Our duty as an institution is to populate underserved areas with physicians. I grew up in what today is an underserved community, and have felt that we needed more physicians in Idaho, and ICOM is providing that service.
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
ICOM is dedicated to training high-quality osteopathic physicians prepared to care for people in the Mountain West region and beyond with an emphasis on rural, underserved areas. ICOM was conceived and established to attract a well-qualified faculty and student body, as well as to have the technical and other resources necessary to effectively train physicians for 21st Century medicine.
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine strives to be the nation's leader in training caring and expert osteopathic physicians. Interested in learning what makes ICOM different? Here are a few facts to get you started.
- 780+ Preceptor Faculty
- 163 Affiliations with Hospitals/Health Systems
- 100% Apple-Based Campus
- 162 Students per Class
For students interested in pursuing research, I would say test the waters, like I did. Especially if you don't know what you want or what you're looking for, take every opportunity — anything that can get you involved.
Research is really important. Maybe people haven’t had the greatest introduction to it, but it can be really worthwhile with the right mentor and with a project that you’re passionate about.
Academic medicine dares you to do better, learn more, and to provide the best evidence-based care for your patients. I enjoy new perspectives from medical students, and how it challenges me to examine why I do the things I do.
I’ve really never worked with a more dedicated, open-minded, and hard-working group of faculty and staff. The anatomy team works hard to make sure our student-doctors are receiving the best anatomy education possible.
I was drawn to ICOM as I could continue to work towards a career I enjoy, while living in the state which I have called home for the past 25 years. The friendliness of the professors and staff when I first stepped foot on campus made ICOM the right choice for me.
The training I’m receiving at ICOM, coupled with the advanced technology found around campus, are giving me the tools to become the doctor I want to become.
At ICOM, I’m learning about treatment that goes beyond the symptoms. At the same time, Idaho has a need for physicians, and I’m looking forward to making a difference in the Mountain West region.
As an Idaho native, ICOM instills a deep sense of pride and excitement. I am able to pursue my passion for learning and practicing medicine near my family and friends, in a community that is truly my home.
ICOM’s medical education is a four-year program to achieve the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. The first two years, known as the preclinical years, are spent on campus. The final two years, referred to as the clinical years, take place in various clinics and hospitals, where students receive hands-on training
The faculty members at ICOM are passionate about medical education and are dedicated to the success of our students. With a balance of both biomedical and clinical faculty members, ICOM students will feel supported throughout their medical school journey.
The majority of ICOM graduates continue their medical training in one of the primary care specialties, which include family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. In ICOM’s Class of 2023, 51 alumni entered a family medicine residency after graduation.
ICOM is training the next generation of osteopathic physicians and healthcare leaders, with added emphasis on serving rural and underserved regions.
Events, News & Research
Neurosurgery Club Donates Over 200 Bike Helmets to Schools
Published 04/14/25
Elementary students across the Treasure Valley will be able to safely recreate this spring, thanks to a donation of over 200 bicycle helmets on behalf…
Continuing Medical Education (CME) Event
04/26/25
at 07:30 AM
The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine is hosting a free continuing medical education (CME) event on Saturday, April 26, from 7:30 a.m. to Noon at…
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
ICOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program is a four-year program. Students spend the first two years of instruction on campus and the last two years of instruction integrated into a community hospital and/or health system, working directly with physician instructors and patients. Learn more about ICOM’s DO program here.
Osteopathic Medical School
According to the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), there are currently 42 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine in the U.S. These colleges deliver instruction at 67 teaching locations in 36 states. ICOM is the first and only osteopathic medical school in Idaho.
Osteopathic Medical Students
There are more than 38,000 osteopathic medical students in the U.S., according to AACOM. In fact, osteopathic medical students make up approximately 25% of all medical students in the U.S.
Osteopathic Medical Profession: The osteopathic medical profession is fast-growing. According to a 2023 report from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), the total number of osteopathic physicians in the U.S. has reached nearly 149,000 — a 30% increase over the past five years.
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, also known as Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, is a form of treatment used by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs). This treatment is a therapeutic application of touch. Learn more about OMM and OMT here.
American Osteopathic Association: The American Osteopathic Association represents the nearly 200,000 osteopathic medical students and osteopathic physicians in the U.S.
Practice medicine: Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) practice the full spectrum of medicine. DOs and Doctors of Medicine (MDs) are both fully trained and licensed doctors who can practice medicine in all 50 states and pursue all medical specialties.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are recognized as medical doctors, and can expect to practice the full spectrum of medicine.
Preventive Medicine: Osteopathic medicine places strong emphasis on preventative care. The philosophy behind osteopathic medicine recognizes the body’s natural tendency toward self healing and health, as one of the profession’s core tenets. Learn about the tenets of osteopathic medicine here.
Emergency Medicine: According to the American Osteopathic Association, Emergency Medicine is one of the top non-primary care specialties for Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) for 2024. Learn more about the profession in the AOA’s 2024 Osteopathic Medical Profession Report. Osteopathic Manipulation, also known as Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a set of hands-on techniques used by Osteopathic Physicians (DOs) to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. Osteopathic Manipulation is part of a whole-person approach to care in which DOs partner with their patients to achieve optimal health. Learn more about osteopathic medicine here.
The body’s musculoskeletal system is comprised of bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, working together to provide structure, support, and movement. Students in ICOM’s Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program learn about all of the body’s systems, including the musculoskeletal system, which can greatly benefit from osteopathic manipulative treatment or osteopathic manipulation.
Medical Licensing Exam: The COMLEX-USA is a three-level exam series, that is designed for licensure for the practice of osteopathic medicine. Learn more about this medical licensing exam by visiting this link.