VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

Mission-Minded VCOM is committed to producing physicians to meet society's health care needs. VCOM seeks students who are compassionate, knowledgeable, and committed to quality health care for all. The Appalachian outreach and international outreach programs, in which all students may participate, were developed to assist students in developing the skills needed to provide compassionate and altruistic care whether for a rural area, a medically underserved population in an urban area, or in a developing country. VCOM seeks students who share this personal mission and commitment to those who are medically underserved and who have demonstrated a commitment to underserved populations in the past. Admissions Procedures VCOM considers applicants who possess the academic, professional, and individual promise to become exemplary Osteopathic physicians. VCOM seeks to admit a majority of the class from applicants from the target Appalachian and Delta region. VCOM does accept students from outside this region who have demonstrated a commitment to a common mission of caring for medically underserved populations whether rural, minority, or international. Admissions Process and Professional Expectations Within its competitive framework, VCOM uses multiple criteria to select the most promising candidates from an applicant pool that exceeds the number of seats available. Since a rolling admissions process is used, applications are reviewed, and interview decisions are made at regular intervals during the admissions cycle. Applications begin arriving in early summer, one year prior to anticipated matriculation. Interviews begin in August and continue through early April. Due to the high number of applications, we strongly encourage early application. An applicant aspiring to become an osteopathic physician is expected to show integrity and professionalism throughout the application process. The applicant’s professionalism during interactions with the medical college faculty and staff during the application process will be considered in the acceptance process. Applicants must familiarize themselves with the admissions requirements, procedures, and deadlines, as well as report and update any changes to the application. Applicants are required to attend all interviews, be accurate and complete in their application, and disclose all information requested. Minimum Requirements for Interview and Admission The admissions process at VCOM is competitive, with more than 16,000 applications annually for seats at the four campuses. The college uses a mission driven admissions process; therefore, the applicant’s academic ability and alignment with the mission and vision of VCOM is considered in the admissions process. Other qualities that reflect the student’s ability to adapt to a rigorous academic curriculum and to demonstrate professional and ethical characteristics for a future professional provide an advantage in the application process. If you have a question about the admissions process, contact the Office of Admissions in advance of applying.

Applicants for admission must meet the following requirements to be considered for an interview:

1. Must be able to earn a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation. • Courses must have been taken at a regionally accredited institution that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. • In some circumstances, a degree from a college or university that is nationally, rather than regionally accredited, is accepted as long as the accreditor is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (i.e., a religiously based institution).

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