Doctor of Osteopathy Profession (DO)

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Regulation of profession

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, like physicians and many other professionals, are regulated at 2 different levels. Licensure is a process that takes place at the state level in accordance with specific state laws. In contrast, certification is established through a national organization(s) with nationally consistent requirements for minimal professional practice standards.

Licensure: Most states require that applicants for DO licensure be graduates of an approved school of osteopathic medicine and have completed a 12-month internship, or the equivalent, in an approved hospital. Some states do not maintain a separate professional board and licensure specifically for DOs. In such states, DOs are licensed as physicians through the same process as MDs.

Certification: DOs who wish to specialize may become "Board Certified" (in much the same manner as MDs) by completing a 3- to 4- year residency within the specialty area and passing the board certification exams.

See also types of health care providers.