Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (formerly Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, formerly UMDNJ-SOM) is New Jersey's only public osteopathic medical school, located in Stratford in South Jersey. The school traces its roots to 1976 and has recently rebranded following its partnership with Virtua Health, a major New Jersey health system. As a public institution, Rowan-Virtua has a strong in-state mission and serves New Jersey's diverse urban, suburban, and rural communities through its clinical affiliate network.
What makes it different
Applications via AACOMAS. Rowan-Virtua is the sole public DO school in New Jersey, making it the primary pathway for NJ residents seeking an osteopathic education at public tuition rates. The Virtua Health partnership — formalised in 2021 — significantly expanded clinical training infrastructure. South Jersey's proximity to Philadelphia creates a Philadelphia metro clinical training environment. New Jersey residents receive a strong admissions advantage.
Course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year DO curriculum with OMM throughout. The Virtua Health partnership provides a rich network of clinical training sites across South Jersey and the Philadelphia metro area. Years 1–2 at the Stratford campus; Years 3–4 rotations at Virtua Health hospitals, community health centers, and affiliated sites across New Jersey and the Delaware Valley region.
Research strengths
Rowan-Virtua SOM (DO) has notable research strength in Community health, Osteopathic manipulative medicine, Primary care, Health disparities in New Jersey, Rural and suburban South Jersey health.
Interview
Rowan-Virtua SOM (DO) interviews via Traditional interview. Rowan-Virtua SOM conducts traditional interviews at its Stratford, New Jersey campus, typically pairing a faculty/clinician session with a student session, each approximately 30 minutes. The interview day includes a campus tour, financial aid overview, and program presentation. Questions emphasize osteopathic philosophy, DO shadowing, commitment to New Jersey's underserved communities, and OMT understanding. As the only public DO school in New Jersey, interviewers also probe interest in serving the state's medically underserved urban and rural populations. New Jersey residents receive significant preference.
Intake
Approximately 270–300 students per year (Stratford + Sewell combined).
At a glance
Founded in 1976, based in Stratford, NJ. Programmes offered: Primary Care, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Community Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine.
