Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine - NSU KPCOM

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Main Campus

Clearwater, Florida

Additional Locations

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

General Information

Nova Southeastern University, Florida’s largest private R1 research university, is home to the  Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine—the first osteopathic college established in the southeastern United States. As a student in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, you can anticipate a remarkable experience. You will train, study, interact, and share facilities, faculty, and resources with other health professions students.

Additional Locations

Additional Locations

Additional Locations offer the same programs as the main campus. Use the main campus' application to apply to additional locations.

Tampa Bay Regional Campus - TBR

Affiliation Nova Southeastern University

Address 3400 Gulf to Bay Boulevard, Clearwater, Florida 33759

Campus Setting Suburban

Website https://osteopathic.nova.edu/

Phone (813) 574-5200

Admissions

Phone (813) 574-5200

Email hpdadmissionsinfo@nova.edu

  • Doctor instructing students in a Simulation classroom
  • Female med student using a stethoscope to check a boy's heartbeat
  • Med students being taught how to perform OMM.

Mission Statement

The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine is dedicated to student-centered osteopathic medical education to produce exemplary osteopathic physicians known for competent and compassionate care.
Facilities

Closest City Suburban Fort Lauderdale, FL setting; Suburban Tampa Bay/Clearwater, FL setting

Campus Setting

Urban

Facilities

KPCOM is located on the beautiful campuses in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa Bay/Clearwater, Florida. With a dedicated and professional faculty, the college maintains affiliations with many hospitals, clinics, and health care systems in these two areas as it fulfills its mission to educate professionals capable of providing the highest-quality health care.

The college is a member of the Nova Southeastern University family, which has nearly 21,000 students. It is the second largest private, nonprofit university in the Southeast and one of only 37 universities (out of more than 4,000 in the United States) that have earned designations for both High Research Activity and Community Engagement from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

The university comprises undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools and programs of osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, optometry, health care sciences, nursing, medical sciences, allopathic medicine dental medicine, law, marine biology and oceanography, business and entrepreneurship, aviation, education, engineering and computing, conflict resolution, arts humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, family therapy, psychology and counseling, and early childhood and autism studies.

Student Residence Options

Off-campus housing services provide incoming and current students with rental information concerning all types of local housing. Other resources include a roommate-finder service, moving tips, answers to frequently asked questions, and location area resource links to help make your move easier.
Student Activities & Support Services

NSU KPCOM offers a variety of clubs and organizations associated with all the programs in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine are available. You may explore the plethora of clubs offered via the link provided below.

https://osteopathic.nova.edu/students/clubs-and-organizations.html.

Accreditation & Affiliation

COM Accreditation Status NSU-KPCOM is accredited by the AOA's Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southeastern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southeastern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist, doctorate, and professional degrees.

University Affiliation(s) Nova Southeastern University (NSU)

Student Demographics
  • 2024-2025

Academic Year Enrollment

Total Medical School Enrollment

NSU-996 Clearwater-649

Total Male

NSU-400 Clearwater-293

Total Female

NSU-596 Clearwater-356

Total Other

NSU-0 Clearwater-0

First-Year Matriculants

NSU-400 Clearwater-TBA

First-Year Male Matriculants

NSU-151 Clearwater-TBA

First-Year Female Matriculants

NSU-249 Clearwater-TBA

First-Year Other Matriculants

NSU-0 Clearwater-TBA

Matriculants In-State

265

Matriculants Out-of-State

135

Self-Reported Race/Ethnicity

American Indian/Alaska Native

0%

Asian

26.8%

Black/African American

4.3%

Hispanic/Latino

22.0%

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0%

White

36.3%

Multiple Races

4.0%

Undisclosed

3.3%

Majors of First-Year Matriculants

Science Majors

86.3%

Non-Science Majors

13.8%

Graduate Degrees

10.3%

NSU-KPCOM seal

Overview

Private Institution

Non-Profit

Nova Southeastern University (NSU)

Institutional Affiliation

1981

Year Founded

Urban

Campus Setting

Campus Contact

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine - NSU KPCOM

3300 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2004

Address

(866) 817-4068

Phone

Admissions Office

Social Media

Curricular Offerings

The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) is a professional degree which requires four years of professional study. Our innovative curriculum is designed to fulfill our mission of training primary care physicians. Its design is based on successful academic models, carefully developed and integrated.

The unique curriculum provides academic and clinical training, which prepares students for the "real world" of medicine. It will make you more competitive for postdoctoral training positions and more attractive to those interviewing candidates for those positions. A notable aspect of our clinical training program is a three-month clinical rotation in a rural setting where many residents have little access to health care. You will learn to treat various cultural and ethnic groups whose lifestyles and attitudes toward health care differ from those you will see in more traditional training sites. It is an enriching educational experience.

Students may enroll in a Research Elective course. This course provides an opportunity to work with a faculty adviser and engage in academic scholarly activity in an area of interest. 

https://osteopathic.nova.edu/degrees/doctoral/osteopathic-medicine-do/curriculum.html

Clerkship/Clinical Rotations

NSU KPCOM provides a structured clinical education program that ensures students receive required and supervised inpatient and outpatient clinical experiences in accordance with COCA accreditation standards.

During the third year, students complete required core clerkships in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Rural and Underserved Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Psychiatry, and Surgery. These clerkships provide comprehensive exposure to core clinical disciplines and diverse patient populations necessary for the development of osteopathic clinical competencies.

In the fourth year, students complete advanced clinical training through a combination of inpatient and outpatient rotations, including Emergency Medicine, a minimum of 24 weeks of elective rotations and required selectives in Rural and Underserved Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Surgery.

Preparatory Programs

Preparatory/Postbaccalaureate Programs Offered

Master of Science in Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences (MS FIMS)
Designed by the College of Osteopathic Medicine faculty members, NSU’s innovative Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences master’s program is unique in that it offers direct entry into the D.O. program at two distinct points within the master’s program. This direct entry can be attained by students upon completion of year one’s curriculum, or year two upon program completion, with a 500 or higher cumulative MCAT by May 1st and a 3.6 or higher program GPA. Students are also guaranteed an interview at the conclusion of both year one and year two, with a 500 or higher cumulative MCAT score by May 1st and a program GPA of 3.3-3.59. Every student who enters our M.S.

FIMS program has a seat reserved just for them in the following fall’s DO class until they finish the year.
Dual Degrees/Concurrent Programs

Dual Degrees/Concurrent Programs Offered

DO/MBA
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Business Administration – The Master of Business Administration program runs in conjunction with the H. Wayne Huizenza School of Business and Entrepreneurship.

DO/MPH
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Public Health – The Master of Public Health program is designed to prepare students to define, critically assess, and resolve public health problems. The program emphasizes acquisition of knowledge and skills for promoting health, preventing disease, and conducting research.

DO/MS
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Science in Nutrition – Based upon the 2010 Patient Protection and Health Care Affordability Act Congress has put an increased demand on the health care delivery system for preventive services, which includes nutrition in almost all areas in primary care. NSU’s new Master of Science in Nutrition provides an excellent inter-professional graduate degree for student leaders who want to integrate nutrition into the field of osteopathic medicine.

DO/MS
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics – The Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics trains future leaders in the development, dissemination, and evaluation of information technology as it relates to the health care environment, which includes hospitals, health care delivery systems, health information technology system vendors, eHealth companies, insurers, pharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions.

DO/MS
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Science in Disaster and Emergency Management – The Master of Science in Disaster and Emergency Management trains future leaders in the field of emergency operations. This program is designed to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and applied skills needed to work in this rapidly growing field.

DO/MS
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Science in Medical Education – This program is designed to help faculty and preceptors enhance their professional education and teaching skills as well as to expand their ability to facilitate the learning process of students and residents in a variety of clinical teaching environments. With this knowledge, clinical educators will learn the skills to lead in dynamic and changing health care systems.

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

Genetics
Recommended
Physics
Required With Lab

8 semester hours

Physiology
Recommended
Non-Science Courses
Behavioral Sciences
Recommended

3 semester hours

College English
Required

3 semester hours

Additional Non-Science Courses

Recommended: Humanities, 3 semester hours

Admissions

NSU-KPCOM participates in the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) for the receipt and processing of all applications. Applicants must submit applications and all supporting documents electronically through AACOMAS online no later than January 15. Materials include:

  1. A completed AACOMAS
  2. An official transcript from all colleges and universities attended
  3. MCAT scores (Must be no more than three years from date of expected matriculation.)
  4. A letter of recommendation from a physician and from the applicants’ pre-professional committee or if such a committee does not exist, three letters of evaluation (two from science professors and one from a non-science professor) are necessary. (If the applicant has been out of school for at least two years, and his/her professors are no longer available, the applicant should contact the admissions counselor.)

Upon NSU’s receipt of the AACOMAS application, NSU-KPCOM will forward an online secondary application to the student. The applicant must submit a completed secondary application and a nonrefundable application fee of $50 no later than March 1 in order to be considered for admission. A personal interview is part of the admission process: however, being interviewed is not a guarantee of admission. Not all applicants will be granted interview. Those selected will be notified of the date and time of such interview by the Office of Admissions. Notice of acceptance will be on a rolling or periodic schedule; therefore, early completion of the application is in the best interest of the applicant because of the limited number of spaces available in each class. After acceptance, final and official documents and requirements must be received by the Office of Admissions within 90 days following the start of the first term.

Admissions Processes

Interview Options: Option to interview virtually or in-person

Physician letter required? MD or DO

Virtual Shadowing Options? Only in-person shadowing accepted

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

Must be taken at a Regionally Accredited University.
Application Information

Primary Application Service: AACOMAS

Earliest Application Submission Date: May 4, 2026

Primary Application Deadline: January 15, 2027

Submission Timing for Best Consideration

KPCOM receives more than 7,000 completed AACOMAS applications and more than 4,500 secondary applications per year. Therefore, it is in the applicant’s best interest to apply as early as possible during the application cycle.

First Year Class Matriculant's Selection Factors

The Committee on Admissions recommends applicants to the dean based on demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, compassion, and commitment to the osteopathic medical profession.

International Students Accepted? Accepts International Students

Are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students considered for admissions? Yes

An applicant’s DACA status is not taken into consideration during the eligibility review process. All applicants who are academically and professionally qualified are considered equally.

Application Interview Format: Traditional

A personal interview is part of the admission process. However, being interviewed is not a guarantee of admission. Upon completion of the applicant’s file, a review will be made to determine if the candidate will be granted an interview. Not all applicants will be granted an interview, and only those applicants whose files are completed will be considered. The Office of Admissions will notify selected candidates for interview. The interview experience is a full day and includes:

1. Meeting with the NSU-KPCOM Admissions Counselor
2. Information regarding the committee on admissions committee decision process
3. Overview presentation of the curriculum, facilities, and student support
4. Private interview with a small team of faculty members
5. Tour of the medical college facility by Student Ambassadors
6. Experience NSU-KPCOM as a student
7. Interactive lunch session
8. Questions and answers with the dean of NSU-KPCOM
9. Campus bus tour of the NSU campus

Early Decision Program (EDP)

EDP Offered? No

EDP Applications Submitted To Other

Supplemental Application

Supplemental Application Required? Yes

Earliest Supplemental Application Submission Date: June 15, 2026

Supplemental Application Deadline: March 1, 2027

Supplemental Application Sent To: All Applicants

Supplemental Application Fee: $50

Supplemental Application Fee Refundable? No

Supplemental Application Fee Waiver Available? Yes

To be eligible for the supplemental application fee waiver, candidates must have received the AACOMAS fee waiver and completed an interview with NSU KPCOM.
Acceptances/Deposit Schedule

Deferred Entrance Requests Considered? Yes

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

504.5

Avg. Cum. Undergrad GPA Score

3.71

Oldest MCAT Considered: July 19, 2024

Latest MCAT Score Accepted: January 15, 2027

Accepted Sources for Letters of Recommendation

  • AACOMAS
  • Paper
  • Email

Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid

2026-2027

Tuition

In-State Tuition

$73,407

Out-of-State Tuition

$73,407

Fees

Annual Fees

In-State Resident Fees

TBA (see Other Fees below)

Out-of-State Resident Fees

TBA (see Other Fees below)

Health Insurance Fee

$2,673

Tuition Fees Include

Health Service
Lab
Microscope Rental
Student Activities
Student Services
Technology (not computer)
Fees for the 2026-2027 academic year will be posted here when available:  https://osteopathic.nova.edu/admissions/tuition-fees.html

Estimates, Deposits, and More

Estimated Annual Room Board, Books, and Living Costs

$47,546

Average Graduate Indebtedness

$347,867

Acceptance Deposit

$1,250

Additional Deposit

$750

Deposit Applied to Tuition? Yes

Deposit Refundable? No

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Website https://www.nova.edu/financialaid/

Percent of Enrolled Students with Financial Aid 84%

Scholarships Offered? Yes

Annual Scholarship/Grant Per Student: $16,338