Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus - LECOM Bradenton

Bradenton, Florida

Branch Campus

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

General Information

LECOM Bradenton is a branch campus of LECOM. Located in Lakewood Ranch, a master-planned community near the Florida Gulf Coast, LECOM Bradenton provides students with an affordable, high-quality education and offers the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and five master’s degrees. LECOM is the nation’s largest medical college and the only academic health center among the osteopathic colleges. With Millcreek Community Hospital and Medical Associates of Erie, the College is the core of LECOM Health, an innovative medical education and healthcare system.

  • LECOM Bradenton campus entry
  • LECOM Bradenton campus at night

Mission Statement

The mission of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine is to prepare students to become osteopathic physicians, pharmacy practitioners, and dentists through programs of excellence in education, research, clinical care, and community service to enhance the quality of life through improved health for all humanity. Serving as a guiding light and cornerstone in medical education and true to the core principles of its founders, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine has expanded its reach to include exceptional programs in graduate studies designed to provide scholars superlative education in the respective areas of study. The professional programs are dedicated to serve all students through innovative curriculum and the development of postdoctoral education and interprofessional experiences.
Facilities

Closest City Sarasota and Tampa, Florida

Campus Setting

Suburban

Facilities

LECOM has designed its campuses with the latest educational technology, where each and every detail lends itself to the mission of teaching students how to care for patients. Lecture halls use smart classroom technology, and smaller classrooms provide ideal environments for small group study sessions the lecture halls use smart classroom technology, and smaller classrooms provide ideal environments for the small group, problem-based learning meetings. The multipurpose labs and Standardized Patient Suite offers state-of-the-art teaching equipment for basic science and clinical studies.

Student Residence Options

LECOM does not provide campus housing. The college assists students in securing appropriate housing within a close walk or commute to campus.
Student Activities & Support Services

LECOM organizations and clubs provide our students with opportunities to explore residency and specialty programs and allow our students to engage in service activities throughout the community. As members our students enhance their leadership skills, network, and advocate for medical education and healthcare issues.

LECOM celebrates the oneness of humanity to foster meaningful discourse in an educational environment that supports a humble posture of learning that is systematic across all Institutional Programs. Steeped in mutual respect and trust for the diverse community we represent, our mission focuses on education and community service.

Accreditation & Affiliation

COM Accreditation Status Branch campus: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA)


Also by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and by the Commission for Independent Education (CIE) of the Florida Department of Education. LECOM is a member of Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a national advocate and institutional voice for self-regulation of academic quality through accreditation.

University Affiliation(s) LECOM Erie (main campus), LECOM at Seton Hill (additional location), LECOM at Elmira (additional location)

Student Demographics
  • 2024-2025

Academic Year Enrollment

Total Medical School Enrollment

764

Total Male

329

Total Female

433

Total Other

2

First-Year Matriculants

128

First-Year Male Matriculants

47

First-Year Female Matriculants

80

First-Year Other Matriculants

1

Matriculants In-State

76

Matriculants Out-of-State

52

Self-Reported Race/Ethnicity

American Indian/Alaska Native

0%

Asian

18.0%

Black/African American

1.6%

Hispanic/Latino

15.6%

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0%

White

57.8%

Multiple Races

3.1%

Undisclosed

0%

Majors of First-Year Matriculants

Science Majors

89.8%

Non-Science Majors

6.3%

Graduate Degrees

8.6%

LECOM shield

Overview

Private Institution

Non-Profit

LECOM Erie (main campus), LECOM at Seton Hill (additional location), LECOM at Elmira (additional location)

Institutional Affiliation

2004

Year Founded

Suburban

Campus Setting

Campus Contact

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus - LECOM Bradenton

5000 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton, Florida 34211

Address

(941) 756-0690

Phone

Admissions Office

Curricular Offerings

LECOM Bradenton offers the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) pathway, which emphasizes self-directed study in small groups using a team approach through faculty–facilitated, patient-centered, case-based study. In years three and four, students complete clinical rotations at more than 90 hospitals and clinics throughout the United States, including regional clinical campuses in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New York.

Preparatory Programs

Preparatory/Postbaccalaureate Programs Offered

Master of Medical Science
Prerequisites/Academic Qualifications: Applicants must earn an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college/university. The Master of Medical Science program is a 10-month, non-thesis degree program that prepares individuals for health science careers. LECOM MMS students, who maintain a 3.2 cumulative GPA, pass all courses without remediation, adhere to professionalism standards, and meet MCAT requirements, are eligible to be interviewed early in spring for the LECOM College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Special Programs

Doctor of Health Care Administration (DHA)
The Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.) program prepares health industry professionals to become innovative leaders and complex problem solvers. The degree program qualifies professionals to serve as college faculty members, preparing them to teach and perform interprofessional research focused on “the business of healthcare”.

Doctoral in Anatomy Education Program (DAE)
A shortage of Anatomy Educators with advanced degrees in the United States has led to an increasing need for qualified educators to teach anatomical sciences at the undergraduate or doctoral level. As senior PhD faculty members move into administrative roles or retire, and the number of osteopathic and allopathic medical schools and physician assistant and nurse practitioner programs increase, the demand for Anatomy Educators will continue to grow demonstrating a definite need for Doctoral level Anatomy Educators. Despite these needs, there is a shortage of programs providing such doctoral-level training in anatomy education with only three programs in North America. These programs will not be able to keep pace with the need for PhD Anatomists. With such a shortage of appropriately trained faculty, the need for effective teaching is stronger than ever. LECOM Erie is proud to recognize this need and offer a Doctoral in Anatomy Education Program (DAE).

Doctoral Program in Medical Microbiology Education (DME)
The Doctoral Program in Medical Microbiology Education (DME) is designed to prepare students to become teaching faculty at the undergraduate and graduate level. With the increasing number of new allopathic and osteopathic medical schools and other advanced medical degree programs, such as physician assistant and nurse practitioner programs, opening in the United States, a larger number of teaching faculty will be needed. Most new graduates of doctoral microbiology and/or immunology programs are well versed in their specific area of research, and have a detailed background and experience in laboratory techniques and analysis of data; however, these programs do not emphasize the breadth of teaching in medical microbiology. The DME will address this need by focusing on the educational aspects of medical microbiology in a variety of curricula.

Doctoral Program in Pharmacy Education (DPE)
The Doctoral Program in Pharmacy Education (DPE) features an innovative curriculum designed to train students in pharmaceutical and clinical sciences, pedagogical principles, and scholarship of teaching and learning. Students will complete laboratory-based, lecture-based, and online coursework in pharmaceutics, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacotherapeutics, drug information, and educational theory; as well as teaching practicums, journal clubs, and educational research. Graduates will be adept in delivery of pharmaceutical and clinical sciences content utilizing a variety of curricular techniques.

Doctoral Program in Medical Education (DME)
The DME program is produce educator-scholar leaders in health professions education. It functions as an extension of the LECOM MSMEd Program to offer students additional training to more deeply explore medical education topics through coursework, practicums, and dissertation-level research. Graduates are highly knowledgeable and skillful medical education specialists who are well equipped to produce innovative research in medical education and improve the educational training of health care providers. The proposed program will provide graduate-level instruction in educational practice, educational research methodology and analysis, and administrative leadership. Students are required to complete online coursework, teaching practicums, and conduct original research in the field of medical education in the form of a written and publicly-defended dissertation.

Dual Degrees/Concurrent Programs

Dual Degrees/Concurrent Programs Offered

DO/MPH*
The LECOM Masters in Public Health program (45 credit hours) is grounded in foundational public health knowledge. This includes administrative skills critical to improving and enhancing the health, healthcare, and well-being of individuals, families, and communities in North America by applying the philosophy of osteopathic medicine that seeks to treat the whole person mind, body and spirit. Delivered concurrently via on-line distance education in medical student’s third and fourth years.

DO/MHSA*
The LECOM Masters in Health Services Administration program (50 credit hours) provides students with the skills required to plan, direct, and lead medical and health service organizations as administrators in hospital or other acute and subacute healthcare facilities, public healthcare organizations, pharmacies and private practice groups. The knowledge gained from the MHSA program is essential for fiscal, planning and managerial work in healthcare organizations and the establishment and management of clinical practices. Delivered concurrently via on-line distance education in medical student’s third and fourth years.

DO/MSBE*
The LECOM Master of Science in Biomedical Ethics program (36 credit hours) will benefit future physicians seeking the mastery in biomedical & pharmacology ethics, healthcare compliance, patient-care management, risk management, and in medical research as well as palliative care and end-of-life care positions providing essential assistance to patients and their families. Delivered concurrently via on-line distance education in medical student’s third and fourth years. DO/MS MCT The LECOM Master of Science in Medical Cannabinoid Therapeutics (MS MCT): The M.S. MCT program is delivered on-line and designed to prepare health professionals to contribute to population-based, culturally appropriate, and innovative approaches concerning the rapidly expanding medical cannabinoid therapeutic industry. The program builds upon foundational osteopathic principles and competencies focused on whole person care, mind, body, and spirit. The curriculum centers around the evolving medical cannabis policies, organizational management, environmental and occupational health, social and behavioral implications, pharmacokinetics, vertically integrated business systems, macro-economic, governing laws and regulations and ethical impacts. Students will also gain an understanding of the basic chemistry and efficacy of the current medical cannabinoid pharmacological industry. The MS MCT curriculum consists of 45 credits. There are 11 core courses, 16-week experiential discovery course completed through executive interviews and analysis (6 credits) and a 16-week master’s thesis or capstone project course (6 credits). Special focus on production, packaging, and dispensary delivery systems business structures of the Medical Cannabinoid industry within the United States and the world. Master of Science in Nursing – Clinical Nurse Leader* – The LECOM Master of Science in Nursing – Clinical Nurse Leader (MSN-CNL) program is comprised of 16 courses separated by distinct domains that build upon the foundations of nursing practice, including: current trends and issues in healthcare systems and nursing services; clinical performance improvement that focuses on quality and care outcomes; and the delivery of a highly responsive, effective, efficient, and cost-conscious healthcare services * Masters programs available through distance education.
See lecom.edu for details

DO/MSMEd*
The MSMEd program is for current medical, pharmacy, and dental students, transitional rotating interns, off-cycle graduates, and international medical graduates who desire to strengthen their applications for residency by having a thesis-based research project, designated research mentor, and additional skill sets centered around helping healthcare providers and patients learn. Also, students will learn a unique set of skills to support success in residency.

DO/MS MCT*
The LECOM Master of Science in Medical Cannabinoid Therapeutics (MS MCT): The MS MCT program is delivered on-line and designed to prepare health professionals to contribute to population-based, culturally appropriate, and innovative approaches concerning the rapidly expanding medical cannabinoid therapeutic industry. The program builds upon foundational osteopathic principles and competencies focused on whole person care, mind, body, and spirit.  The curriculum centers around the evolving medical cannabis policies, organizational management, environmental and occupational health, social and behavioral implications, pharmacokinetics, vertically integrated business systems, macro-economic, governing laws and regulations and ethical impacts. Students will also gain an understanding of the basic chemistry and efficacy of the current medical cannabinoid pharmacological industry.   The MS MCT curriculum consists of 45 credits. There are 11 core courses, 16-week experiential discovery course completed through executive interviews and analysis (6 credits) and a 16-week master’s thesis or capstone project course (6 credits).  Special focus on production, packaging, and dispensary delivery systems business structures of the Medical Cannabinoid industry within the United States and the world.

* Masters programs available through distance education. See lecom.edu for details 

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
Biochemistry
Recommended

3 semester hours

Biology/Zoology
Required With Lab

8 semester hours

Chemistry (Inorganic)
Required With Lab

8 semester hours

Chemistry (Organic)
Required With Lab

8 semester hours (May substitute 3 credits of biochemistry for 4 credits of organic chemistry.)

Genetics
Recommended

3 semester hours

Microbiology
Recommended
Physics
Required With Lab

4 semester hours

Physiology
Recommended
Non-Science Courses
Behavioral Sciences
Required

6 semester hours

College English
Required

6 semester hours

Admissions

Admissions Process Applicants submit a primary application to AACOMAS which collates materials, computes grades, and transmits standardized information to LECOM. Applicants are required to submit either a single letter of recommendation from a pre-professional committee or two letters from undergraduate or graduate college/university science professors. When complete, applicants receive a personalized email from LECOM inviting them to complete a web-based Supplemental Application.

LECOM’s Academic Index Score (AIS) is an alternative to the MCAT
In place of the MCAT applicants may use an AIS, a calculation based on the applicant’s overall GPA, from undergraduate and graduate school, and SAT / ACT scores from high school. Accordingly, LECOM recognizes diversity of backgrounds in applicants, while scores on standard tests do not solely relate to becoming a great physician. Utilizing the AIS contributes to our ability to provide a holistic review of applicants.

Following receipt of all necessary documentation, the application is reviewed by Admissions Committee members to evaluate candidates for those who are suitably matched to the ISLOs of professionalism, osteopathic philosophy, and discipline knowledge. Candidates that meet these criteria are invited to complete a virtual interview. Following the interview, the Admissions Committee conducts a second review of the applicant-submitted information and interview evaluations. Applicants who have demonstrated to the Committee that they are qualified for admission are extended an offer of acceptance to the College of Medicine.

Admissions Processes

Interview Options: Virtual interviews only

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, but only in certain circumstances

All coursework (online or in-person) must be taken at a regionally accredited U.S. institution. We do not accept online lab work. However, exceptions may be made for labs taken during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Accepts prerequisite coursework pass/fail grades? Yes, but only in certain circumstances

If the student is not provided an option by the college, we will accept all P/F grades. Otherwise we cannot accept P/F for core science (biology, chemistry, and physics) pre-requisite courses. Student would be required to provide documentation from the school regarding P/F policies. All other courses can be accepted.

Will your institution waive MCAT exam requirements? Yes, but only in certain circumstances

LECOM s Academic Index Score (AIS) is an alternative to the MCAT - In p ace of the MCAT applicants may use an AIS, a calculation based on the applicant's overall GPA, from undergraduate and graduate school, and AT/ACT scores from high school. Accordingly, LECOM recognizes diversity o backgrounds in applicants, while scores on standardized tests do not solely relate to becoming a great physician. Utilizing the AIS contributes to our ability to provide a holistic review of applicants.

Accepts online lab coursework? Yes, but only in certain circumstances

LECOM does not accept online lab coursework. However, exceptions for on-line coursework completed during the COVID 19 pandemic will be considered. All coursework (online or in-person) must be taken at an Accredited U.S. institution.
Application Information

Primary Application Service: AACOMAS

Earliest Application Submission Date: May 5, 2025

Primary Application Deadline: April 1, 2026

Submission Timing for Best Consideration

Applicants are encouraged to submit their AACOMAS application material early to ensure consideration for an interview. Applicants should submit applications no later than four weeks prior to the deadline.

First Year Class Matriculant's Selection Factors

LECOM seeks candidates who exemplify the LECOM mission to prepare students to become competent osteopathic physicians who partner with their patients on the pathway to health and well-being. Applicants should not only demonstrate success in their science courses, but also have proven themselves as well-rounded individuals who have been successful overall in their academic careers.

LECOM is also looking for students who meet the ethical and professional standards that the public expects of high quality healthcare professionals and who demonstrate an interest in community service and leadership. LECOM encourages applicants to learn more about the profession by getting to know an osteopathic physician. Receiving exposure to the osteopathic profession will enhance awareness of the osteopathic medical philosophy. Working with a physician will prepare the applicant for the required admissions interview.

International Students Accepted? Accepts International Students

International students applying for admission to LECOM must meet all general admissions requirements as stated in our admissions policy as well as the required AACOMAS and supplemental applications. LECOM’s policy for international applicants is as follows:

  • A minimum of 75% of credits required for an earned baccalaureate degree must be completed at a regionally accredited United States or Canadian institution of higher education prior to consideration for admission to LECOM. Proficiency in the English language; both written and spoken, is required.
     
  • All course work taken at foreign institutions must be evaluated by World Education Services.
     
  • Credit for advanced standing will not be given for any work completed in foreign graduate or medical schools. All students must apply for first-year status.
     
  • Students must have citizenship or permanent residency status (Alien Registration Card) to be eligible to receive any type of financial assistance through federal loan programs.
     
  • International students not having their permanent residency status must provide written proof of funds on hand, in an escrow account, sufficient to finance their medical education for the length of the program of study prior to moving forward in the application process.
     
  • At the time of application, international students must meet all the requirements and comply with all the regulations for F-1 visa status in accordance with the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) regulations governing retention and reporting information by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

NOTE: Students without U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status must understand and acknowledge that LECOM cannot guarantee placement in a residency upon graduation. International students are encouraged to investigate limitations on obtaining medical residency before moving forward in the application process. It is also advisable to examine one’s ability to practice with an osteopathic medical degree in country or countries you may return to upon graduation.

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

Application Interview Format: See Below

LECOM conducts a virtual information session and partners with an organization that issues a login to record and submit a video recording for the interview. The questions are randomized and students have a designated length of time to read and respond to the question.

Early Decision Program (EDP)

EDP Offered? No

EDP Applications Submitted To Other

LECOM Bradenton does not offer an Early Decision Program.

Supplemental Application

Supplemental Application Required? Yes

Qualified applicants will be notified via email to complete an online supplemental application and must submit an application fee at that time. LECOM requires a letter of recommendation from a premedical or pre-health committee or two letters of recommendation from science professors from the applicants undergraduate or graduate institution. MCAT scores are considered; in lieu of MCAT scores, LECOM may use an Academic Index Score (AIS) that uses undergraduate and graduate GPA's in a formula calculation with ACT and/or SAT Critical Reading and Math scores. Interviews are offered based on completion of the supplemental application.

Earliest Supplemental Application Submission Date: July 1, 2025

Supplemental Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

Supplemental Application Sent To: Screened Applicants

Must have a 2.7 or higher overall GPA and either a 497 or better MCAT taken within the past three years or an Academic Index Score (AIS) of 110 or higher. The AIS is calculated using ACT or SAT with overall post-secondary GPA. An applicant who does not meet the MCAT requirement or who has not taken the exam may enter the ACT or SAT scores to use the AIS to qualify for the supplemental application. The student must follow up with official documentation.

Supplemental Application Fee: $50

Supplemental Application Fee Refundable? No

Supplemental Application Fee Waiver Available? Yes

Waived with proof of AACOMAS Fee waiver.
Acceptances/Deposit Schedule

Orientation/Start Date for First Year Students

July 27, 2026

Deferred Entrance Requests Considered? Yes

Only in the case of military deployment

LECOM operates on a rolling admissions cycle. The cycle opens annually in May and closes annually on April 1.

  • The total deposit to reserve a seat at LECOM is $2000.
  • Those admitted prior to March 1 pay the deposit in two installments – one $1500, and another $500 installment due by March 1.
  • Those admitted on March 1 or later pay the deposit in one installment.
MCAT/GPA Information

Mean MCAT Score

502.5

Avg. Cum. Undergrad GPA Score

3.71

Oldest MCAT Considered: July 1, 2022

Latest MCAT Score Accepted: January 31, 2026

Accepted Sources for Letters of Recommendation

  • AACOMAS
  • Interfolio
  • Paper
  • Email

Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid

2025-2026 academic year

Tuition

In-State Tuition

$38,275

Out-of-State Tuition

$40,535

Fees

Annual Fees

In-State Resident Fees

$1,462

Out-of-State Resident Fees

$1,462

Health Insurance Fee

$4,644

Tuition Fees Include

Student Services
Technology (not computer)
Other
Board Preparation, Health and Disability Insurance

Estimates, Deposits, and More

Estimated Annual Room Board, Books, and Living Costs

$TBA

Average Graduate Indebtedness

$228,635

Acceptance Deposit

$1,500

Additional Deposit

$500

Deposit Applied to Tuition? Yes

Deposit Refundable? No

Financial Aid

Percent of Enrolled Students with Financial Aid 91%

Scholarships Offered? Yes

Annual Scholarship/Grant Per Student: $13,384