Pre-Osteopathic Medicine Program (POMP)

The goal of the Pre-Osteopathic Program at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) is to promote osteopathic medicine, increase the number of excellent applicants, support aspiring osteopathic physicians and continue the proud legacy of osteopathic medicine.  Students that successfully complete all program requirements will receive a guaranteed acceptance to WVSOM.

This program will ensure that students will have the opportunity to network with medical students, medical professionals, provide/assist with shadowing opportunities, while at the same time improving their knowledge of osteopathic medicine.  

The Pre-Osteopathic program is a partnership established between WVSOM and affiliate undergraduate institutions. The program is designed for undergraduate students who have an interest in osteopathic medicine and plan to enter osteopathic medical school.  

What’s in it for you? 

  • Students will receive an early, guaranteed acceptance to WVSOM upon successful completion of program requirements.
  • Students with a science GPA of 3.7 or higher will receive a waiver of the MCAT requirement.
  • Be assigned a faculty mentor to monitor their progress and to answer their questions.  
  • Networking opportunities to meet with WVSOM alumni, students, and faculty. 
  • Participate in a series of lectures, including but not limited to, the history of osteopathic medicine.

Students must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for the program:

  • Currently enrolled in one of our affiliate schools 
    • Bethany College
    • Bluefield State University
    • Concord University
    • Davis and Elkins College
    • Fairmont State University
    • Frostburg State University
    • Glenville State University
    • Shepherd University
    • University of Charleston
    • Waynesburg University
    • West Liberty University
    • West Virginia State University
    • West Virginia University Institute of Technology
    • West Virginia Wesleyan College
  • Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours. 12 of these hours must be from science coursework.
  • Have a science GPA of 3.4 or higher.
  • Submit a letter of recommendation from a science faculty member. 
  • Must be a US resident or permanent citizen.

When is the Application Deadline for the Pre-Osteopathic program? 

Qualified students may apply online. Applications are due by June 30th of each year. Interviews will occur by the end of July. Students are expected to demonstrate empathy, compassion, maturity and a commitment to life-long learning.

What are the requirements within the Pre-Osteopathic Program? 

  • Submit an AACOMAS application prior to beginning senior year. 
  • Maintain a 3.4 science GPA.  
    • Students with a science GPA of 3.7 or higher will have the MCAT requirement waived. 
    • Students with a science GPA between 3.4 and 3.69 must achieve a score of 498 or higher on the MCAT to retain guaranteed admission status. 
  • Shadow a physician. 
  • Participate in volunteer/health care activities.
  • Submit two required letters of recommendation:
    • Physician letter from M.D. or D.O (non-family member). A letter from an osteopathic physician is strongly recommended.
    • Basic Science Faculty Member who has taught you, Pre-Med Advisor, or Pre-Med Advisory Committee.  
  • Successfully complete all WVSOM prerequisite coursework.  
    • A listing of prerequisites can be found here. 

Why WVSOM?

WVSOM has excellent medical teaching facilities. The classrooms are state-of–the art and the school's Clinical Evaluation Center has more than 25 human-patient simulators. Moreover, WVSOM is located in one of the most beautiful regions of West Virginia. Located in southern West Virginia, we are close to some of the best white water rafting, skiing, spelunking, biking, hiking, camping, and rock climbing in the state of West Virginia. So why not?