Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine: Admissions, Requirements, and Opportunities

The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM), established in 2016 and enrolling its first class in August 2018, stands as a private institution committed to educating highly competent and caring osteopathic physicians. Located in Meridian, Idaho, on the campus of Idaho State University (ISU), ICOM focuses on serving underserved communities and areas, offering a modern medical education of high quality. ICOM welcomes 220 future physicians each year, and the class of 2029 is dedicated, determined, and embarking on the best four years of their lives.

Overview of ICOM

ICOM is dedicated to providing high-quality medical education with a strong focus on holistic, patient-centered care. The college emphasizes the education of osteopathic physicians who are prepared to meet the diverse healthcare needs of underserved populations, particularly in the Mountain West region. ICOM's educational philosophy integrates osteopathic principles, emphasizing the interrelationship of structure and function and the body's ability to heal itself.

Campus Facilities and Student Life

Life at ICOM is vibrant, with the campus built inside Idaho State University. The college occupies a 94,000 sq-foot, three-story building that includes:

Lecture Halls: Two lecture halls, each 4,620 square feet, can seat up to 250 students.
Library: A 2,413 square foot library with a mix of high-top seating, study carrels, small table seating, and soft seating for 76 students.
Glass Room: A 1,325 square foot space with configurable seating and a capacity of 67.
Lounge: A 1,365 square foot lounge with seating and an occupancy of 91.
Student Lounges: Two student lounge areas feature bar-top, high-top, and soft seating.
OPP Skills Lab: A 3,479-square-foot Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) lab with 40 tables, a raised instruction station, and flat-screen monitors for enhanced visual learning.
Simulation Center: A cutting-edge simulation center with 12 standardized patient rooms and advanced medical mannequins to enhance clinical skills training.

The parking lots at ICOM are available for use by ICOM students, employees, and visitors to the campus. ADA accessible parking spaces are located on the south and north sides of the building, as well as in the new parking annex located on the corner of E. Central Drive and N. Locust Grove Road. Visitor parking spaces are located on the south side of the building. Parking permits are issued to students and employees upon enrollment or employment by the school. Lost or stolen parking permits must be reported to Campus Security immediately.

Educational Approach

ICOM emphasizes a comprehensive and integrated educational approach, blending basic sciences with clinical experiences from the beginning. This strategy ensures that students are well-versed in the fundamental scientific principles of osteopathic medicine and adept at applying this knowledge in practical, real-world medical settings.

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Integrated Curriculum

ICOM’s curriculum is meticulously designed to provide a seamless integration of basic sciences and clinical practice. From the first year, students engage in both classroom learning and hands-on clinical experiences, reinforcing their understanding and retention of complex medical concepts.

Focus on Serving Underserved and Rural Communities

A central tenet of ICOM’s mission is to improve healthcare access and outcomes in underserved and rural areas, particularly in Idaho and the Mountain West region. The curriculum reflects this commitment by offering students numerous opportunities to gain clinical experience in diverse healthcare environments, including rural clinics and community health centers.

Clinical Training

ICOM’s clinical training is robust and comprehensive, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the needs of diverse patient populations. Clinical experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a variety of settings. ICOM partners with numerous healthcare facilities across the region, providing students with opportunities to learn in both urban and rural environments.

Research and Innovation

ICOM is dedicated to advancing medical knowledge through research endeavors. Students are encouraged to engage in research projects that address critical healthcare challenges, fostering a culture of innovation and inquiry.

Community Outreach and Service

ICOM places a strong emphasis on community service and outreach. Students participate in various service learning opportunities that allow them to apply their medical knowledge and skills to benefit underserved populations.

Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environment

ICOM is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Holistic Approach to Healthcare

At ICOM, the educational philosophy extends beyond academic and clinical excellence to include a holistic approach to healthcare. Students are taught to consider the physical, emotional, and social aspects of patient care, embodying the osteopathic philosophy of treating the whole person.

Preparing Future Healthcare Leaders

ICOM is dedicated to preparing its students to become the healthcare leaders of tomorrow. The comprehensive educational model, with its strong emphasis on community service, research, and holistic care, ensures that graduates are not only competent and compassionate clinicians but also leaders who can drive positive change in the healthcare system.

Admissions Requirements

ICOM seeks students who are qualified and aligned with its mission and values. The admissions process is competitive, with a holistic review of each applicant beyond GPA and MCAT scores. ICOM looks for individuals who are academically prepared and aligned with their mission, values, and approach to osteopathic medicine. Prospective students who meet ICOM’s requirements, complete the application process, and have graduated from an institution that has an articulation agreement with ICOM are guaranteed an admissions interview.

Academic Requirements

To be considered for admissions, all applicants must earn a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation. The admissions process is competitive, and a higher grade point average (above 3.2) results in improved chances for acceptance. The most competitive applicants would have a science and cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher. Minimum age to matriculate is 18 years of age.

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Required Courses

The courses below are required for admission. Applicants may apply while coursework is in progress. Coursework completion is required prior to matriculation and pending courses during the application cycle are acceptable.

Biological Sciences: One year with laboratory (8 semester hours/12 quarter hours)
Physics: One year (6 to 8 semester hours/9 to 12 quarter hours)
Inorganic Chemistry: One year with laboratory (8 semester hours/12 quarter hours)
Organic Chemistry: One year with laboratory (8 semester hours/12 quarter hours)
English: One year (6 semester hours/8 quarter hours)

Six additional science hours are highly recommended. ICOM recommends courses in the 300/400 level or beyond in subjects that will enhance performance in medical school such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology.

Note: Courses with equivalent content will be reviewed. Students must obtain a grade of “C” or better in each of the required courses above to fulfill the prerequisite course requirement. Depending on the sequence of chemistry courses taught at your University, ICOM will consider a combination of 16 hours of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry.

MCAT

Applicants must submit scores from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). For the current admissions cycle, ICOM will accept the MCAT administration from up to three years prior to the date of matriculation; however, the Dean may grant exceptions to this timeline. ICOM is looking for a minimum score of the 50th percentile, with no score in each subsection lower than the 35th percentile. At ICOM the MCAT is considered in connection with grades, personal qualities, and the student interview.

Application Process

ICOM participates with other osteopathic colleges in a centralized application processing service called the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS).

AACOMAS Application: To initiate the application process, applicants must apply directly to AACOMAS. AACOMAS is available to students for the entering class from May through April of the year applying.
Initial Screening: After receipt of the primary application, ICOM performs an initial screening of the application.
Secondary Application: Applicants who pass the initial screening may be invited to submit an electronic secondary application and supporting documents. A non-refundable fee of $65.00 will be payable upon submission of the secondary application for admission. ICOM will waive the secondary application fee if the applicant has been approved for an AACOMAS fee waiver. The secondary application process may consist of the ICOM Secondary Application, a nonrefundable processing fee, and letters of recommendation.
Letters of Recommendation: For the 2025-2026 Application Cycle, ICOM requires one letter of recommendation. The letter is required to be from a science faculty member (PhD) or a pre-medical/pre-health advisor who has experience with the applicant’s academic abilities. Although a letter from a physician is not required, it is strongly recommended. Letters of recommendation may not be written by a relative, including relatives through marriage. Letters of recommendation which are included as part of the pre-health committee packet and are part of their official packet will be accepted without signature or letterhead as long as the letters are sent directly from the authors to the pre-med advisors. ICOM welcomes additional letters of support or recommendation from those who are acquainted with the student’s academic or professional ability.
Interview: After the Office of Admissions receives these materials, the applicant’s file is reviewed to determine eligibility for an interview based on the established criteria of the Admissions Committee. Members of the ICOM faculty, staff, and administration will interview each applicant who accepts the invitation to interview. If selected, you’ll be invited to a virtual interview, which typically lasts about 30 minutes with two ICOM faculty or admissions representatives. During the interview, the applicant’s academic history and knowledge may be reviewed as well as the attributes that demonstrate the potential to become a caring and competent physician and fit for ICOM’s missions.
Admissions Committee Review: At the conclusion of the interviews, the interviewers submit their electronic evaluations/ recommendations to the Director of Admissions, and these evaluations/recommendations are presented and discussed during an Admissions Committee meeting. The Admissions Committee will review each applicant who interviews with ICOM.
Admissions Decision: An admissions decision, based on academic performance, professional experience, and interview, will be provided to the applicant in a timely manner, usually within 2-3 weeks of the interview date. Most applicants receive an admissions decision within approximately two weeks after their interview.

Technical Standards

Applicants are required to meet the technical standards for admission and continued enrollment and must affirm that they meet the standards. Any falsification or misinformation regarding the ability to meet technical standards is a reason for rescinding the offer of admission or after matriculation, dismissal from the program. The requirements to succeed at ICOM will be those necessary to successfully complete the curriculum and to practice osteopathic medicine with full practice rights. Students must be able to function in a variety of learning and clinical settings and to quickly, accurately, and consistently learn and process data. ICOM has set up certain technical standards that are essential for making a good Osteopathic physician.

Observation

The student must be able to visually observe laboratory demonstrations, microscopic tissue with the aid of the microscope, and computer-based pictures used in laboratory demonstrations. The student must be able to visually and accurately observe physical signs and symptoms of a patient used in diagnosis and management.

Communication

The student must be able to communicate effectively in English as the curriculum and clinical experiences are offered in English. Students are encouraged to learn other languages for medical communication; however, all curriculum and assessments are given in English. ICOM requires the functional ability to speak, hear, and observe patients in order to elicit accurate medical information. The student must be able to describe changes in mood, activity, posture, and other physical characteristics and to perceive nonverbal communication. The student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in verbal and written form.

Motor Function

Students must have sufficient motor function to gather information from patients by palpation, percussion, and other diagnostic measures. The student must have sufficient motor function to carry out maneuvers of general and emergency care and osteopathic manipulation. Examples of emergent motor functions are cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administration of intravenous fluids and intravenous medications, management of an obstructed airway, hemorrhage control, closure by suturing of wounds, and obstetrical deliveries. In addition, the delivery of osteopathic manipulation requires the use of extremities in palpation, positioning, and carrying out maneuvers of manipulation. These actions require fine and gross motor and sensory function, as well as the senses of touch and adequate vision for inspection. Additionally, students must be able to generate sufficient force and be able to receive these same forces, to successfully learn and provide effective osteopathic manipulative treatments for all techniques taught in the curriculum.

Intellectual Abilities

Students must have the ability to reason, calculate, analyze, measure, and synthesize information delivered in a variety of formats, including, but not limited to electronic/digital sources, EKGs, medical images, and similar modalities. The student must be able to comprehend, memorize, synthesize, and recall a large amount of information without assistance to successfully complete the curriculum. The student must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand spatial relationships to successfully complete the curriculum and apply fundamental concepts to the provision of patient care. The student must be able to acquire and synthesize knowledge through all types of learning materials and formats utilized in the ICOM curriculum. In addition, students must be able to perform pattern recognition, memorization, recall information, identify, and discriminate important information, problem solve, calculate, and make decisions in timed situations and in the presence of noise and distraction.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

The student must have the emotional health needed for full use of his/her intellectual capabilities at all times. The emotional health required for effective communication and for professional, mature, sensitive, and compassionate patient/physician or patient/student relationships must be present. Students must be able to function effectively under stress and with physically taxing workloads, such as during lectures, labs, written and practical examinations, and on clinical rotations. Students must have the emotional health to be able to function without the aid of medications that are known to affect intellectual abilities and judgment. The student must have the emotional stability and motivation to deliver patient care and to make emergent decisions at all times.

Additional Considerations

Misrepresentation of Information: Intentional misrepresentation or omission of information on any form relevant to admissions or records subjects the student to a retraction of an offer for admissions or for dismissal in the case the misrepresentation/omission is discovered after admissions.
Right to Deny Admission: ICOM reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant for any reason it deems sufficient. Matriculation may be denied to applicants who have failed to maintain a good record of scholastic performance or a good record of personal conduct between the time of their acceptance and their matriculation at ICOM.
Compliance with Standards: The inability to maintain compliance with educational training technical standards may also result in the revocation of acceptance or matriculation.
Substance Screening: Applicants found to have screening tests positive for alcohol, prescription medications without a valid prescription, or substances that are illegal in the state of Idaho may result in revocation of an offer of acceptance or matriculation. Controlled substance screening results are viewed in accordance with Idaho and federal laws governing illegal substances.
Transfer Students: ICOM will consider transfer students on a case-by-case basis. The student must have attended an osteopathic school, be in good standing and have passed COMLEX Level I.
International Students: ICOM does not accept applications from students requiring F-1 student visa status until such time that approval is granted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and US Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE). ICOM is currently not seeking approval to accept International Students.
Permanent Residents: will be required to provide a copy of their permanent resident card (“green card”) before admission. equivalence by one of the evaluation services approved by AACOM.

Accommodation Requests

ICOM is operating in compliance with the timeline established by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), both as amended, to ensure that its facilities, programs, and student policies are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Students and applicants with specific needs should contact the ICOM Office of Student Services for assistance. ICOM will make reasonable accommodations as required by law for students whose disabilities will not prevent them from successfully completing the entire ICOM curriculum and graduating as an osteopathic physician. Students, however, are required to function independently and perform at all skill levels described below, which ICOM holds mandatory for the safe and effective practice of osteopathic medicine. ICOM is committed to patient safety and assuring a safe and effective environment that does not place patients, students, or others at risk.

Palpation and Clinical Skills

Osteopathic physicians utilize palpation (clinically appropriate touching) as part of the osteopathic approach to treatment. As part of the educational process, ICOM students must be able to tolerate being touched, examined, and receive osteopathic manipulation by members of all genders and to touch others (of all genders) in order to acquire the skills necessary for palpation and examination. This palpation is performed in a professional and appropriate manner. Acquiring the skills to palpate and examine patients requires a student to examine disrobed patients of all genders and is mandatory for the successful completion of the curriculum at ICOM. Students are required to participate fully as both examiners and examinees in various clinical laboratory experiences. In clinical skills and osteopathic manipulative medicine laboratory experiences, as well as other clinical laboratories where skills are acquired, students are required to participate in the examination of fellow students of all genders who may be partially disrobed. In order to be able to gain appropriate clinical exposure to the regions being examined and osteopathic manipulative techniques to be provided, students need to wear attire such as shorts and partially disrobe for certain laboratory experiences. Additionally, ICOM utilizes cadavers as part of anatomy laboratories. As such, ICOM students must be able to tolerate working with and touching cadavers. No photographic devices, including cell phones, are permitted in the gross anatomy lab. ICOM students also participate in ultrasound labs and, as such, may be required to perform ultrasound examinations of fellow students of all genders who may be partially disrobed. These are requirements for all students, regardless of cultural beliefs, in order for the student to acquire the skills necessary to practice osteopathic medicine. Students who have any concerns should discuss them with the Director of Admissions prior to applying.

Curriculum Overview

The ICOM curriculum is designed to produce well-rounded healthcare professionals distinguished by their clinical skills, compassion, and ability to address the unique healthcare challenges in Idaho and beyond.

Clinical Rotations

Student doctors will be assigned to their third-year core regional clinical site via a lottery that takes place in the Fall of their OMS-II year. Student doctors will relocate to their assigned core site prior to the beginning of the third year. The majority of the third year clinical rotations will take place at that site, student doctors may be required to travel to other locations if a required rotation is not available locally. Clinical experiences include inpatient experiences, in ambulatory practices, and in other acute care facilities. Rotations include pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health, internal medicine, internal medicine subspecialties, and emergency medicine.

Mission and Values

ICOM is committed to selecting applicants who meet the mission and align with the values and who are an asset to the profession of osteopathic medicine. The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) educates students to become highly competent and caring osteopathic physicians and healthcare leaders dedicated to delivering whole-person care in Idaho and other underserved communities. Through the evaluations provided after the candidates have been interviewed, the Admissions Committee will decide on whether to accept, deny acceptance, or waitlist interviewed candidates. The ICOM Office of Student Services will maintain pre-admissions academic and demographic data for each matriculating class. Upon graduation, the Office of the Registrar will work in conjunction with the planned ICOM Alumni Association and the Office of Learner Outcomes and Assessment to track licensing examination performance, specialty certification, post-graduate employment, and career activities for each graduating class.

Tips for Success in Medical College

To stay on top or even survive in a medical college you need to stay up to date on everything. Managing time can be hard and a lot of work can go to waste, deadlines can be missed, marks can be lost and it can even affect your health if a proper schedule is not formed and followed. The minute the studying starts you need to start organizing your tasks according to their importance and impact. You can either make a schedule by hand or use applications available for this purpose which can even remind of tasks to be done. Never leave something on tomorrow, try to get every assignment/worksheet/homework you get as soon as possible. As stated previously, there will be numerous times when self-studies will be required. There can be plenty of reasons for that i.e. you might have missed some lectures or the teacher assigned to you might not be so good at delivering the lectures, or their way of delivering lectures might not match your way of learning. For that, you can either ask Teacher’s Assistants or your classmates to help but even that can fail at times.

Resources for Medical Students

Dr. Najeeb's Lectures

For such times, Dr. Najeeb’s lectures will be your guiding star. Dr. Najeeb’s Lectures are the world’s most popular medical Lectures, covering all the topics of Gross Anatomy, Neuro-anatomy, Embryology, Histology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology. They are video lectures that cover almost all the topics in the current medical curriculum of most medical colleges. They contain visualization of what you study in your books. The hand-drawn illustrations in these lectures make it very easy to grasp the concepts.

Importance of Clinical Experience

Just as no two human beings can ever be the same in their life experiences, no two students can have the same clinical experience. Your experience will be what you make of it. Keep in mind that whatever you learn is not to be forgotten. You are opting for a career that requires retention of this knowledge for a lifetime. To look at the short term aspects, what you learn will be there again in your finals, and again during residency when you start treating actual patients.

Maintaining Well-being

Studies can be intense and depleting. It might feel like there’s no end to it. So it is imperative to keep yourself spurred and centered by compensating yourself for all the exertion you’ve put in. Find distinctive approaches to unwind yourself now and again. Take up a game, locate a decent book, or simply kick back and unwind. Nobody can work constantly without wearing out.

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