Osteopathic Medical Schools in Florida

• Osteopathic physicians receive training at colleges of osteopathic medicine.Doctor image by Monika 3 Steps Ahead from Fotolia.com
  
  Osteopathic medical training is available at 26 colleges in the United States, including two locations in Florida. Osteopaths are licensed by the states in which they practice and are certified in specialties by the boards of 18 Bureaus of Osteopathic Specialists. As of 2009, there were 4,816 Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) practicing in Florida, according to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
  
  

Osteopathic Education

• Osteopathic physicians are trained to treat patients holistically. Rather than focusing on particular symptoms, they consider the connections between bodily systems, the patient's attitudes, lifestyles and concerns, and the role that the musculoskeletal system plays in overall health.
  
  Osteopaths attend medical school for four years, graduating from institutions accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. This commission is a part of the AOA and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) has a campus in Bradenton where students can earn the D.O. and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees. Although it offers a "fast-track, three-year pathway" at its Erie campus in Pennsylvania, students in Bradenton still attend classes for the traditional four years. LECOM Bradenton students can choose one of three learning pathways, including traditional lecture-based classes; problem-based learning with teams of eight medical students studying together and solving cases; or independent study, where students use study modules that take them through basic science and clinical information. Independent-study students often have advanced degrees and are extremely motivated. The school also offers a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree for undergrads wishing to earn the necessary science credits for admission to medical or pharmacy school. LECOM encourages its students to participate in community-service activities, and the school has been named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for outstanding service to underprivileged children.
  
  LECOM Bradenton
  5000 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard
  Bradenton, FL 34211-4909
  941-756-0690
  lecom.edu
  
  

Nova Southeastern University

• Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale offers the D.O. degree. Podiatrists already holding a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree can complete their training in three years. The school also offers the Master of Public Health and a Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics. More than 2,500 students apply to the college every year, although only 230 are admitted. First-year students take classes in subjects such as gross anatomy and medical histology, with electives that include community service and guided study. By the fourth year, students are assigned to clinical rotations in emergency medicine and rural medicine, with elective rotations for other specialties such as geriatrics, forensic pathology and neurosurgery.
  
  Nova Southeastern University
  3301 College Avenue
  Fort Lauderdale-Davie, FL 33314
  800-541-6682
  medicine.nova.edu