Rocky Vista University - Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine - RVU-MCOM

Billings, Montana

Branch Campus

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

General Information

Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVU-MCOM) is an independently operated branch campus of the established Rocky Vista University College. We are committed to producing graduates who not only are knowledgeable and skilled, but who also are ethical, compassionate, holistic, and patient-centered.

It is our goal that all MCOM students will practice the traditions of osteopathic principles, philosophy and heritage and will become well-rounded physicians equipped to meet the diverse needs of patients today and into the future.

  • RVU-MCOM campus entrance features modern architecture.
  • Students in blue scrubs practicing surgery on a simulated patient.
  • RVU-MCOM students in white coat walking together in a hallway.

Mission Statement

To educate and inspire students to become highly competent osteopathic physicians and lifelong learners prepared to meet the diverse health care needs of tomorrow through innovative education, relevant research, and compassionate service.
Facilities

Closest City Billings, MT

Campus Setting

Suburban

Facilities

The 138,000 square foot RVU-MCOM campus facility is located on 12.8 acres overlooking the Beartooth Mountains in Billings, MT. Key features include modern architecture capitalizing on natural light, innovative technology throughout, a 23,000 square feet Simulation in Medicine & Surgery (SiMS) Center, group-based active learning spaces, an expansive anatomy lab for both cadavers and virtual reality, and a dedicated Osteopathic Clinical Skills lab. The SiMS Center employs a range of simulation tools including immersion room technology that can project virtually any visual scenario into the learning space using a 270O high-definition projector with image or videos captured from a 360-degree camera.

The thoughtfully planned health education building provides a learning environment that incorporates student wellness, resilience, and professionalism into the programming. Emphasis on physical and mental wellbeing flows throughout the campus and includes a yoga studio and full fitness center. The indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to build community by giving students places to gather.

Student Residence Options

Numerous apartment complexes are available in close proximity to the campus.
Student Activities & Support Services

RVU Montana offers a wide range of student activities and support services to enhance the medical school experience. Students can get involved in numerous clubs and organizations, including specialty-focused groups like the American College of Osteopathic Pediatrics (ACOP) and PsychSIGN (Psychiatry Student Interest Group Network). The Student Government Association (SGA) provides leadership opportunities, and the Peer Mentor Program helps new students transition smoothly into medical school life.

Accreditation & Affiliation

COM Accreditation Status MCOM has received programmatic accreditation by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The new campus also has regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

University Affiliation(s) Rocky Vista University (Parker, CO)

Student Demographics
  • 2024-2025

Academic Year Enrollment

Total Medical School Enrollment

209

Total Male

TBA

Total Female

TBA

Total Other

TBA

First-Year Matriculants

128

First-Year Male Matriculants

55

First-Year Female Matriculants

73

First-Year Other Matriculants

0

Matriculants In-State

12

Matriculants Out-of-State

116

Self-Reported Race/Ethnicity

American Indian/Alaska Native

0%

Asian

18.8%

Black/African American

0.8%

Hispanic/Latino

8.6%

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0%

White

66.4%

Multiple Races

0.8%

Undisclosed

3.1%

Majors of First-Year Matriculants

Science Majors

83.6%

Non-Science Majors

16.4%

Graduate Degrees

10.2%

MCOM logo

Overview

Private Institution

For Profit

Rocky Vista University (Parker, CO)

Institutional Affiliation

2022

Year Founded

Suburban

Campus Setting

Campus Contact

Rocky Vista University - Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine - RVU-MCOM

4130 Rocky Vista Way, Billings, Montana 59106

Address

(406) 901-2700

Phone

Admissions Office

(406) 901-2761

Phone

Curricular Offerings

The design of the curriculum is based on a proven systems-based integrated academic model. It emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, guiding students to develop a holistic, and more importantly, an osteopathic approach to medicine. In utilizing a systems approach to medical education, basic biomedical science disciplines are integrated with clinical sciences in a fashion that reflects clinical relevancy, rather than broken down into individual segregated disciplines.

The overall curriculum is scheduled in blocks with intervening periods of integrations, reflection, wellness, and time for scholarly activity and electives. Weekly schedules follow a format of faculty guided Student Directed Learning during most afternoons and group Active Learning Sessions most mornings. Assessments are formative and summative with an emphasis on learning of material and competency of skill. MCOM continually correlates basic scientific information and methodology with fundamental clinical application.

Students are exposed to clinical settings and simulation beginning in their first semester and continuing throughout the first two years of coursework, giving them the opportunity to prepare for the “real world” of medicine. We believe that by adding early clinical skills, simulation, and active learning in a team or small group setting early in the curriculum will strengthen the students’ abilities to think critically, solve clinical problems, and develop the skills they will require to continue to learn throughout their careers. Professionalism and ethics are key components for a physician and are emphasized throughout the entire curricular experience at MCOM.

Third and fourth-year students are placed at one of our regional training sites throughout the state and region to ensure continuity and coordination of clinical education within RVU’s vast and growing clinical training network. The competency-based curriculum is designed to fulfill our mission of training students who are competent and ready to enter graduate medical education and training, with an emphasis on preparing students to become primary care physicians.

Preparatory Programs

Preparatory/Postbaccalaureate Programs Offered

Master of Medical Sciences (MMS)
The Rocky Vista University MCOM Master of Medical Sciences Program is a 10-month program that provides students with a deep foundation in biomedical sciences, humanism, and professionalism in an immersive medical school environment.

Tracks and Special Programs
RVU-MCOM has developed several specialized educational tracks and programs to further develop the education of interested students. Tracks are a special interest concentration program made up of elective courses and a capstone project. Successful completion of a track is acknowledged on a student’s Dean’s Letter and their transcript.

Currently offered tracks at MCOM include:

  • Global Rural Wilderness Underserved Tribal (GRWUT) Medicine
  • Military Medicine, and
  • Research Education Academic Leadership (REAL) Medicine.

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
Required

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

Physics
Required With Lab

8 semester hours

Physiology
Recommended
Non-Science Courses
Behavioral Sciences
Recommended
College English
Required

6 semester hours

Math/Statistics
Recommended

Admissions

RVU-MCOM operates on a rolling admissions basis. To receive a supplemental application, RVU-MCOM must receive the applicants verified AACOMAS application and meet minimum requirements. The admissions team will then send over the supplemental application. Upon receiving an applicants completed supplemental application, their application will be reviewed in full and an interview decision will be made. Following the interview, applicants are notified of the admissions committee's decision by email or phone call.

Admissions Processes

Interview Options: Virtual interviews only

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? No

Will your institution waive MCAT exam requirements? No

Accepts online lab coursework? Yes

Application Information

Primary Application Service: AACOMAS

Earliest Application Submission Date: May 5, 2025

Primary Application Deadline: June 12, 2026

Submission Timing for Best Consideration

As MCOM reviews candidates on a rolling-process, it is in the candidate’s best interest to submit their AACOMAS application as early in the cycle as possible. Please note that all interviews may be concluded prior to the stated application deadlines if all seats are filled.

First Year Class Matriculant's Selection Factors

Rocky Vista University seeks applicants who are not only academically prepared but also demonstrate a strong commitment to osteopathic principles, service, leadership, and professionalism. Competitive candidates should have a solid foundation in the sciences, strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of patient-centered, holistic care.

RVU values individuals with diverse life experiences, a passion for community service, and a dedication to improving healthcare access, especially in underserved areas. Applicants who can showcase resilience, teamwork, and a genuine desire to contribute to the osteopathic medical community will stand out in the admissions process.

International Students Accepted? Accepts International Students

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

Application Interview Format: See Below

Interviews will be conducted virtually in an online format. Each candidate will interview with one-to-two individuals selected by the MCOM Office of Admissions. Interviewers will only have access to personal statements, work and volunteer experience, honors and awards, MCOM supplemental questions, and letters of recommendation. Interviewers will not have access to a candidate’s academic information or MCAT scores.

Interview questions may be based only on information from the supplemental application and non-academic information from the primary AACOMAS application. The length of the interview is approximately 30 minutes, and the style is relaxed and conversational to help determine a candidate’s fit for the expected culture of MCOM.

Early Decision Program (EDP)

EDP Offered? Yes

Admissions EDP Available For

Both In-state and Out-of-State

EDP Application Due Date

February 22, 2022

EDP Supplemental Materials Due

February 22, 2222

EDP Applicants Notified

February 22, 2222

EDP Applications Submitted To Other

We are finalizing the details of our EDP and hope to have the official dates from our legal team before this website goes live.

Supplemental Application

Supplemental Application Required? Yes

Applicants must have: a verified AACOMAS application, a 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science) and a qualifying MCAT score taken within the last threeyears prior to matriculation.

Earliest Supplemental Application Submission Date: May 14, 2025

Supplemental Application Deadline: June 12, 2026

Supplemental Application Sent To: Screened Applicants

Applicants must have: a verified AACOMAS application, a 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science) and a qualifying MCAT score taken within the last three years prior to matriculation.

Supplemental Application Fee: $60

Supplemental Application Fee Refundable? No

Supplemental Application Fee Waiver Available? Yes

Supplemental fee waivers are available for candidates who are eligible to receive an AACOMAS fee waiver; and for U.S. Armed Forces Veterans or active duty (applicant or spouse of applicant).
Acceptances/Deposit Schedule

Orientation/Start Date for First Year Students

July 13, 2026

Deferred Entrance Requests Considered? Yes

Admissions deferral requests are considered for accepted students with valid reasons like medical emergencies, personal hardships, or military service, subject to evaluation by the Dean.

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

500.9

Avg. Cum. Undergrad GPA Score

3.55

Oldest MCAT Considered: January 11, 2023

Latest MCAT Score Accepted: February 2, 2222

Accepted Sources for Letters of Recommendation

  • AACOMAS

Main Admissions Contact

Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid

2024-2025 Academic Year

(The 2025-2026 Academic Year information will be posted when available.)

Tuition

In-State Tuition

$64,500

Out-of-State Tuition

$64,500

Fees

Annual Fees

In-State Resident Fees

$3,737

Out-of-State Resident Fees

$3,737

Health Insurance Fee

$5,229

Tuition Fees Include

Lab
Technology (not computer)

Estimates, Deposits, and More

Estimated Annual Room Board, Books, and Living Costs

$TBA

Average Graduate Indebtedness

$TBA

Acceptance Deposit

$1,000

Additional Deposit

$1,000

Deposit Applied to Tuition? Yes

First deposit of $1000 is due 12/14 (or in accordance to AACOMAS traffic guidelines) and a second deposit of $1000 is due 3/1/2026.

Deposit Refundable? No

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Website https://www.rvu.edu/financial-aid/

Percent of Enrolled Students with Financial Aid 83%

Scholarships Offered? Yes

Annual Scholarship/Grant Per Student: $57,407