M.S. in Clinical Investigation and Development
The M.S. in Clinical Investigation and Development is a 36-credit master's degree p...
B.S. in Premedical and Health Studies: Osteopathic Medicine Route
Boston
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The B.S. in Premedical and Health Studies: Osteopathic Medicine Route (BS/DO) at MCPHS is a four-year undergraduate program that directly prepares students for an osteopathic medical career. This pathway typically involves completing a Bachelor of Science degree at MCPHS, followed by a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree at a partner institution like LECOM or ATSU. The program focuses on providing a deep understanding of the sciences and humanities, crucial for the comprehensive and holistic approach to patient care that defines osteopathic medicine. It aims to develop future DOs who can treat the whole person, integrating mind, body, and spirit, and who are ready to excel in various medical specialties.
Curriculum: The 120-credit B.S. in Premedical and Health Studies: Osteopathic Medicine Route curriculum at MCPHS is tailored to meet the specific academic requirements of osteopathic medical schools. The core curriculum emphasizes foundational sciences, including Biology I & II (with labs), Chemical Principles I & II (with labs), Organic Chemistry I & II (with labs), Medical Microbiology (with lab), Cellular Biochemistry, and Physics I & II (with labs). Beyond the sciences, students also engage with liberal arts through courses such as Expository Writing I & II, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Social Sciences, Interpersonal Communication for Health Professionals, and Healthcare Ethics. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, culminating in a "Premedical Health Studies Capstone Seminar."
Research Focus: The B.S. in Premedical and Health Studies: Osteopathic Medicine Route at MCPHS incorporates a significant focus on scientific inquiry and evidence-based practice, essential for future osteopathic physicians. While the undergraduate program is not solely research-intensive, it trains students to "apply knowledge of scientific process to integrate & synthesize information, solve problems & formulate research questions/hypotheses." Students are encouraged to "seek challenge and explore new ideas and research advances." MCPHS supports undergraduate research through opportunities like the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program and an Annual Student Research Conference, providing valuable hands-on experience in scientific investigation. This emphasis ensures graduates understand how research informs clinical practice and contribute to the evolution of healthcare.
Industry Engagement: MCPHS demonstrates strong industry engagement through its formalized articulation agreements with prominent osteopathic medical schools, such as Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and A.T. Still University (ATSU). These pathways provide students with a clear and structured route to professional medical training, directly connecting the undergraduate experience with the demands of the medical profession. The curriculum is meticulously designed to align with the admission requirements and foundational knowledge expected by DO programs. While extensive clinical rotations are typically part of the professional DO degree, the undergraduate program encourages community service and opportunities for early exposure to healthcare settings, helping students understand the practical aspects of patient care and the broader healthcare industry.
Global Perspective: The B.S. in Premedical and Health Studies: Osteopathic Medicine Route at MCPHS integrates a global perspective by preparing future physicians to serve increasingly diverse populations and address health challenges that transcend national borders. The program's emphasis on a holistic approach to patient care, encompassing "the mind, body, and spirit," naturally extends to understanding and respecting diverse cultural beliefs and practices related to health and illness. While the primary focus is on preparing for medical practice in the U.S., the comprehensive nature of osteopathic medicine encourages students to consider broader determinants of health. The diverse international student body and faculty at MCPHS also contribute to a multicultural learning environment, enriching students' understanding of global health disparities and equipping them to provide culturally competent care.
Location
Boston
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 33060
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to help make their education more affordable and accessible.
Merit-Based Scholarships: MCPHS provides merit-based scholarships that reward outstanding academic performance. International students with strong academic records, competitive test scores, and leadership potential may qualify for these scholarships, which can cover a significant portion of tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited, some need-based scholarships and financial aid options are available to international students who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must provide evidence of their financial status and submit the required documentation during the admission process.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within MCPHS offer specialized scholarships tailored to specific health science programs such as Pharmacy, Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, and Public Health. These scholarships often prioritize candidates pursuing high-demand healthcare fields.
International Student Scholarship Opportunities: MCPHS frequently offers dedicated international student scholarships aimed at encouraging a diverse student body. These scholarships are competitive and awarded based on academic merit, leadership, and contributions to the community.
External Scholarships and Partnerships: International students at MCPHS are encouraged to explore external scholarship programs and partnerships offered by governments, private foundations, and international organizations.
Graduates of MCPHS's B.S. in Premedical and Health Studies: Osteopathic Medicine Route are exceptionally well-equipped for the demanding and rewarding path to becoming an osteopathic physician.
Osteopathic Physician (DO): The ultimate goal of this pathway, requiring successful completion of osteopathic medical school and residency, specializing in primary care (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics) or any other medical specialty (e.g., surgery, emergency medicine, psychiatry).
Physician Assistant (PA): For those seeking a direct patient care role with a shorter graduate training period, a master's in Physician Assistant Studies allows graduates to diagnose and treat illnesses, order tests, and prescribe medications under physician supervision.
Clinical Research Coordinator/Associate: Utilizes strong scientific and analytical skills to assist in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of clinical trials in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, or research institutions.
Medical Laboratory Scientist/Technologist: Performs complex laboratory tests on patient samples to aid in disease diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and medical research in various healthcare settings.
Public Health Specialist: Works to improve the health of populations through disease prevention, health promotion, and policy development, often requiring a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree.
Healthcare Administrator/Manager (Entry-Level): Supports the operational and administrative functions within hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare organizations, focusing on efficiency and quality of care.
Biomedical Researcher (Entry-Level): Contributes to scientific investigations in academic, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology laboratories, focusing on understanding disease mechanisms or developing new treatments.
Medical Scribe: Works alongside physicians in clinical settings, documenting patient encounters, assisting with electronic health records, and streamlining the patient visit process, providing valuable direct healthcare exposure.
Health Educator: Develops and implements health education programs in community, corporate, or clinical settings, promoting wellness and disease prevention, particularly for those with an interest in holistic health.
Graduate School Candidate (Other Health Professions): The rigorous science and health background serves as an excellent foundation for pursuing other advanced health professional degrees such as Physical Therapy (DPT), Occupational Therapy (OT), or even Optometry (OD), providing broad versatility in career choices.
