Phillip EdwinTexas is home to a growing and distinguished network of osteopathic medical schools, offering a holistic approach to medicine that emphasizes primary care and the musculoskeletal system. These schools provide a rigorous, patient-centered education that prepares graduates for a wide range of medical specialties.
Admission to these programs is competitive, with all schools participating in the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Services (TMDSAS) for a unified application process. Additionally, some schools offer innovative accelerated pathways and dual-degree programs, such as the DO/PhD, for students seeking to combine clinical practice with medical research.
Top 15 DO Schools In Texas
1. Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) – Fort Worth
TCOM at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) is the largest and one of the most established DO programs in Texas, having accepted its first students in 1970. The school is consistently ranked among the top medical schools for primary care by U.S. News & World Report.
TCOM is required to enroll at least 90% Texas residents, making it a prime choice for in-state applicants . The school also offers several accelerated BS/DO and BA/DO programs in partnership with the University of North Texas and the University of North Texas at Dallas .
2. Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) – Conroe
SHSU-COM, the newest osteopathic medical college in Texas, began formal instruction in 2020 and is located in Conroe. The school’s Class of 2025 achieved a 99% first-time pass rate on the COMLEX Level 1 exam, and the Class of 2026 earned a 100% pass rate, which will allow SHSU-COM to maintain the top spot for board exam passage rate nationally.
The college’s mission is to improve the medical workforce in Eastern Texas, with a strong focus on primary care and serving rural and medically underserved communities . The school has over 1,500 community-based physician preceptors and over 200 clinical affiliation agreements for student training .
3. University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) – San Antonio
UIWSOM admitted its first class of 162 students in July 2017 and is one of the newest medical schools in Texas . The school is committed to improving the health and well-being of communities in South Texas and emphasizes culturally responsive care.
The entering Class of 2024 had an average age of 25, with 73% of students being Texas residents . UIWSOM offers a 100% residency placement rate and has established several new residency programs in South Texas . The school’s diverse student body is 38% Hispanic, 39% Asian, and 3% African American, reflecting a strong commitment to increasing diversity in the physician workforce .
4. Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine – Las Cruces, NM (Clinical Rotations in El Paso, TX)
Burrell College is a private, freestanding medical school affiliated with New Mexico State University and is the only medical college with a mission specifically addressing healthcare in the Southwestern United States and its border with Northern Mexico.
The College provides clinical rotations in El Paso, Texas, making it a key option for Texas students interested in border health. Burrell’s unique public-private partnership with NMSU allows students to access university facilities, and its Class of 2020 posted a 100% GME placement rate. The school’s curriculum is supported by a large network of physicians for clinical training across New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.
5. University of Texas at Arlington – BS in Engineering Early Admission Program (Affiliated with TCOM)
UT Arlington offers a unique early admission program for students in the College of Engineering who wish to pursue a DO degree at TCOM. Students may apply during their third year of undergraduate study in biomedical engineering or a related field. This program provides a direct pathway for engineering students to combine their technical expertise with a medical education, integrating innovative problem-solving with patient care.
6. University of North Texas – BA/DO Accelerated Program (Affiliated with TCOM)
UNT offers a 3+4 accelerated BA/DO program in partnership with TCOM, allowing students to complete both their Bachelor of Arts in Biology and their DO in just seven years. Students complete three years at UNT and apply for early medical school admission during their third year, then begin at TCOM in lieu of their fourth year of undergraduate study . This program is ideal for highly motivated students seeking an accelerated path to a medical career.
7. University of North Texas at Dallas – BS/DO Accelerated Program (Affiliated with TCOM)
Similar to the UNT program, UNTD offers a 3+4 accelerated BS/DO program with TCOM for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Students can complete their undergraduate degree and medical degree in a seven-year timeframe, starting at TCOM after their third year of undergraduate study. This program provides a fast-tracked, cost-effective route to becoming a physician.
8. Midland College – Primary Care Pathway Program (Affiliated with TCOM)
Midland College offers a 2+1+4 Primary Care Pathway Program in partnership with TCOM and the University of North Texas. Students complete two years at Midland College, apply for early medical school admission, then complete their third year of undergraduate study at UNT before finishing their final four years at TCOM. This program is specifically designed for students interested in primary care and provides a supportive pathway to medical school.
9. University of Texas at Austin – Pre-Medical Advising for Osteopathic Medicine
UT Austin offers comprehensive pre-health advising for students interested in osteopathic medicine, providing guidance on prerequisite courses, MCAT preparation, and the application process. Students can pursue a wide range of majors while completing the required science coursework for DO programs. UT Austin’s strong research programs offer opportunities for undergraduate research, which is valued in medical school applications.
10. Texas A&M University – Pre-Health Advising for Osteopathic Medicine
Texas A&M provides robust pre-health advising for students pursuing DO degrees, with connections to the Texas A&M College of Medicine and other osteopathic schools. Students are guided through prerequisite courses, shadowing opportunities, and the TMDSAS application process. The university’s large alumni network and strong science programs support students in building competitive applications for osteopathic medical schools.
11. Texas Tech University – Pre-Medical Advising for Osteopathic Medicine
Texas Tech offers pre-health advising and a strong foundation in the sciences for students preparing for DO programs. The university’s connection to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center provides students with access to medical research and clinical shadowing opportunities. TTU’s location in West Texas is particularly relevant for students interested in serving rural and underserved populations.
12. Baylor University – Pre-Health Advising for Osteopathic Medicine
Baylor University provides pre-health advising for students interested in osteopathic medicine, with a focus on undergraduate research, service, and strong academic preparation. Students receive guidance on completing prerequisites, preparing for the MCAT, and building a competitive application for DO programs . Baylor’s commitment to undergraduate education and its strong science departments make it a solid choice for pre-medical students.
13. Texas State University – Pre-Medical Advising for Osteopathic Medicine
Texas State University offers pre-health advising and a strong foundation in biology and the sciences for students preparing for DO programs . The university provides guidance on shadowing, volunteer opportunities, and the TMDSAS application process . Texas State’s location between Austin and San Antonio provides students with access to diverse clinical settings for shadowing and observation, including UIWSOM and SHSU-COM.
14. University of Houston – Pre-Medical Advising for Osteopathic Medicine
The University of Houston offers pre-health advising for students interested in osteopathic medicine, with strong science programs and guidance on the competitive application process . Students receive support for MCAT preparation, shadowing opportunities, and building a competitive portfolio for DO programs . UH’s location in Houston, a major medical hub, provides students with access to extensive clinical shadowing and volunteer experiences.
15. University of North Texas – Pre-Medical Advising for Osteopathic Medicine
UNT provides pre-health advising and a strong science curriculum for students preparing for DO programs, with a direct connection to TCOM through its accelerated BS/DO programs . Students receive comprehensive guidance on prerequisite coursework, MCAT preparation, and the TMDSAS application process . UNT’s location in Denton provides a supportive college-town environment with proximity to the Fort Worth medical community, including TCOM and UNTHSC.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location | Program Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) | Fort Worth | DO | Largest DO program in TX, top primary care, 90% TX resident requirement |
| 2 | SHSU‑COM | Conroe | DO | 100% COMLEX Level 1 pass rate, rural primary care focus |
| 3 | UIWSOM | San Antonio | DO | 100% residency placement, 73% TX residents, diverse class |
| 4 | Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine | Las Cruces, NM (El Paso rotations) | DO | Border health mission, 100% GME placement, El Paso rotations |
| 5 | UT Arlington – BS in Engineering Early Admission | Arlington | Early Admission | Direct pathway for engineering students to TCOM |
| 6 | UNT – BA/DO Accelerated Program | Denton | Early Admission | 3+4 accelerated, BA in Biology to DO |
| 7 | UNTD – BS/DO Accelerated Program | Dallas | Early Admission | 3+4 accelerated, BS in Biology to DO |
| 8 | Midland College – Primary Care Pathway | Midland | Early Admission | 2+1+4 pathway, primary care focus |
| 9 | UT Austin | Austin | Pre‑Medical Advising | Strong science programs, pre‑health advising |
| 10 | Texas A&M University | College Station | Pre‑Medical Advising | Large alumni network, robust pre‑health advising |
| 11 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock | Pre‑Medical Advising | West Texas location, rural health focus |
| 12 | Baylor University | Waco | Pre‑Medical Advising | Undergraduate research, service focus |
| 13 | Texas State University | San Marcos | Pre‑Medical Advising | Access to Austin/San Antonio clinical settings |
| 14 | University of Houston | Houston | Pre‑Medical Advising | Houston Medical Center access, shadowing opportunities |
| 15 | University of North Texas | Denton | Pre‑Medical Advising | Direct connection to TCOM, comprehensive advising |
Success Tips for Applying to DO Schools
Start by understanding that the primary application for all Texas DO schools is submitted through the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Services (TMDSAS), with a unified process that simplifies applying to multiple schools. TCOM, for example, is required to enroll at least 90% Texas residents, making state residency a significant advantage.
Complete the required prerequisite coursework, including biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and statistics .
Take the MCAT and aim for a competitive score, as this is a key part of the holistic review process.
Gain shadowing experience with a DO physician and secure a letter of recommendation from them, as osteopathic schools value demonstrated interest in the field.
Apply early, as TMDSAS operates on a rolling admissions basis, and many schools begin sending offers on December 15.
For students seeking an accelerated pathway, explore early admission programs like the 3+4 BA/DO or BS/DO options at TCOM in partnership with UNT and UNTD.
Closing
Texas offers a high-quality and growing collection of osteopathic medical schools, with TCOM as the established leader and SHSU-COM and UIWSOM as newer programs with excellent outcomes. These schools are united by a commitment to primary care and serving communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The state also provides multiple accelerated and early admission pathways, allowing motivated students to complete their medical education more efficiently.
For aspiring DOs, Texas presents a compelling combination of excellent programs, a unified application system, and a strong focus on producing physicians who will serve the state’s diverse communities. Note that all information, including program details and admissions requirements, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each institution and through official TMDSAS resources.