Medicine - Degree Programs

MD: The medical degree is a four-year degree that prepares students to complete the medical licensing exam (USMLE) and become physicians. Upon completing medical school, most doctors will participate in a residency program where they can specialize in certain medical areas.

DO: The doctor of osteopathic medicine degree is a four-year degree that prepares students to complete the medical licensing exam (COMLEX or USMLE) and become practicing physicians. DOs are licensed to practice the full scope of medicine in all 50 states and practice in all types of specialties and environments. This form of medicine offers the added benefit of hands-on diagnosis and treatment through osteopathic manipulation and focuses on the whole person as part of the patient-care approach. Nearly one in five medical students in the United States attends an osteopathic medical school.

PhD/MD or PhD/DO: Completing these two degrees will generally take about seven or eight years, as compared to the typical four. This type of program is best suited for careers in academic medicine and research. After completing both degrees, students can choose to pursue a medical specialty.