The University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) is a non-profit, academic medical school located in San Antonio, Texas. It is one of eleven medical schools located throughout Texas and the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical College, and the Baptist College of Medicine in Houston. Among these medical colleges, the UIW ranks first among all universities in the nation. The Commission has accredited the schools on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CA AHEP) and the National Accrediting Commission for Clinical Training (NCCAT). The mission of UIWSOM is to prepare students for professional careers in professional healthcare.
Undergraduate Courses in UIWSOM
The University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine offers many undergraduate courses in osteopathy and family practice disciplines. Licensed osteopathic doctors teach the courses, and the graduate school allows students to specialize in an area of specialization. Students can choose to further their education by obtaining an MS degree or pursuing graduate studies. There are over 150 accredited clinical areas of study, including many specializations within ophthalmology, general dentistry, internal medicine, pediatrics, and veterinary medicine, among many others. UIWSOM strives to prepare students for their state licensing exams, as well as the requirements they will need to finish their master’s degree and pass the National Certification Examination for Osteopathy (NCO) in San Antonio.
Other Medical Classes for Students
The University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine offers students many opportunities to participate in hands-on laboratory classes. These classes help students learn about the nature and use of nutrition and natural medicine. They also explore the valuable services of osteopathy, such as diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention classes explore both conventional and alternative therapies and their effects on the body, along with lessons on the ethics of health care. Further courses help students understand the application of biology and anatomy and the historical development of osteopathy.
Bachelor Degree Programs in UIWSOM
One of the University of the Incarnate Word Schools main undergraduate programs is a Bachelor of Science in Osteopathy, which emphasizes a four-year course work with the first two years of introductory general education courses in osteopathy, physiology, and anatomy. During the second two years, students take specialized courses that range from diagnostic techniques to therapeutic procedures. Those courses include laboratory work, elective courses, and one or two internships in a professional practice.
Students complete the final year with a culminating project, and the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine offers certificate programs in several specialty areas. Students who complete this program become certified in chiropractic and radiology and nutrition and exercise. Certificate programs in sports management, dental, nutrition, pathology, and pediatrics are also offered by the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine.
UIWSOM – Basic Educational Training
In addition to the basic educational training, students at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine must also be prepared for internship and clinical experience. Internships vary between six to sixteen weeks and include either one or two days of hands-on clinical practice in a dentist’s office, clinic, hospital, or another medical facility, or up to three days of seminar-type instruction. Students who complete the internship are awarded an associate’s degree, and students who complete the clinical experience earn a master’s degree. The University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine offers courses in both the science of skeletal and muscular medicine, dentistry, radiology, pediatrics, yoga, Chinese herbal medicine, traditional folk medicine, traditional indigenous healers, western medicine, and pharmacology. Students are also encouraged to explore and develop their culinary arts through the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Facts – The University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
The UIWSOM was established in 1873. Rev. Thomas A. Hassenpfla established the first school on the site. The school has received national acclaim and awards such as the “Best School” in the West, the “Most Innovative School” in California, the” collegiate leader” in Texas, the “most colorful” college in Illinois, and the “academic partner” for the University of California. Besides, the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine has been ranked high amongst other schools in the field of osteopathy by the National Commission for Accreditation of Alternative Medicine, and osteopathic students have achieved stellar test scores.
Osteopathic Medicine Program
The University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine offers several options for those interested in osteopathic medicine. Students can obtain a bachelor’s degree and study for the National Board of Medical Examiners, the boards of osteopathic colleges and universities, or the American Osteopathy Association Certified Applied Physician (AAPC). They may also choose to pursue an online education program. If the student prefers to be closer to home, they can attend classes at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine’s main campus located on the grounds of the campus.
What is the Study of Osteopathy (Osteopathic Medicine)
Osteopathy is the study of bones, joints, and tissues. Students pursuing an osteopathic education will learn how to measure and diagnose bone problems, treat them, and promote healing through preventive and complementary therapies. Students will learn techniques to determine an individual’s susceptibility to osteoporosis and bone fractures and ways to prevent further bone damage due to repetitive movements. In addition, students will learn to administer treatments for fractures and preventative measures that can be taken once a fracture has been identified and treated. Students will be taught about nutrition and food safety and learn the role of diet in treating diseases and conditions. In Osteopathy study, students will prepare for a board exam and will be expected to pass this test before graduation to become certified in osteopathy.
