How to Get Into Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM)

If you’re researching local medical schools and have searched online for “best medical schools near me”, there’s no doubt Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) has popped up high on the list. There are many good reasons for considering it, especially if osteopathic medicine interests you. It has been established as one of the top medical schools in North Carolina.

Welcoming 150 new students a year, Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine has earned a reputation for producing well-trained osteopathic physicians since 2011. The school is known for being the first and only osteopathic school of medicine in the state of North Carolina, meeting an important need in the medical community. Drawing in a diverse pool of students, CUSOM works only with the finest faculty members and expects students to meet their high standards.

What is Osteopathic Medicine?

Osteopathic medicine revolves around the concept of the body as a whole unit, with each part working together for the good of the individual. The idea is that the body wants to heal and can heal when given the right environment and tools. Osteopaths also believe the mind, body, and spirit must all be healthy for a person to be whole and healthy. Therefore, doctors of osteopathy treat the whole person and see each of their patients as a unique individual.

Another aspect of becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is the practice of manipulative medicine, called Osteopathic Manipulation Medicine (OMM). This involves using a hands-on method to diagnose and treat patients, as well as preventing illness and injury from becoming problems whenever possible.

Campbell Medical School’s campus is in Buies Creek, about 30 miles from Durham and Raleigh. The school is a Christian institution of higher education, but they welcome diversity, including students of all faiths and religious backgrounds.

Be an Informed Applicant

Here at International Medical Aid (IMA), we understand that the journey to selecting, applying, and being accepted to a quality medical school is a challenging undertaking. Our mission is to make the process as easy as possible for the applicants we work with and to give their chances of acceptance a boost. That’s why we developed these guides. The more prepared you are as an applicant, the better your odds of being selected.

Take some time to read through this guide for Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine carefully and reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. The information and guidance found here will be extremely helpful to you throughout the application process. Our medical school guides are available to you free of charge.

If you’re also looking into other medical schools, be aware that we offer these medical school guides for many other medical programs as well. If you’re looking into applying to a medical school near home, try searching “medical schools near me,” and then check back here to see if we have a guide for that particular school.

This guide was built specifically for Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine and should not be considered a guide for any other medical school.

Topics covered in this guide include:

Why Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM)?
Medical Programs at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Facilities, Student Organizations, and More
Selection Factors: What CUSOM Looks for in an Applicant
Admissions Requirements for Campbell University of Osteopathic Medicine
CUSOM Acceptance Rate & Admissions Statistics
CUSOM Tuition & Cost of Attendance
AMCAS Primary Application & CUSOM Secondary Application
CUSOM Secondary Application: Essay Prompts, Sample Answers, and Advice
CUSOM Interview Process
Medical School Admissions Consulting
Voluntary Healthcare Internships Abroad

Personalized Help

There’s no better way to prepare for your application to Campbell Medical School than by seeking a little one-on-one, personalized coaching. Our medical school admissions consulting program was developed specifically to take the burden off your shoulders and provide you with the support you need. Our experts are available to provide quality guidance every step of the way, helping you with your applications, offering advice about your essay responses, and preparing you for your interview, including running you through mock interviews. Contact us here if you have any questions.

Why Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine?

There are many solid reasons for selecting Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine as your top medical school choicel. The school is a Christian institution and has made it its mission to serve those in need in the rural and severely underserved regions of North Carolina. The established atmosphere at the school is one of teamwork, professionalism, honesty, diversity, and ethical medical treatment for every single person.

The following are the main goals of CUSOM:

To recruit and graduate osteopathic medical students who are committed to serving in rural and underserved areas throughout North Carolina, the Southeastern United States, and the nation.
To educate osteopathic medical students in the art and science of osteopathic medicine using the most current research in clinical and basic science.
To provide osteopathic medical education that is holistic in its approach, evidence-based, community-focused, and patient-centered… treating the patient as an integrated whole – mind, body, and spirit.
To contribute to the fund of osteopathic medical knowledge through educational, scientific, and clinical research and other scholarly activity.
To develop a sustainable international medical missions’ program to train clinicians for underserved areas of North Carolina, the United States, and the developing world.
To collaborate with our hospitals and other partners to provide healthcare and other educational services to our region.
To develop postgraduate training programs in collaboration with other institutions so that our medical students have training programs upon graduation.

One of the benefits of attending CUSOM is the Academic Center of Excellence (ACE) program that provides academic counseling to students. During this counseling, faculty and leaders offer guidance that helps students find their learning styles, succeed with the development of important study skills, learn what their available resources are and how to access them, and receive many other supports and help. The administration and faculty at CUSOM want to see their students succeed and offer as much support as possible towards that end.

Campbell University School of Medicine Medicine Ranking

US News and World Report states that CUSOM is unranked in:

Best Medical Schools (Research)
Best Medical Schools (Primary Care)

Medical Programs at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Faculty and committee members from Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine have worked together to develop a program that perfectly integrates academic learning and clinical experience. Graduates of the DO program walk out thoroughly prepared to treat patients holistically and in that osteopathic manner that sets them apart from other medical professionals.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program at Campbell Medical School is a 4-year program. It is the first and only osteopathic medical school in the state of North Carolina and enrolls 150 students annually. Their mission is to educate and send out osteopathic physicians of the Christian faith into the community to serve. The focus is on meeting the needs of the underserved communities of North Carolina, first and foremost.

The DO curriculum at CUSOM is based around case-focused lectures, simulations in the high-tech laboratory, small group clinical case studies, and hands-on clinical training. The program is fully integrated and moves students together in a smooth flow.

Years 1-2

The curriculum for the first two years of the DO program focuses on building a strong foundation in the biomedical sciences, as well as a strong start in clinical work. Over the course of 4 semesters, there are 9-week blocks of learning with a week off in between. These off-weeks are designed to give students the opportunity to take part in medical missions opportunities, remediate a course as needed, or simply take a short vacation to unwind and prepare for the next block.

During the first two blocks, students will walk through the fundamental basic sciences with a focus on integrating the knowledge with hands-on clinical experience. The consequent six blocks weave together the basic and clinical sciences from the perspective of the organ systems. Students will become experts in clinical presentations, pathophysiology, and the treatment of common and less common diseases and health conditions.

Throughout these nine blocks, the principles of osteopathic medicine are woven into the program in a very organic way. Students become familiar with Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). Some of the concepts students will learn include:

Interviewing Skills
Diagnosing Illnesses
Clinical Reasoning
Epidemiology
Evidence-based Medicine
Research Skills
Medical Ethics
Humanities
Health Systems
Global Health
Professionalism
Medical Jurisprudence

Years 3 and 4

During the second half of their time at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, students will be assigned to regional locations throughout North and South Carolina for more intense clinical training. The clinical experiences are based in hospital sites for inpatient experiences, in ambulatory practices, and in acute care facilities. Students will spend considerable time in rural settings, treating underserved populations.

Rotations for Year 3 include:

Family Medicine
Internal Medicine
Obstetrics/Gynecology
Pediatrics
Psychiatry/Behavioral Science
Surgery
Medical Selective

Rotations for Year 4 include:

Residency Development
Emergency Medicine
Geriatrics
Electives
Primary Care Selective
Surgical Selective

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS)

With 36 credit hours of education and clinical experience, students of the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) program at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine are prepared to enter a career in the medical community or to continue into the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. This is not an easy program, but it is one that opens the door for students who have a passion for medicine. On a practical level, this challenging two-year program enhances a student’s academic record and test scores, so they are ready for the next stage in their education.

Diversity is important to CUSOM admissions and faculty, so this MSBS program has been designed to be particularly attractive to candidates from rural regions, where perhaps there is a higher percentage of individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds and from minority groups. This does not exclude candidates who do not fit those backgrounds from applying and being accepted, however. Applicants from all backgrounds are openly welcome to apply.

Some of the highlights of the MSBS program include:

Academic Advising and Mentorship

One-on-One Academic Advising
Study and Exam Skills
Peer Tutoring Programs
Personalized Counseling for Professional School Applications

Standardized Test Preparation

MCAT
GRE
DAT

Community Service and Healthcare Experience

Community Service Opportunities
Mission Trips
Physician Shadowing Opportunities

Professional Development

Workplace Communication
Interview Skills
Resumes
Personal Statements

Research Skills

Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature
Poster and Oral Presentations
Faculty-Guided Research Projects

Enrichment Opportunities

Informational Career Sessions
Clubs and Organizations

CUSOM always keeps class sizes small so that the student body will feel more like a big, diversely rich family. They strive to offer MSBS students the best support opportunities possible and focus the curriculum on treating patients with a holistic approach to medicine.

The coursework will cover the essential biomedical science courses, including:

Anatomy
Basic Clinical Neuroscience
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Biostatics
Immunology
Microbiology
Pathology
Pharmacology
Physiology

There will also be project and research-based courses in:

Professional Development
Community Outreach
Clinical Experience
Journal Club
Capstone Project

Master of Health Professions Education (MHPE)

Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine offers a Master of Health Professions Education (MHPE) degree with the purpose of preparing medical professionals to enter the fields of teaching and leadership roles. As much as we need doctors and healthcare professionals in the country, we also need educators to train them. This program prepares students to meet this need, and graduates usually find employment in healthcare, human services, education, and a variety of other fields.

The program is open to the following:

Healthcare professionals interested in academia
Clinicians looking to develop skills as educators and leaders
Junior faculty wanting to climb the ladder of leadership
Medical residents wanting to pursue teaching

Facilities, Student Organizations, and More

Facilities

The students at CUSOM are blessed to be able to learn in Leon Levine Hall of Medical Sciences, a 96,500 square-foot facility with the best and most modern technology on the market. Regional clinical sites in North Carolina will be the teaching grounds for hands-on learning that students will participate in. There are also community health centers that provide students with the opportunity to serve and engage with the community.

Facilities include:

Anatomy Lab
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Lab
Medical Library
Simulation Center

The SIM Lab is a 9,000-square-foot simulation center that takes simulation learning to a whole new level while providing students with the standard, foundational learning needed to become competent doctors.

Students will spend a lot of time in the OMM Lab working on their manual treatment skills and methods. This key factor is what sets osteopathic medicine apart from others: it uses physical touch to diagnose and heal the body in areas where it is misfiring or not functioning as it should. It is a vital part of molding aspiring osteopathic doctors into the kind of physicians that change lives.

The OMM Lab is large enough to host 80 students per lab session. It is equipped with:

Live Broadcast Technology
40 Adjustable OMM tables
Faculty Teaching Station with Cameras
High-Definition Video Screens

Student Organizations

Aerospace Medicine Club
American College of Osteopathic Surgeons
Anesthesiology Interest Group
Behavioral Health Club
Campbell Med PRIDE Club
Campbell University Community Care Clinic
Christian Medical and Dental Association
Dermatology Club
Emergency Medicine Club
Exceptional Camels Club
Family Medicine Club
Global Health Club
Internal Medicine Club
Internal Medicine – Pediatrics Club
Medical Students for Choice Club
Neurology Club
OB/GYN Club
Pathology Club
Pediatrics Club
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Club
Point of Care Ultrasound Club
Preventive Medicine Club
Psychiatry Club
Research Club
Sigma Sigma Phi
Sports Medicine Club
Student American Association of Osteopathy
Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons
Student Government Association
Student National Medical Association
Student Osteopathic Medical Association
Wilderness Medicine Club
Women in Medicine Club

Selection Factors: What CUSOM Looks for in an Applicant

While test scores and GPAs are important, the admissions committee at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine is looking for so much more in a candidate. They will pay close attention to letters of recommendation, clinical and volunteer experience in the medical realm, and community involvement. They seek out bright, compassionate, and dedicated individuals who share the school’s mission, goals, and commitment to the osteopathic approach to medicine.

While Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine is a Christian institution, applicants need not be of the Christian faith to apply or be accepted. They look at each applicant on a holistic level from all angles. Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. CUSOM is committed to diversity in its student body.

The following are some factors the admissions committee will look carefully at early on in the process:

Completed Coursework
GPA
MCAT Results
Clinical Experience
Commitment to Diversity
Professionalism
Residency
Citizenship
Letters of Recommendation

Admissions Requirements for CUSOM

Candidates must demonstrate they have completed all required coursework at an accredited college or university and received a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must show that they have graduated with a C or higher from an accredited college or university, and there will be no exceptions. Applicants must have taken the MCAT.

Minimum GPA and MCAT Requirements for Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

There is no minimum MCAT score at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, but most applicants who are successful in matriculating have MCAT scores in the 50th percentile or higher.

Applicants for CUSOM must have a minimum grade point average for science of 3.2 and the same for their cumulative GPA. Having a 3.5 GPA or higher will definitely increase your chances of being offered a place at the school.

Volunteer Service and Clinical Experience

While there is no minimum requirement at CUSOM regarding time spent in volunteer service and clinical experience, the admissions committee does put a lot of weight into an applicant’s experience in medical arenas. Volunteering at a health clinic, working in a local doctor’s office, participating in a pre-med shadowing study abroad program, or something local along those lines are all great ways to get this clinical experience for your application.

If you are the type of applicant who is planning for medical school while you’re still working on your undergraduate degree, this is the perfect time to start getting that medical experience. The more you can report to the admissions committee, the better.

One option that looks great on an application is participation in a pre-med shadowing study abroad program where you gain clinical experience and are immersed in some real cultural diversity. IMA runs such a program, and you can learn more about our pre-med shadowing study abroad program here.

CUSOM Letters of Recommendation

The Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine admissions committee would prefer those letters of recommendation be submitted through AACOMAS, but they may also be submitted via Interfolio or by mailing them directly to the school. Applicants may present up to seven letters of recommendation, but none of the letters can be written by family members.

The first letter of recommendation should be from an osteopathic doctor (DO) or an allopathic doctor (MD). This is not technically a requirement, but it is highly recommended and goes a long way. Another letter should be composed by a pre-health committee, a pre-health advisor, or a faculty member in the science department. The CUSOM admissions committee will accept a pre-health committee packet, which will fulfill all of the requirements for letters of recommendation.

Required & Recommended Coursework at CUSOM

The following prerequisite coursework is required:

English (1 year – 6 semester hours)
Biological Sciences (1 year with lab – 8 semester hours)
Physics (1 year – 6 to 8 semester hours)
General/Inorganic Chemistry (1 year with lab – 8 semester hours)
Organic Chemistry (1 year with lab – 8 semester hours)

Highly Recommended Additional Coursework

Biochemistry
Genetics
Immunology Microbiology
Anatomy & Physiology

Does Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine Require the CASPer Exam?

Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine does not require the CASPer evaluation.

CUSOM Acceptance Rate & Admissions Statistics

CUSOM is a competitive program to matriculate to, with an acceptance rate of only 4% and high standards for MCAT scores and GPA. Class sizes are kept small, with only 156 new students brought in for the most recent school year. Of the new students enrolling, 76% were science majors, and 24% were non-science majors. North Carolina residents made up 44% of the student class, with 56% coming in from the southeastern region of the United States.

*The acceptance rate is based on the percentage of applicants who enroll. There are other factors that affect rates.

Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine’s 2023 Class Profile

The following are some statistics regarding the class of 2023:

Class Size: 156
Science Majors: 76%
Non-Science Majors: 24%
Average MCAT: 507
Average Science GPA: 3.58
North Carolina Residents: 44%
Southeastern USA Residents: 56%
Average Age: 23

Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM)- Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine Tuition & Cost of Attendance

These tuition and fees are based on the CUSOM’s 2022-2023 academic year. Fees are subject to change.

Year 1:

$57,360 Tuition
$3,000 Books and Supplies
$21,800 Room and Board, Travel, and Personal Expenses
$3,845 Fees

$86,005 Total

Year 2:

$57,360 Tuition
$2,550 Books and Supplies
$23,000 Room and Board, Travel, and Personal Expenses
$3,877 Fees

$86,787 Total

Year 3:

$57,360 Tuition
$500 Books and Supplies
$25,400 Room and Board, Travel, and Personal Expenses
$3,711 Fees

$87,471 Total

Year 4:

$57,360 Tuition
$500 Books and Supplies
$25,400 Room and Board, Travel, and Personal Expenses
$3,703 Fees

$87,471 Total

Learning about the inner workings of the financial aspect of medical school is important, as is taking advantage of financial aid support when needed. For more information on the costs of attending medical school in the United States, check out our Medical School Database, where we provide guidance and helpful information.

AMCAS Primary Application & CUSOM Secondary Application

The Campbell Medical School admissions committee participates in the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOMAS) in the handling of their primary application. This program helps standardize the initial application process and makes it easier to narrow down the list of applicants based on their qualifications.

Those desiring to apply to CUSOM must go online to the AACOMAS website and fill out an online application. This is the primary application and the first big hurdle.

Letters of recommendation should be submitted to AACOMAS, and they will be forwarded to the admissions committee and Campbell Medical School.

Only applicants who are invited are allowed to submit a secondary application to the Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine. There is a small processing fee of $50 to apply, though waivers are accepted for those who had a fee waiver for AACOMAS. It’s important to be timely when filling out the secondary application because interview time slots are limited and fill up quickly.

Those who successfully make it past the second round will be invited to a virtual interview with two members of the admissions committee. This is the final stage.

Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM)-Secondary Application

CUSOM Secondary Application: Essay Prompts, Sample Answers, and Advice

Below are the secondary essay questions for Campbell Medical School for the 2022-2023 application cycle.

Essay #1. Briefly describe how your career goals align with the CUSOM mission.

Before you can formulate an essay on this prompt, you are going to have to do some research. The admissions committee wants to determine if you are a good fit for Campbell Medical School and if CUSOM is a good fit for you. They also want to know that you take this seriously and align with their mission, vision, and goals. Take some time to read and really understand what makes the admissions committee, the faculty, and the other students at CUSOM feel so passionately about what they’re doing.

Essay #2. What three qualities will you bring to CUSOM which will enhance the overall climate of our school? How do these qualities align with the CUSOM mission?

The research you did for the first prompt will help you with this one as well. Now, the admissions committee is seeking to know you better. While you’re researching what the school’s mission and values are, they are looking at you as an individual. What makes you tick? What are three qualities about who you are that will make the student body better in some way and will help make you a better DO one day.

Sample Answer

In an effort to understand myself better and give you a clear picture of who I am, I asked my parents if they had any insight into three qualities that I will carry with me to Campbell Medical School, if I’m accepted. My father said I have a lot of determination. My mother said I am compassionate. They both agreed that I am loyal. I agree with their assessment of these qualities and can see how they will enhance the student body at CUSOM.

My determination is a quality that is contagious to others around me. I approach each task or challenge in front of me with a determination to succeed, and this energy tends to rub off on other students. Campbell Medical School is passionate about training excellent DO’s and educating the world as to the unique benefits of osteopathic medicine. My determination to succeed in graduating with my own DO degree, and my willingness to openly share about CUSOM and the important role of osteopathic medicine will enhance the school, as well as benefit North Carolina and ultimately the USA.

Compassion is something I’ve always been good at, and this lines up perfectly with the mission, values, and goals at CUSOM. Compassion starts on the first day of clinical experience, and it never stops. Not only will my compassionate heart serve patients, but it will extend to fellow classmates, building teamwork and a sense of family. My ultimate plan is to open a healthcare facility in one of the underserved regions of North Carolina. Compassion moves me to action, and that means earning my degree so that I can help those who need it most.

Loyalty is not as common as it used to be in the world, but I tend to be a loyal person. I was raised in a rural part of North Carolina where medical facilities were rundown, usually closed, and understaffed. I look at the people in underserved parts of my home state, and I feel a deep longing to help them. I remember where I came from, and I will return to help my people once I’ve graduated as a Doctor of Osteopathy.

Essay #3. Osteopathic medicine parallels allopathic medicine but has distinct principles and practices. Which of these principles and practices are of the greatest interest to you and why?

Again, it’s vital that you take some time to do your research. Don’t assume you know all the facts; research them, and back up your ideas, or prove them wrong. The admissions committee wants to know that you are truly interested in going into osteopathic medicine. They love the field and are passionate about the principles that make a medical practice osteopathic. Go into detail. Speak with passion and respect.

Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine Interview Process

Candidates who have been fortunate enough to be invited to an interview at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine will be notified via email as to when their interview day is scheduled. Interviews continue to be conducted virtually for the safety of all. Candidates will go through two interviews, and each one will be 25-30 minutes.

Interviews are usually held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from September to April of the year before matriculation. Candidates are encouraged to dress up for the occasion and do their very best to remain calm and collected throughout the process.

These interviews are a prime way for the admissions committee to get to know you as an individual, with a unique personality and story. Try not to be shy or withhold your responses, but rather let them see you for the fascinating individual you are.

There will be specific characteristics about you that the admissions committee will be looking for during the interview. They particularly like to interview a candidate who excels in:

Developed Interpersonal Ability
Able to Focus
Self-Confident
Compassionate
Committed to Diversity
Knowledgeable about Osteopathic Medicine
Passionate about Helping Others

Preparing for an interview can be stressful and overwhelming. Applicants usually find it very helpful to acquire personalized coaching and even a mock interview through our medical school admissions consulting services.

Medical School Admissions Consulting

There’s no doubt that applying for medical school is stressful and challenging. This is true no matter who you are or where you come from. The process is daunting, from the first application to the interview process. However, while it’s a stressful undertaking, gaining acceptance to one of the schools of your choice and being able to earn your degree so that you may one day practice osteopathic medicine is so worth it.

At International Medical Aid (IMA), we aim to make this process as easy and stress-free as possible. Our medical school admissions consulting program leads you through the whole process from start to finish.

You may be the type of person who interviews well naturally or not. Either way, our experts can and will help you prepare thoroughly for one of the most important interviews of your life. We will walk you through the process, offer expert advice, and even conduct mock interviews to make sure you are as ready as possible.

Take a moment to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts here.

Voluntary Healthcare Internships Abroad

One of IMA’s most popular programs is our pre-med shadowing study abroad program, which takes students around the world in an effort to expose them to healthcare conditions in underserved parts of the world. The experience is priceless, as students come into contact with medical issues that are unique to the living conditions in their country.

Our pre-med shadowing study abroad program was designed specifically for pre-medical and gap year students with the vision of preparing them more than ever before for their future as a humanistic, global citizen physician. There is nothing in the world like participating in one of those pre-medicine internships in Peru or Africa.

Please take a few minutes to explore the benefits of our program on our website and reach out if you have any questions.

Best of Luck!

We at IMA wish you nothing but the best of luck as you pursue your dream to study medicine at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine. We hope that our efforts here to help prepare you for the application process will pay off for you and land you an acceptance letter. This guide is a valuable tool to help you navigate the complex system so that you have the best chances possible.

If you’d like to explore our medical school admissions consulting program, please feel free to contact us, and we will get you the support you need to feel confident. Be sure to check out our other medical school guides:

Feel free to contact us if you have questions about the application process, our medical guides, our pre-med shadowing study abroad program, or our Medical School Admissions Consulting services.

How to Get Into Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM): The Definitive Guide (2024)