Side by side
| M.D. | D.O. | |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Doctor of Medicine | Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine |
| School accreditor | LCME | COCA |
| Medical school | Usually 4 years | Usually 4 years |
| Residency | 3 to 9 years, by specialty | 3 to 9 years, by specialty |
| Licensing exams | USMLE | COMLEX-USA |
| Extra training | None specific | Osteopathic manipulative medicine |
What is the same
Both paths usually start with a bachelor's degree, and both schools use the MCAT in admissions. Students study similar sciences, rotate through hospitals and clinics, and then enter residency.
What is different
D.O. schools add training in osteopathic manipulative medicine. M.D. and D.O. students also typically take different licensing exam series.
Pay data
The BLS publishes physician wages by specialty, not by degree. So there are no official figures comparing M.D. and D.O. pay, and we do not estimate them.
Questions people ask
Is a D.O. a real doctor?
Yes. D.O.s are fully licensed physicians.
Do M.D.s make more than D.O.s?
There are no official figures that split physician pay by degree. Specialty and location are the factors the BLS data can show.
How long is the training?
Medical school takes 4 years after a bachelor's degree, followed by 3 to 9 years of internship and residency depending on the specialty.
Sources
General information, not career advice. Scope of practice and licensing differ by state: confirm them with your state board.