Is Azcom a high tier d.o. school?

[ShakaChaka]

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Recently got accepted here! woot!

From what I've read through the forums, it seems like AZCOM is a really good school. I think it is more of an above average tier because I've been hearing that some of their clinical rotation sites are not as great. Nevertheless, those students who got the great clinical rotations make AZCOM to be a high tier DO school.

AZCOM graduated their class in the year 2000, so I'm hoping they smoothed out the kinks for rotation sites??

Also, the exorbitant fees might go to hiring better professors.

Anyone wanna chime in and give their 2 cents? Any azcom students or those that interviewed wanna chime in as well?

 

[deleted407021]

Congratulations!

Don't get caught up on these artificial and almost entirely meaningless "tiers". Since you're an accepted ~med student now, start a thread in the DO student forum or look at the AZCOM thread in the class sub-forum, there. Good luck!

 

[Jinxapotato]

Recently got accepted here! woot!

From what I've read through the forums, it seems like AZCOM is a really good school. I think it is more of an above average tier because I've been hearing that some of their clinical rotation sites are not as great. Nevertheless, those students who got the great clinical rotations make AZCOM to be a high tier DO school.

AZCOM graduated their class in the year 2000, so I'm hoping they smoothed out the kinks for rotation sites??

Also, the exorbitant fees might go to hiring better professors.

Anyone wanna chime in and give their 2 cents? Any azcom students or those that interviewed wanna chime in as well?

Congratz OP! AZCOM 1st year here and I am liking it so far! All my teachers have been great in explaining stuff and helping you out personally. Despite our large class you are still able to find a lot of good friends/study buddies. The rotation sites were of concern in the past few years but I think that really depends on where you are. From what I heard if you are in big cities like Phoenix area or Chicago/LA, you should be fine, but if you are assigned to Kankakee then chances are you won't see a lot of stuff happening. However you are accepted very early and chances are the desireable spots haven't filled up it so I think you'll be fine!
Just so you know, we are on GPA system, and you get 1-2 exams every week (literally), and maybe 4+ in a row for finals so it's tough. But I guess it'll really force you to study and prepare you for boards.
Tuition is crazy expensive, but I guess 50k over 4 years won't really matter after you graduate...Maybe...I hope...at least...and no the urinals do not run on Perrier.

 

[tennerd]

no the urinals do not run on Perrier.

you should talk to the med admins and fix that

 

[OrdinaryDO]

I second what J Senpai said, tiers do not matter. I know that since you received an acceptance from this school you probably want to know where it stands with respect to other osteopathic schools, but in the end the student will be the only "tier" to be recognized once you graduate. Congratulations on your acceptance and I know one day you will be a very successful physician!! 🙂

 

[Seth Joo]

Its a mid tier, not a high tier DO school. High tier DO schools are PCOM, TCOM, KCOM, DMU, Ohio, Nova, and MSU.

 

[mathnerd88]

Its a mid tier, not a high tier DO school. High tier DO schools are PCOM, TCOM, KCOM, DMU, Ohio, Nova, and MSU.

What about CCOM, NYCOM, and RowanSOM? They're all top tier DO schools too.

Many people consider KCOM a mid-tier school.

 

[NVO]

What about CCOM, NYCOM, and RowanSOM? They're all top tier DO schools too.

Many people consider KCOM a mid-tier school.

Perhaps he meant KCUCOM

 

[Goro]

Congrats on the accept!!

But if you ask six people for an opinion, you're going to get seven different answers.

Recently got accepted here! woot!

From what I've read through the forums, it seems like AZCOM is a really good school. I think it is more of an above average tier because I've been hearing that some of their clinical rotation sites are not as great. Nevertheless, those students who got the great clinical rotations make AZCOM to be a high tier DO school.

AZCOM graduated their class in the year 2000, so I'm hoping they smoothed out the kinks for rotation sites??

Also, the exorbitant fees might go to hiring better professors.

Anyone wanna chime in and give their 2 cents? Any azcom students or those that interviewed wanna chime in as well?

 

[tennerd]

meh, as of now i feel that anything above the top half of the DO list is really a blur and everyone is going to have differing opinions about it.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Personally I think it's a well established school with very good board scores and very good outcomes.

 

[ShakaChaka]

Its a mid tier, not a high tier DO school. High tier DO schools are PCOM, TCOM, KCOM, DMU, Ohio, Nova, and MSU.

Hi SethJoo,

I realize that you are a fourth year AZCOM student, and in terms of 1-2 year education quality, 3-4 rotation quality, board scores, and residency matches, would you rate AZCOM at least a B+ or A- school? To me, it seems more like an above average tier, although it is not as old and producing high board scores as other schools.

 

[Mad Jack]

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

News Flash- At the end of the day OP you will be looked at the exact same way as a graduate from LUCOM with the exact same letters after your name...

You seem a little obsessed with tier and comparing your acceptance to other individuals acceptances...

 

[mathnerd88]

News Flash- At the end of the day OP you will be looked at the exact same way as a graduate from LUCOM with the exact same letters after your name...

You seem a little obsessed with tier and comparing your acceptance to other individuals acceptances...

Perhaps...but there are some differences between the schools in terms of quality of rotations and board scores. The OP needs to rephrase his question more specifically. What is he looking for in a school?

It will be easier to get into a residency in IL if you're from CCOM vs. if you're from LUCOM without any ties there. I guess location somewhat matters, because building connections in the hospital you rotate at potentially gives you a better chance of getting into its residency program.

You're suggesting that for MD schools, going to Harvard Medical School and going to a newly established medical school bears no difference? Obviously name carries some weight and reputation. However, most of the weight really depends on the student. Some schools will provide you with better tools than others.

 

[ShakaChaka]

News Flash- At the end of the day OP you will be looked at the exact same way as a graduate from LUCOM with the exact same letters after your name...

You seem a little obsessed with tier and comparing your acceptance to other individuals acceptances...

Well, 1stly, I want affirmation that I am going to a good school which will provide me with a great education as I will be paying around 400,000$ at the end of it.
2ndly, Perhaps, I may want to go to another school, that is not that great, but will cost less, or a school that is much better that will cost less.

 

[mathnerd88]

Well, 1stly, I want affirmation that I am going to a good school which will provide me with a great education as I will be paying around 400,000$ at the end of it.
2ndly, Perhaps, I may want to go to another school, that is not that great, but will cost less, or a school that is much better that will cost less.

To be brutally honest, no school is worth $400k, not even Harvard Medical School. Go to the school that will make you happy without making you be in so much debt that you can't ever pay it off. AZCOM is double the tuition of other schools such as LECOM, and in my case, CUSOM.

If you're married, and you have two sources of income, then I would consider going to an expensive school. If you're paying it off alone, then it isn't worth it.

 

[tennerd]

Well, 1stly, I want affirmation that I am going to a good school which will provide me with a great education as I will be paying around 400,000$ at the end of it.
2ndly, Perhaps, I may want to go to another school, that is not that great, but will cost less, or a school that is much better that will cost less.

while what you say is true, i honestly don't see how azcom or even touro-harlem, a school in one of the most expensive areas for cost of living, can reach 400k from medical school alone. the fees are 60 something per annum and standard of living in phoenix is dirt cheap. i can maybe see it costing 280-290k? i honestly don't know what a med student can spend on besides tuition and a cot in a shack to live in for ~12 hours before heading off to the study areas or on rotation.

can a current m3/m4 pitch in?

 

[mathnerd88]

while what you say is true, i honestly don't see how azcom or even touro-harlem, a school in one of the most expensive areas for cost of living, can reach 400k from medical school alone. the fees are 60 something per annum and standard of living in phoenix is dirt cheap. i can maybe see it costing 280-290k? i honestly don't know what a med student can spend on besides tuition and a cot in a shack to live in for ~12 hours before heading off to the study areas or on rotation.

Interest can make that tuition go up to $350-400k when you're paying it back.

 

[ShakaChaka]

while what you say is true, i honestly don't see how azcom or even touro-harlem, a school in one of the most expensive areas for cost of living, can reach 400k from medical school alone. the fees are 60 something per annum and standard of living in phoenix is dirt cheap. i can maybe see it costing 280-290k? i honestly don't know what a med student can spend on besides tuition and a cot in a shack to live in for ~12 hours before heading off to the study areas or on rotation.

can a current m3/m4 pitch in?

I found this average on the COA on their website. Also, it seems likely that their 62k tuition might steadily increase throughout my stay there...

 

[mathnerd88]

I found this average on the COA on their website. Also, it seems likely that their 62k tuition might steadily increase throughout my stay there...

COA is usually very exaggerated. Unless you're really wasting money, the COA is not a good indicator on how much you're spending. What you need to worry about is the interest.

 

[tennerd]

Interest can make that tuition go up to $350-400k when you're paying it back.

i suppose so, but it really depends on your repayment plans. some people decide to aggressively pay it off, some decide to IBR and pslf it if possible, and some just ride the wave for decades. some even have savings to pay some of it without loans.

 

[mathnerd88]

i suppose so, but it really depends on your repayment plans. some people decide to aggressively pay it off, some decide to IBR and pslf it if possible, and some just ride the wave for decades. some even have savings to pay some of it without loans.

True, but I have to plan on paying at least $300k back if I decide to go to CCOM.

 

[tennerd]

to get back on topic for shakachaka. i think azcom will provide good education and i don't recall there being any big complaints about the actual education except those from years ago. i think even seth joo said this one time, and he is a pretty rambunctious fellow.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Perhaps...but there are some differences between the schools in terms of quality of rotations and board scores. The OP needs to rephrase his question more specifically. What is he looking for in a school?

It will be easier to get into a residency in IL if you're from CCOM vs. if you're from LUCOM without any ties there. I guess location somewhat matters, because building connections in the hospital you rotate at potentially gives you a better chance of getting into its residency program.

You're suggesting that for MD schools, going to Harvard Medical School and going to a newly established medical school bears no difference? Obviously name carries some weight and reputation. However, most of the weight really depends on the student. Some schools will provide you with better tools than others.

Agree with this. No I wasn't saying that about HMS. I was pointing out that comparing two DO schools is a moot point as a lot factors into why an applicant wants to go there and prestige at DO schools is nonexistent. The difference between HMS and Drexel is huge but the difference between Drexel and VCU, for example, is very minimal. I was just pointing out it seems like OP is trying to do that, when in reality most, if not all, DO schools will get you where you want to go. And trying to decide "tiers" is impossible. The DO world is not like MD where there is a definite heirchy.

 

[ShakaChaka]

i suppose so, but it really depends on your repayment plans. some people decide to aggressively pay it off, some decide to IBR and pslf it if possible, and some just ride the wave for decades. some even have savings to pay some of it without loans.

I think I am going to go with the aggressive route and live with my parents for 3 years. lolll

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

But yes OP AZCOM is a good school that will take you where you want to go. And congratulations on a good acceptance. Any acceptance is a good acceptance

 

[AlteredScale]

As said above, there really is no tier system for DO programs. DO programs with affiliated hospitals, university hospitals, researchers who bring in NIH grant money towards the school (MSU, Touro-CA, Rowan-SOM, KCU, OUHCOM, OSU-COM, CCOM) are usually considered stronger institutions. But yes, tier perspectives for DO programs is nothing like Stanford/UPenn vs. Western Michigan/Netter SOM.

AZCOM is a good school either way. A little nerve racking to see their graduation rate dropp down 6-7 percent but it's still decent. Here's a few places tey matched at via there webpage: other allopathic programs — including Cleveland Clinic, Mayo, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins (unlikely to be surgical or IM), Stanford (probably PM&R/FM/Psych/maybe pathology, unlikely to be IM categorical or surgical), Yale (same as JHU or Stanford), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Same as JHU or stanford), Loyola University Medical Center, UC Davis, Thomas Jefferson University, George Washington University, Drexel University.

 

[67552931811]

.

 

[Jinxapotato]

Just want to say when comparing tuition, just compare tuition. Don't compare the 400k (which is COA + interest) with some other school that give you their raw tuition (~200k). I believe that most of the non-state medical schools range about 200k in tuition, and AZCOM is 240k when I got in. Cost of living in Phoenix area is cheap (I come from Boston lol). So realistically, 40k more expensive + interest sounds much less intimidating when you start to earn doctor salary...

 

[iwillnevergiveup]

Ok I'll bite.

Upper Tier:
PCOM (PA Campus), TCOM, MSUCOM, OU-HCOM, OSUCOM, RowanSOM, KCUCOM, DMU, NSUCOM, CCOM

Mid Tier:
KCOM, AZCOM, ATSU-COM, CUSOM, MUCOM, WesternU(CA Campus), UNECOM, NYIT-COM, LECOM, RVU

Low Tier/Unranked:
The rest

I think if you go to any of the upper or mid tier, you'll be fine. I think there is some advantage by going more established/state funded schools, but your board score is more important so it is ultimately up to you. If you do well on boards and go to upper tier schools, I think the school name can give you an edge that you need to get into some competitive residencies. Don't bank on the school name too much as it doesn't help you THAT MUCH....but to say there is no difference going to some respected school like TCOM vs low tier ones...I don't think that is accurate.

 

[LuluLovesMe]

Ok I'll bite.

Upper Tier:
PCOM (PA Campus), TCOM, MSUCOM, OU-HCOM, OSUCOM, RowanSOM, KCUCOM, DMU, NSUCOM, CCOM

Mid Tier:
KCOM, AZCOM, ATSU-COM, CUSOM, MUCOM, WesternU(CA Campus), UNECOM, NYIT-COM, LECOM, RVU

Low Tier/Unranked:
The rest

I think if you go to any of the upper or mid tier, you'll be fine. I think there is some advantage by going more established/state funded schools, but your board score is more important so it is ultimately up to you. If you do well on boards and go to upper tier schools, I think the school name can give you an edge that you need to get into some competitive residencies. Don't bank on the school name too much as it doesn't help you THAT MUCH....but to say there is no difference going to some respected school like TCOM vs low tier ones...I don't think that is accurate.

Hmm so you're putting the coastal Touros in the low tier category?

 

[mathnerd88]

Hmm so you're putting the coastal Touros in the low tier category?

I would consider Touro mid-tier. Their rotations are horrible for the NY site, and the CA site requires some travel. (Different state)

 

[Seth Joo]

I am beginning to realize that in real world, most people do not care what school you went to, so that being said, its best to go to the school you where you will be happiest, probably in a city that you will like, near family and friends that can support you during your journey.

Most residency program directors don't seem to differentiate one school from the other when it comes to DO schools.

 

[mathnerd88]

I am beginning to realize that in real world, most people do not care what school you went to, so that being said, its best to go to the school you where you will be happiest, probably in a city that you will like, near family and friends that can support you during your journey.

Most residency program directors don't seem to differentiate one school from the other when it comes to DO schools.

But it certainly helps on location if you're planning to stay there for a while during residency. For example, CCOM matches more into IL residencies, because that's where the school established its name, and perhaps also close to family. In any case, they make connections to the hospitals surrounding the area.

 

[deleted407021]

I think the uselessness of these tiers is demonstrated when you have people going, "But I put such-and-suchCOM in the 1st tier when you put it in the 3rd!!"

Cry a river.

Then go so something useful.

 

[Seth Joo]

But it certainly helps on location if you're planning to stay there for a while during residency. For example, CCOM matches more into IL residencies, because that's where the school established its name, and perhaps also close to family. In any case, they make connections to the hospitals surrounding the area.

That is my point, if you are going to school in a certain location, particularly a DO school, you are more likely to get a residency there, but that being said, even if you go to a residency program in a certain state it does not preclude you from working somewhere else. My cousin went to a medical school in one region of the country, did her residency in Chicago, but works in Seattle, she is an MD, but DOs can do the same.

I think location may matter more for DOs though, for MD schools such as the well known ones, not the mid tier and lower tier ones, I think they can go wherever they like for residency without much trouble.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

I am beginning to realize that in real world, most people do not care what school you went to, so that being said, its best to go to the school you where you will be happiest, probably in a city that you will like, near family and friends that can support you during your journey.

Most residency program directors don't seem to differentiate one school from the other when it comes to DO schools.

This ^^^. Anyone who says different is slightly disillusioning themselves. Location is probably the most important factor, if you want to match in a certain region then that might play a small factor as well.

 

[Seth Joo]

This ^^^. Anyone who says different is slightly disillusioning themselves. Location is probably the most important factor, if you want to match in a certain region then that might play a small factor as well.

Your frame of mind is something you cannot underestimate at all, I had a classmate of mine at my undergraduate school who was from Hawaii who developed severe Clinical Depression, she wound up withdrawing from school and then transferring to school in her home state. It turned out to be a great decision, she graduated with high honors and I believe she is doing well today.

Environment plays a role in how we perform, if you are in an environment where you are uncomfortable, its likely you will struggle, even if you go to Harvard and you do not like it there, chances are you will have problems.

 

[tennerd]

Ok I'll bite.

Upper Tier:
PCOM (PA Campus), TCOM, MSUCOM, OU-HCOM, OSUCOM, RowanSOM, KCUCOM, DMU, NSUCOM, CCOM

Mid Tier:
KCOM, AZCOM, ATSU-COM, CUSOM, MUCOM, WesternU(CA Campus), UNECOM, NYIT-COM, LECOM, RVU

Low Tier/Unranked:
The rest

I think if you go to any of the upper or mid tier, you'll be fine. I think there is some advantage by going more established/state funded schools, but your board score is more important so it is ultimately up to you. If you do well on boards and go to upper tier schools, I think the school name can give you an edge that you need to get into some competitive residencies. Don't bank on the school name too much as it doesn't help you THAT MUCH....but to say there is no difference going to some respected school like TCOM vs low tier ones...I don't think that is accurate.

i don't really care how you distinguish between upper or mid, but really? ATSU-SOMA, CUSOM, MUCOM, and LECOM on the top half? nah, i don't think so. you have put schools that haven't even graduated a class yet on the top half of the list. also, what is the fascination with OUHCOM and OSUCOM?

 

[mathnerd88]

i don't really care how you distinguish between upper or mid, but really? ATSU-SOMA, CUSOM, MUCOM, and LECOM on the top half? nah, i don't think so. you have put schools that haven't even graduated a class yet on the top half of the list. also, what is the fascination with OUHCOM and OSUCOM?

Most of the time in the DO world, state schools are better than private schools. There is a usually heavy research component that is involved, and it is also in the state's best interest to have good rotations around the area.

At least that's what RowanSOM has that many other DO schools don't. I'm sure that OUHCOM, OSUCOM, TCOM, and MSUCOM all have good research opportunities that almost rival that of MD schools.

Couple that with cheap tuition for IS students, then you have a winner.

 

[Seth Joo]

Most of the time in the DO world, state schools are better than private schools. There is a usually heavy research component that is involved, and it is also in the state's best interest to have good rotations around the area.

At least that's what RowanSOM has that many other DO schools don't. I'm sure that OUHCOM, OSUCOM, TCOM, and MSUCOM all have good research opportunities that almost rival that of MD schools.

Couple that with cheap tuition for IS students, then you have a winner.

I would agree with this, but state schools also are biased towards in state applicants whereas private schools are not.

 

[mathnerd88]

I would agree with this, but state schools also are biased towards in state applicants whereas private schools are not.

True, but I believe for some schools, the reason why many OOS don't go is because of the much higher tuition that they have to pay (RowanSOM is $59k for OOS, MSUCOM is $90k for OOS,) or the residency requirement that Ohio has. (5 years must stay in Ohio after graduation.)

Of course, there are some exceptions. The more established private schools also are really good, such as PCOM, CCOM, DMU, KCU, etc. They're actually close or in major cities. Only exception I can think of is Touro-NY, but NYCOM is excellent.

 

[Seth Joo]

True, but I believe for some schools, the reason why many OOS don't go is because of the much higher tuition that they have to pay, or the residency requirement that Ohio has.

Of course, there are some exceptions. The more established private schools also are really good, such as PCOM, CCOM, DMU, KCU, etc. They're actually close or in major cities. Only exception I can think of is Touro-NY, but NYCOM is excellent.

DO schools are like real estate, location matters, if they open up one in a prime locale, they will succeed, if they open up a school in Hawaii, Boston, or another place people like, such as Seattle etc, those schools will get flooded with applications.

RVU is in Denver and despite my apprehensions of its for profit status is doing very well, and I believe that its locale is helping it a lot.

Look at LMU which has a very stately appearance but is in small town far from any major city and is one of the less competitive schools, but has excellent facilities.

 

[mathnerd88]

DO schools are like real estate, location matters, if they open up one in a prime locale, they will succeed, if they open up a school in Hawaii, Boston, or another place people like, such as Seattle etc, those schools will get flooded with applications.

RVU is in Denver and despite my apprehensions of its for profit status is doing very well, and I believe that its locale is helping it a lot.

Haha true, but also rotations cannot be beat when it comes to hospitals around city and suburban areas. Although working in a rural area can provide a physician with more skills because of lack of equipment in well established hospitals.

 

[Seth Joo]

Haha true, but also rotations cannot be beat when it comes to hospitals around city and suburban areas. Although working in a rural area can provide a physician with more skills because of lack of equipment in well established hospitals.

RVU's founder lives in a palatial mansion in Beverly Hills, apparently worth several million dollars, he purchased from a former Hollywood film composer. Googled him and found him on a list of people on a list of people who own elite real estate. Amazing how much money this guy has made. As rich as this guy is, apparently the SGU Chancellor is even richer than him.