Program Overview

JOINT BS / DO PROGRAM

Overview

The Joint BS/DO Program is a seven-year program offered by Rutgers University-Camden and the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. This program allows students to complete a BS degree in Biology at Rutgers University-Camden and then matriculate to the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine to complete their DO degree.

How It Works

Students accepted to the joint BS/DO program will complete a three-year curriculum toward a BS degree in Biology at Rutgers University-Camden. In the summer between sophomore and junior years at Rutgers-Camden, BS/DO students apply to the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. If accepted to the medical school, BS/DO students will complete their third year at Rutgers University-Camden and matriculate to the medical school the following year to complete the traditional four-year medical school curriculum at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, NJ.

Who is Qualified

• The Program is open to high school graduates applying as first year students. This program is open to first year, first semester students only. This program is not open to transfer students.
• Students must have applied to Rutgers-Camden before submitting their secondary application for the BS/DO joint program.
• SAT – 1400 minimum Score Required OR ACT – 31 Minimum score.
• There are no restrictions on state of residency, but admission is limited to citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
• All applicants to the joint program must provide proof of high school graduation.
• The high school grade point average, if applicable, rank-in class, along with letters of recommendation (2) from teachers/professors will be of primary importance in evaluating an applicant’s credentials.

Supplemental Application Checklist

• Two letters of recommendation from either high school teachers or counselor. One of which must be from a science (physical or life) teacher. Both letters should be focused on the student’s interest and potential for osteopathic medical study. While other letters from doctors or health professionals can be submitted, they will not be accepted in place of the high school teacher/counselor letters.
• Essay – no more than 500 words as to why you are interested in this program and why you would like to be a doctor of osteopathic medicine.
• Copy of your score report for the SAT and/or ACT.
• Unofficial copy of high school transcript
• Resume

Selection Process

• Application – The supplemental application is open from November 1, 2025 until December 1, 2025, at which time the selection committee will begin to review applications received and contact students who meet the criteria for interviews.
• First Round Interview – Interviews, for those candidates selected to interview, will be scheduled with the Rutgers-Camden committee for late January or February. Interviews will be conducted virtually via Zoom.
• Second Round Interview – A select number of candidates who interview with the Rutgers-Camden committee will be recommended to Rowan-Virtua SOM for an interview with their admissions team. These interviews typically occur in late March to early April.
• Decision Notification – Final acceptance decisions are made and notification is sent by Rowan-Virtua SOM Admissions Office in early April of 2026.