Q:  What is Osteopathic Medicine?
A:  A system of medicine based on the theory that disturbances in the musculoskeletal system affect other bodily parts, causing many disorders that can be corrected by various manipulative techniques in conjunction with conventional medical, surgical, pharmacological, and other therapeutic procedures.

Q:  What is the difference between osteopathic medicine (D.O.) and allopathic medicine (M.D.) ?
A:  D.O.’s practice a “whole person” approach to medicine.  Instead of just treating specific symptoms or illnesses, they assess the overall health of their patients including home and work environments.  D.O.’s also receive training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).  With OMT, osteopathic physicians use their hands to diagnose injury and illness and to encourage the body’s natural tendency toward good health.

Q:  What does disadvantaged mean?
A:  An educationally disadvantaged individual is one who comes from an environment that has hindered the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to enroll in and graduate from a health professions school. An economically disadvantaged individual is one who comes from a family with an annual income below a level based on low income thresholds according to family size published by the  U.S. Bureau of Census.  Family income is defined as the total income of the students/ parents/guardians.  

Q:  How do I determine if I am disadvantaged?
A:  Those students who have indicated that they are disadvantaged on their application must support this by providing required information to Financial Aid.

Q:  How can I participate in HCOP?
A:  In order to participate in HCOP programs you must meet the criteria outlines in the selection criteria provided on the Selection Criteria page.