Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine - RVUCOM
Englewood, Colorado
Main Campus
Ivins, Utah
Additional Locations
General Information
RVUCOM provides a comprehensive medical education through a balanced integration of preclinical instruction and hands-on clinical training.
During the preclinical years, students follow a systems-based curriculum that integrates foundational sciences with clinical relevance. Year 1 emphasizes normal anatomy and physiology, while Year 2 focuses on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. The curriculum incorporates patient care, ethics, evidence-based medicine, and interprofessional collaboration, all grounded in the osteopathic philosophy. Hands-on lab sessions introduce students to clinical skills and osteopathic techniques from the outset.
The clinical phase, spanning years 3 and 4, boasts a dedicated faculty, strong affiliations with medical centers, hospitals, and healthcare systems, and a well-structured rural medicine program, all supporting the mission to train outstanding osteopathic physicians. Students are assigned to one of the college’s regional core sites, ensuring continuity and coordination within RVU COM’s extensive clinical training network. Our curriculum is meticulously designed to fulfil the RVUCOM mission to develop skilled, compassionate osteopathic physicians, with a strong emphasis on primary care and preparation for residency.
Additional Locations
Additional Locations offer the same programs as the main campus. Use the main campus' application to apply to additional locations.
RVUCOM Utah Campus - RVU Utah
Affiliation
Address
Campus Setting
Website https://www.rvu.edu/utah/
Phone
Mission Statement
Closest City Our Colorado campus is located in Parker, just 20 minutes outside of Denver. Our Utah campus is located near St. George.
Campus Setting
SuburbanFacilities
Rocky Vista University offers comprehensive facilities tailored to medical education across its campuses in Colorado and Utah. Both RVU campuses contain:
- The Office of Simulation in Medicine and Surgery (SIMS): a high-tech training facility designed to mimic real-world clinical environments. Life-sized, computer-controlled manikins that breathe, have heartbeats, bleed, and even respond to treatments.
- Full dissection labs: students perform full-body dissections to understand human anatomy in detail.
- Emergency Room (ER) & Trauma Simulation: a fully equipped ER setting where students practice handling emergency situations, such as heart attacks, strokes, or trauma cases. Includes defibrillators, IV setups, ventilators, and emergency medications.
- Two large lecture halls, and countless small group study rooms line the halls of our buildings.
- Osteopathic clinical skills labs: equipped with specialized treatment tables, medical models, and instructional technology to guide students through osteopathic diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
- Standardized patient rooms: utilized for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), which test students’ ability to take histories, conduct physical exams, and communicate with patients. Helps develop essential clinical and communication skills before students transition to real patient care.
- Clinical Rotation Facilities: RVU provides a comprehensive clinical education through a variety of rotations designed to equip students with hands-on experience across multiple medical specialties. Available clinical sites span from near campus, all the to way to the coasts.
Student Residence Options
RVU offers a wide range of student activities and support services to enhance and assist our students through their medical school experience.
To support student success, RVU offers academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, and mental health services. The university also provides residency preparation resources and ensures accessibility through disability accommodations.
Students can become involved in numerous clubs and organizations, including specialty-focused groups, as well as interest-based clubs. The Student Government Association (SGA) provides leadership opportunities, and the Peer Mentor Program helps new students transition smoothly into medical school life. Additionally, students can participate in service-learning opportunities and community outreach programs to gain hands-on experience while giving back.
To learn more about our student clubs and organizations, please visit here: https://www.rvu.edu/student-clubs-organizations/
COM Accreditation Status RVUCOM is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
University Affiliation(s) Rocky Vista University (Parker, CO & Ivins, UT)
-
2024-2025
Academic Year Enrollment
Total Medical School Enrollment
RVUCOM - 861 S.Utah - 636
Total Male
RVUCOM - 323 S.Utah - 385
Total Female
RVUCOM - 535 S.Utah - 251
Total Other
RVUCOM - 3 S.Utah - 0
First-Year Matriculants
366
First-Year Male Matriculants
180
First-Year Female Matriculants
185
First-Year Other Matriculants
1
Matriculants In-State
86
Matriculants Out-of-State
280
Self-Reported Race/Ethnicity
American Indian/Alaska Native
0%
Asian
21.9%
Black/African American
4.9%
Hispanic/Latino
9.8%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0%
White
52.7%
Multiple Races
5.2%
Undisclosed
2.7%
Majors of First-Year Matriculants
Science Majors
80.1%
Non-Science Majors
19.9%
Graduate Degrees
9.8%
Overview
Private Institution
For Profit
Rocky Vista University (Parker, CO & Ivins, UT)
Institutional Affiliation
2006
Year Founded
Suburban
Campus Setting
Campus Contact
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine - RVUCOM
Address
(303) 373-2008
Phone
Website
Admissions Office
Social Media
Curricular Offerings
The design of the applications-based systems curriculum is based on integrated academic models for the first two years of the curriculum. Each system is studied twice, first with an emphasis on normal form and function in Year 1, followed by an emphasis on the pathophysiology and clinical approach to each system in Year 2.
In parallel with the systems courses are the longitudinal courses of Principles of Clinical Medicine and Osteopathic Principles and Practice. As well, the curriculum highlights interdisciplinary collaboration and guides students to develop an osteopathic approach to medicine. Basic scientific information and methodology is regularly correlated with fundamental clinical application.
Students have the potential to participate in the clinical setting during their first year. Students have the potential to participate in the simulated clinical setting during their first year. This clinical exposure expands in the second year, and the students have increased opportunity to interact with standardized patients on campus, as well as be involved in practice management curriculum in RVUCOM campus clinic.
Third and fourth-year students are placed at one of our regional centers 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.
Clerkship/Clinicial Rotations
Preparatory/Postbaccalaureate Programs Offered
Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS)
The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) program at Rocky Vista University (RVU) is a Direct Pathway to RVU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Colorado or Utah. The MSBS program is a 9-month (31 semester hours) degree program with core curriculum in Biomedical Sciences designed to prepare students to enter professional education.
Special Programs
Military Medicine
RVU's Military Medicine Program is designed specifically for students pursuing careers as physicians in the United States Army, Navy, or Air Force. The majority of students in this Program have earned a Health Professions Scholarship Program(HPSP) through their respective military branch and, as such, have acquired a military service obligation of two to four years. Participants in this program engage in field training exercises, leadership development, and military-specific medical education, ensuring they are well-equipped to serve in diverse operational environments. The program also fosters a strong community among HPSP recipients and military-bound students, supporting their transition into military service while balancing the demands of medical school.
Educational Tracks
RVU offers a variety of tracks and special programs designed to help students tailor their medical education to specific interests and career goals. These programs run alongside the core curriculum, providing specialized training, mentorship, and hands-on experiences in key areas of medicine. Current tracks include Global Medicine, Rural & Wilderness Medicine, Physician-Scientist, Academic Medicine & Leadership, Urban Underserved (Colorado location only) and Digital Health.
Premedical Coursework
Courses below are shown as either Recommended or Required and, when applicable, include the number of semester hours needed.
Biochemistry
Required3 semester hours
Biology/Zoology
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Chemistry (Inorganic)
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Chemistry (Organic)
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Physics
Required With Lab8 semester hours
College English
Required6 semester hours
Admissions
RVUCOM operates on a rolling admissions basis. Applicants will receive a supplemental application upon verification that their AACOMAS application has been received and meets the minimum requirements.
After the supplemental application has been completed, our team will review their application in full and consider them for an interview. Interviews will be held on Zoom beginning in the fall and continue through the spring.
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? Yes, but only in certain circumstances
Only if documentation can be provided that the P grade is equivalent to a grade of 'C' or higher.Will your institution waive MCAT exam requirements? No
Accepts online lab coursework? No
Primary Application Service: AACOMAS
Earliest Application Submission Date: May 4, 2026
Primary Application Deadline: June 11, 2027
Submission Timing for Best Consideration
First Year Class Matriculant's Selection Factors
International Students Accepted? Accepts International Students
Are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students considered for admissions? No
Application Interview Format: Traditional
Interviews will be conducted virtually in an online format. Each candidate will interview with one-to-two individuals selected by the RVUCOM Office of Admissions.
Interviewers will only have access to personal statements, work and volunteer experience, honors and awards, RVUCOM 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 RVUCOM.
Early Decision Program (EDP)
EDP Offered? Yes
Admissions EDP Available For
Both In-state and Out-of-State
EDP Application Due Date
July 14, 2026
EDP Supplemental Materials Due
July 14, 2026
EDP Applicants Notified
August 14, 2026
EDP Applications Submitted To AACOMAS
Supplemental Application
Supplemental Application Required? Yes
Earliest Supplemental Application Submission Date: May 13, 2026
Supplemental Application Deadline: June 16, 2027
Supplemental Application Sent To: Screened Applicants
Verified AACOMAS applications that meet all minimum requirements.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).Orientation/Start Date for First Year Students
July 12, 2027
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.
Mean MCAT Score
504.4
Avg. Cum. Undergrad GPA Score
3.61
Oldest MCAT Considered: January 31, 2024
Latest MCAT Score Accepted: January 23, 2027
Accepted Sources for Letters of Recommendation
- AACOMAS
Main Admissions Contact
Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid
2025-2026 Academic Year - update to 2026/27 costs
In-State Tuition
$66,604 (2026/27 TBA)
Out-of-State Tuition
$66,604 (2026/27 TBA)
Annual Fees
In-State Resident Fees
$0 (2026/27 TBA)
Out-of-State Resident Fees
$0 (2026/27 TBA)
Health Insurance Fee
$5,229 (2026/27 TBA)
Tuition Fees Include
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
The first deposit of $1000 will be due 12/14 (or according to AACOMAS traffic guidelines) and the second deposit of $1000 will be due 3/1.Deposit Refundable? No
Financial Aid Website https://www.rvu.edu/financial-aid/
Percent of Enrolled Students with Financial Aid TBA%
Scholarships Offered? Yes
Annual Scholarship/Grant Per Student: $TBA