.

Two Tracks for Participation in OMSP

Traditional Participation

Participants who have been accepted into OMSP may enter with any MSU major. For those who successfully complete the OMSP requirements with a 3.5 overall and science GPA, we will waive the MCAT. Participants must apply, interview, and be accepted to MSUCOM.

Lyman Briggs College 3+4

These students must be members of OMSP who have expressed interest in this area of the program. They must also be admitted to the Lyman Briggs College.

Those who participated in an MSUCOM pre-college program will be given preference for 3+4. Students who have not participated in one of these programs would need to demonstrate exceptional knowledge regarding their understanding of Osteopathic Medicine to participate in 3+4.

Selected participants might be able to enter medical school during what would be their senior year of college as determined by MSUCOM administrators following completion of specific professional development seminars. Upon the completion of the first year of coursework at MSUCOM, participants will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree from Lyman Briggs.

Note: This is not a 7-year program. It is not a direct admit program to MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. Students must be accepted to MSU by MSU Admission Office. All questions about admission and finances must be referred to MSU Admissions.

Learn More

Schedule an appointment with Gerica Lee, Director of Post-Secondary Pathways.

Apply

The application for the 2023-2024 cycle closed on January 15th. Applicants who have submitted a completed file are being reviewed. If selected you will be asked to interview via Zoom the second or third week of March. Final decision will be alerted early April.
 
The application for the 2024-2025 cycle will open in the fall.

Contact

For more information about the Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program please contact Gerica Lee at gerica@msu.edu.