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Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine - KYCOM

Overview Curricular Premedical Coursework Admissions Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid Apply Now

General Information

The Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) is ranked second among all D.O. and M.D. granting medical schools in the U.S. for graduates entering primary care residencies. KYCOM’s guiding principle has always been to educate physicians to serve underserved and rural areas, with an emphasis on primary care. KYCOM prides itself in being student-centered in every aspect. As a KYCOM student, dedicated and knowledgeable faculty and staff will provide you with a supportive environment to learn patient-centered care while utilizing advanced technology. Nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains near a growing regional hospital, KYCOM’s graduates are well prepared to enter high-quality and rigorous graduate medical education residencies.
  • KYCOM campus building
  • KYCOM students pose for the camera outside
  • KYCOM students typing on a medical computer

Mission Statement

The mission of the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) is to provide men and women with an osteopathic medical education that emphasizes primary care, encourages research, promotes lifelong scholarly activity and produces graduates who are committed to serving the healthcare needs of communities in rural Kentucky and other Appalachian regions. 
Facilities

Closest City Lexington, KY

Campus Setting

Suburban

Facilities

The Coal Building houses the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM). The Coal Building strengthens KYCOM’s ability to fulfill its mission to train primary care physicians to provide medical services in rural Kentucky and through-out Central Appalachia. The Coal Building is a nine-story, 84,000-square-foot building that offers KYCOM expanded facilities with state-of-the-art features that include the following:

  • Clinical Skills Training and Evaluation Center that utilize standardized patients, human models, and high-fidelity robotic simulators
  • KYCOM free community clinic
  • Technology-enhanced lecture halls
  • Student study space
  • Gross anatomy laboratory
  • Osteopathic principles and practice instructional space
  • Research facilities

Student Residence Options

On-campus housing is not offered at this time. However, you may request housing information from our admissions office. 
Student Activities & Support Services

KYCOM offers students a variety of ways to engage with each other, the medical profession, and the community. There are 39 active student organizations which provide opportunities for leadership development, social engagement, professional development, and community service.

Student success is enhanced through individualized career and academic counseling, COMLEX preparation planning, and peer coaching programs. KYCOM is committed to nurturing an educational environment that values all persons, encourages cultural and ethnic diversity, and promotes equitable and fair treatment in every aspect of university life. Cultural events include an annual Minorities in Medicine Conference, annual Diwali celebration, and Muslim Student Doctor Association Iftar and Eid meals.
Accreditation & Affiliation

COM Accreditation Status Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine has been granted accreditation by the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).


KYCOM is part of the University of Pikeville, which was established in 1889 as a small Presbyterian college located in Pikeville, KY. The University of Pikeville is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, masters and professional (DO) degrees. Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine has been granted accreditation by the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). This body is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting agency for colleges educating osteopathic physicians and surgeons. 

University Affiliation(s) University of Pikeville

Student Demographics

  • 2023-2024

Academic Year Enrollment

Total Medical School Enrollment

582

Total Male

301

Total Female

279

Total Enrollment Affiliate Institutions

582

First-Year Matriculants

141

First-Year Male Matriculants

75

First-Year Female Matriculants

66

Matriculants In-State

39

Matriculants Out-of-State

102

Self-Reported Race/Ethnicity

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.0%

Asian

27.0%

Black/African American

3.5%

Hispanic/Latino

5.0%

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.0%

White

58.2%

Multiple Races

5.0%

Undisclosed

1.4%

Majors of First-Year Matriculants

Science Majors

90.5%

Non-Science Majors

9.5%

Graduate Degrees

12.8%

KYCOM seal

Overview

Private Institution

Non-Profit

University of Pikeville

Institutional Affiliation

1997

Year Founded

Suburban

Campus Setting

Campus Contact

Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine - KYCOM

147 Sycamore Street, Pikeville, Kentucky 41501

Address

(606) 218-5524

Phone

KYCOM Website

Website

Admissions Office

(606) 218-5524

Phone

KYCOM Admissions Email

Email

KYCOM Admissions Website

Website

Curricular Offerings

KYCOM’s pre-clinical education program uses discipline-based science and clinical courses most often organized around specific organ systems.

Beginning in year one and continuing through-out the curriculum, KYCOM students receive a fundamental overview of the ethical issues relevant to establishing a trusting physician-patient relationship, the skills needed to critically evaluate medical literature, and to complete a patient history. Communication skills, professionalism, and clinical skills competencies are assessed using standardized patients, human models, and high-fidelity simulators.

During year two, students engage in preceptorships with community physicians. Student clinical skills and competencies are further developed in clerkships offered during years three and four.

Premedical Coursework

Courses below are shown as either Recommended or Required and, when applicable, include the number of semester hours needed.
Science Courses
Anatomy
Recommended

4 semester hours

Biochemistry
Recommended

4 semester hours

Biology/Zoology
Required

12 semester hours

Chemistry (Inorganic)
Required

8 semester hours

Chemistry (Organic)
Required

8 semester hours

Genetics
Recommended

3 semester hours

Physics
Required

8 semester hours

Physiology
Recommended

4 semester hours

Non-Science Courses
College English
Required

6 semester hours

Math/Statistics
Recommended

3 semester hours

Admissions

Completed applications are reviewed on the basis of mission, MCAT, Total GPA, Science GPA, volunteer work, health care experience, and shadowing hours. Successful candidates are invited to campus to interview for a seat in KYCOM’s entering class. Candidates are usually notified of an admission decision within one week of the interview.

Admissions Processes

Interview Options: Option to interview virtually or in-person

Physician letter required? MD or DO

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

Will your institution waive MCAT exam requirements? No

Accepts online lab coursework? Yes

Application Information

Earliest Application Submission Date: May 6, 2024

Primary Application Deadline: February 1, 2025

Submission Timing for Best Consideration

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

First Year Class Matriculant's Selection Factors

KYCOM’s mission influences its selection of students. Applicants to KYCOM are also considered with respect to their academic potential, character, personal maturity, commitment and suitability to become a productive osteopathic physician. Further, all applicants and students are required to meet Technical Standards. Prior to the start of orientation all entering students must show evidence of full compliance with KYCOM’s immunization and other entrance requirements in order to matriculate. KYCOM equally considers all admission and financial aid applications, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, or disabilities. identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, or disabilities. 

International Students Accepted? Does Not Accept International Students

Are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students considered for admissions? No

Application Interview Format: Traditional

Supplemental Application

Supplemental Application Required? Yes

Applicants must acknowledge an understanding of technical standards, immunization requirements, provide a statement of purpose, and submit our secondary application fee.

Earliest Supplemental Application Submission Date: June 1, 2024

Supplemental Application Deadline: March 1, 2025

Supplemental Application Sent To: Screened Applicants

Screened applicants who meet reasonable academic requirements

Supplemental Application Fee: $75

Supplemental Application Fee Refundable? No

Supplemental Application Fee Waiver Available? Yes

If an applicant has obtained an AACOMAS fee waiver, we can waive the secondary application fee at KYCOM.
Acceptances/Deposit Schedule

Earliest Acceptance Date

September 1, 2024

Latest Acceptance Date

June 1, 2025

Orientation/Start Date for First Year Students

July 15, 2024

Acceptance/deposit deadlines conform to the AACOMAS Traffic Guidelines Schedule? Yes

Osteopathic Medical College (COM) applicants may be asked to submit necessary matriculation documents, including a deposit, according to the following AACOMAS traffic guideline schedule:

  • Those accepted prior to November 15 to have until December 14.
  • Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 to have 30 days
  • Those accepted between January 15 and April 30 to have 14 days.
  • Those accepted on or after May 1 may be asked by the accepting COM for an immediate deposit.
  • After May 1 of the year of matriculation, each COM has the discretion to implement COM-specific procedures for accepted students who hold one or more seats at other COMs.
MCAT/GPA Information

Mean MCAT Score

502.6

Avg. Cum. Undergrad GPA Score

3.54

Oldest MCAT Considered: June 1, 2021

Latest MCAT Score Accepted: January 31, 2025

Accepted Sources for Letters of Recommendation

  • AACOMAS
  • Interfolio
  • Paper

Main Admissions Contact

(606) 218-5524

Phone

kycomadmissions@upike.edu

Email

https://https://www.upike.edu/osteopathic-medicine/kycom-admissions/application-selection/

Website

Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid

2024-2025 Academic Year

Tuition

In-State Tuition

$55,380

Out-of-State Tuition

$55,380

Fees

Annual Fees

In-State Resident Fees

$0

Out-of-State Resident Fees

$0

Health Insurance Fee

$3,994

Tuition Fees Include

Health Service
Lab
Microscope Rental
Student Activities
Student Services
Technology (not computer)

Estimates, Deposits, and More

Estimated Annual Room Board, Books, and Living Costs

$14,800

Average Graduate Indebtedness

$164,247

Acceptance Deposit

$1,000, non-refundable

Deposit Applied to Tuition? Yes

Deposit Refundable? No

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Website https://www.upike.edu/undergraduate/financial-aid/health-professions/kycom-loan-options/

Percent of Enrolled Students with Financial Aid 89%

Scholarships Offered? No