California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine - CHSU-COM
Clovis, California
Main Campus
General Information
Located in the beautiful Central Valley, the California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM) is fully accredited and aims to help remedy the critical shortage of physicians in the region.
Aligned with the University mission, the College of Osteopathic Medicine strives to recruit, train, and retain future physicians to improve the health outcomes for people in the Central Valley and beyond, especially the rural and underserved populations.
Our innovative program is facilitated by dedicated educators and designed to train caring and competent physicians. CHSU-COM utilizes small group learning and incorporates the latest technology such as holographic anatomy and handheld ultrasound throughout our curriculum.
Our Osteopathic Skills lab optimizes learning with a hands-on diagnosis and treatment modality to promote health and wellness; optimize recovery from musculoskeletal trauma, disease, and post-surgical conditions; and help prevent illness.
To ensure student success in clinical clerkship rotations, residencies, and eventual medical practice, some of the CHSU-COM curricular highlights include:•Medical Spanish
- Nutrition and Culinary Medicine
- Holographic Anatomy and Interactive Simulated Learning Experiences
- Early Service-Learning Population Health Initiatives (embedded in health centers)
- Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) Scholars program
- Collaborative Research Opportunities (with physicians, scientists, faculty, and other providers)
The CHSU-COM student experience is enriched by academic, career, residency, health, and wellness services and support. Plus, CHSU-COM students have leadership and community service opportunities through on-campus student organizations.
Mission Statement
CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Mission
To graduate exceptional Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine by:
- Inspiring a diverse student body to commit to careers that serve our region, with a focus on recruiting students from the Central Valley;
- Developing compassionate, highly trained, intellectually curious, adaptive leaders capable of meeting the healthcare needs of the future through a performance-based education;
- Empowering people to teach, serve, research, innovate, and practice collaboratively in areas of skill and expertise in disciplines related to osteopathic medicine.
Closest City 4 miles east of Fresno
Campus Setting
SuburbanFacilities
With gorgeous views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the three-story College of Osteopathic Medicine building incorporates innovative technology throughout.
The CHSU-COM features large classrooms, an Osteopathic Skills lab, a library, plentiful private and collaborative study spaces that can be reserved, spacious student lounges, Teaching and Demonstration Kitchen, and a Simulation Center.
The Simulation Center includes leading-edge technology with an 7-bed inpatient area that resembles a hospital environment and a 12-room outpatient area that is like a clinic or doctor’s office. The innovative Simulation Center was meticulously planned to maximize interactive learning.
Student Residence Options
CHSU-COM provides a nurturing and supportive environment to prepare students for the demands of a career in Osteopathic Medicine. We strive to cultivate a welcoming campus environment of respect, belonging, excellence, and service. Supported by faculty, staff, alumni, and their peers, medical students can develop close relationships both on campus and within our community at large.
Medical education at CHSU is enriched by plentiful opportunities for community service, social, cultural, and recreational experiences. Student organizations on campus range from community-impact to medical specialty exploration, to shared interest groups. Medical students can also get involved in the Student Government Association to advocate for student colleagues with the faculty, administration, and outside agencies.
The study of osteopathic medicine, while rewarding, can also be challenging and stressful. CHSU-COM is committed to providing its students with access to a system of counseling and mental healthcare. Our mission is to fully support the personal, social, and emotional well-being of CHSU students.
Learn more about student orgs here: https://osteopathic.chsu.edu/student-organizations
Learn more about our wellness resources here: https://osteopathic.chsu.edu/student-health-and-wellness
See what our students are researching here: https://osteopathic.chsu.edu/research-and-scholarly-activity/#research
COM Accreditation Status CHSU-COM has been granted Accreditation, effective April 4, 2024. This accreditation action is valid for seven years. The CHSU-COM’s next comprehensive site visit will be held in the academic year 2030-2031.
The
American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College
Accreditation (COCA) accredits osteopathic medical education programs leading
to the DO degree in the United States (programmatic accreditation). By
assessing the compliance of osteopathic medical education programs based on the
nationally accepted standards of the COCA, we serve the interests of the public
and of the students enrolled in our Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (COMs). To
achieve and maintain accreditation, an osteopathic medical education program
leading to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree must meet the
standards found on the COCA website.
University Affiliation(s) California Health Sciences University
-
2024-2025
Academic Year Enrollment
Total Medical School Enrollment
582
Total Male
262
Total Female
317
Total Other
0
First-Year Matriculants
132
First-Year Male Matriculants
56
First-Year Female Matriculants
76
First-Year Other Matriculants
0
Matriculants In-State
114
Matriculants Out-of-State
18
Self-Reported Race/Ethnicity
American Indian/Alaska Native
0%
Asian
48.5%
Black/African American
0%
Hispanic/Latino
15.9%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0%
White
26.5%
Multiple Races
6.8%
Undisclosed
0%
Majors of First-Year Matriculants
Science Majors
87.1%
Non-Science Majors
8.3%
Graduate Degrees
6.1%
Overview
Private Institution
For Profit
California Health Sciences University
Institutional Affiliation
2016
Year Founded
Suburban
Campus Setting
Campus Contact
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine - CHSU-COM
Address
(559) 325-3600
Phone
Website
Admissions Office
Curricular Offerings
Learning Years 1 & 2
- CHSU-COM utilizes a clinically-integrated two-pass systems-based curricular model, shown to improve knowledge, retention, and performance. This model integrates:
- Problem solving skills for critical thinking
- Active learning techniques
- Early service learning experiences
- Dedicated COMLEX prep time
- Holographic Anatomy in collaboration with Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
- Osteopathic Principles and Practice
- Health Meets Food, based on Tulane University’s culinary medicine curriculum
- Medical Spanish (Required)
A primary teaching method during the first two years of the curriculum is Team-Based Learning (TBL), supplemented with:
- Clinical skills and practical lab sessions
- In-Patient hospital simulation
- Out-Patient standardized patient encounters
- Interprofessional collaboration
- Research and Learning Opportunities
CHSU-COM trains future physicians to be lifelong learners and champions of evidence-based medicine through their engagement in research and scholarly activities. Every medical student must participate in a longitudinal clinical experience, beginning in year 1 and extending throughout years 2-3, incorporating a population health/community medicine project, leading to a final poster presentation or publication.
Learning in Years 3 & 4
The core clinical clerkships during years 3 and 4 are based at regional hospitals, clinics, and health care facilities with health care providers in the community. There are 9 hospital systems within driving distance of CHSU, with ample clinical settings for learning in years 3 and 4. Third year Medical Students rotate through clerkships in the following areas:
- Family Medicine
- Internal Medicine (general and specialty)
- Surgery (general and specialty)
- Women's Health
- Pediatrics
- Behavioral Medicine
- Elective
The third-year curriculum also includes dedicated board prep time.
The 4th year of medical school has ample opportunities for audition rotations, for students to showcase their abilities and prepare for the residency match. Required clerkships in year 4 include:
- Community Health Center
- Emergency Medicine
- Primary Care
- Specialty Medicine
Premedical Coursework
Courses below are shown as either Recommended or Required and, when applicable, include the number of semester hours needed.
Anatomy
RecommendedBiochemistry
RecommendedBiology/Zoology
Required8 semester hours
Chemistry (Inorganic)
Required8 semester hours
Chemistry (Organic)
Required8 semester hours
Genetics
RecommendedImmunology
RecommendedMicrobiology
RecommendedPhysics
Required8 semester hours
Physiology
RecommendedBehavioral Sciences
Required3 semester hours
College English
Required6 semester hours
Admissions
CHSU-COM seeks to admit those students who possess the academic, professional, and personal qualities necessary to become exemplary osteopathic physicians. CHSU-COM uses a rolling admissions process in which applications are reviewed and interview decisions are made at regular intervals during the admissions cycle.
To be competitive within this process, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early in the cycle. The AACOMAS application and all other required materials, which include MCAT scores, official transcripts, and required letters of recommendation, must be received by the Office of Admissions on or before March 1, 2026.
There are two letters of recommendation required for admission to CHSU-COM:
- One academic letter written by a college science professor who has instructed the applicant. The letter should detail the applicant’s aptitude in a challenging academic setting.
- One additional letter. A letter of recommendation from a physician that details the applicant’s ability to be successful in a medical setting is preferred.
NOTE: A pre-med or pre-health profession committee letter that includes items listed above will satisfy the requirements for those items.
Qualified applicants will be invited to complete the Supplemental Application, which includes two essays, an evaluator identification verification, and payment of the Supplemental Application Fee.
Upon completion of the Supplemental Application, selected candidates will be invited for an interview. Taking a holistic approach to admissions, the Admissions Committee will review the entire application package and interview performance prior to making a recommendation to the Dean. The Dean will make the final admissions decision and the candidate will then be notified by the Admissions Office.
Visit osteopathic.chsu.edu/admissions for more information about CHSU-COM's Admissions Requirements.
Interview Options: Option to interview virtually or in-person
Physician letter required? N/A; no physician letter required
Virtual Shadowing Options? Will accept EITHER virtual or in-person shadowing
Accepts online coursework to fulfill prerequisite requirements? Yes
Accepts prerequisite coursework pass/fail grades? Yes, but only in certain circumstances
Only for courses taken in semesters affected by COVID.Will your institution waive MCAT exam requirements? No
Accepts online lab coursework? Yes
Primary Application Service: AACOMAS
Earliest Application Submission Date: May 5, 2025
Primary Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Submission Timing for Best Consideration
First Year Class Matriculant's Selection Factors
International Students Accepted? Does Not Accept International Students
Are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students considered for admissions? Yes
Application Interview Format: Traditional
Early Decision Program (EDP)
EDP Offered? No
EDP Applications Submitted To AACOMAS
Supplemental Application
Supplemental Application Required? Yes
- Completed supplemental essays
- Evaluator Identification Verification
- Payment of the supplemental application fee
Earliest Supplemental Application Submission Date: May 10, 2025
Supplemental Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
Supplemental Application Sent To: Screened Applicants
Supplemental Application Fee: $100, non-refundable
Supplemental Application Fee Refundable? No
Supplemental Application Fee Waiver Available? Yes
CHSU-COM honors the AACOMAS fee waiver, and will grant these applicants a waiver of the CHSU-COM supplemental application fee.Orientation/Start Date for First Year Students
July 20, 2026
Deferred Entrance Requests Considered? Yes
With compelling justification provided, a request for deferred entrance may be considered on a case-by-case basis.Applicants will be requested to submit necessary matriculation documents, including a partially refundable deposit, according to the following schedule:
- Those accepted prior to January 14 will have 30 days
- Those accepted between January 15 and May 14 will have 14 days
- Those accepted after May 15 may be asked for an immediate deposit
- After May 15 of the year of matriculation, each medical college may implement college-specific procedures for accepted students who hold one or more seats at other medical colleges
Mean MCAT Score
503.5
Avg. Cum. Undergrad GPA Score
3.51
Oldest MCAT Considered: January 1, 2022
Latest MCAT Score Accepted: January 31, 2026
Accepted Sources for Letters of Recommendation
- AACOMAS
- Interfolio
Main Admissions Contact
Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid
2025-2026 Academic Year
In-State Tuition
$67,000
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,000
Annual Fees
In-State Resident Fees
$3,980
Out-of-State Resident Fees
$3,980
Health Insurance Fee
$4,764
Tuition Fees Include
Estimates, Deposits, and More
Estimated Annual Room Board, Books, and Living Costs
$TBA
Average Graduate Indebtedness
$190,432
Acceptance Deposit
$1,250
Additional Deposit
$0
Deposit Applied to Tuition? Yes
Deposit Refundable? Yes
Partially refundable. Students choosing not to attend CHSU-COM after paying the Seat Deposit fee will receive a refund of the Seat Deposit, minus the non-fundable portion of $250.Financial Aid Website https://osteopathic.chsu.edu/financial-aid-scholarships-tuition/
Percent of Enrolled Students with Financial Aid 62%
Scholarships Offered? No
Annual Scholarship/Grant Per Student: $26,086