Missouri Medical Schools: Admission Guide & Rankings

Missouri boasts a rich tradition in medical education—from the pioneering days of osteopathic medicine to the establishment of the region’s first medical schools. Today, six unique institutions shape the future of healthcare professionals in Missouri. In this guide, we outline key metrics, selection factors, and strategies to strengthen your application for these competitive programs. For additional insights on building clinical experience through global healthcare exposure, explore our elective programs.

Overview of Missouri Medical Schools

Missouri’s leading medical schools include:

A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU KCOM)
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU COM)
Saint Louis University School of Medicine (SLU SOM)
University of Missouri Columbia School of Medicine (MU SOM)
University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine (UMKC)
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (WUSTL SOM)

These institutions offer diverse pathways—ranging from traditional MD programs to specialized DO degrees—and each emphasizes unique aspects of clinical training and community service.

How to Enhance Your Application

At Go Elective, we’re dedicated to empowering aspiring physicians with free, in-depth resources that help you make informed decisions throughout your medical school journey. Our expert admissions consulting services assist you in crafting impactful personal statements, refining secondary essays, and developing a comprehensive application strategy. Gaining robust clinical experience through voluntary healthcare internships abroad—including physician shadowing, service-learning, and specialty didactics—can significantly enhance your profile.

A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU KCOM)

Established by the founder of osteopathic medicine, ATSU KCOM has over 120 years of experience educating service-oriented physicians. Offering a four-year DO degree and multiple doctoral and master’s programs, ATSU emphasizes whole-person healthcare and a commitment to rural and underserved communities.

School Highlights:

Legacy of high primary care and rural practice rates
98% residency match rate with many graduates entering family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatrics
U.S. News Rankings:

#5 in Primary Care Graduates
#6 in Rural Practice
#24 in Medically Underserved Areas

Selection Factors:

Demonstrated service-oriented clinical exposure
Strong letters of support from DO physicians and community leaders
Proven academic achievement and excellent time-management skills

For more details on ATSU’s application process, check out their official website.

Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU COM)

KCU COM is renowned for its large enrollment and robust contribution to the regional physician workforce. Founded in 1916, this private institution offers a four-year DO program with dual degree options in Public Health, Bioethics, and Healthcare Leadership.
School Highlights:

Top NBOME scores and strong support for underrepresented applicants
U.S. News Rankings:

#23 in Medically Underserved Areas
#17 in Primary Care
#25 in Rural Practice

Selection Factors:

Completion of a four-year degree with no strict minimum GPA or MCAT requirements
Recommended extracurriculars include at least 80 hours of physician shadowing, healthcare volunteering, leadership roles, and research experience

For a deeper dive into KCU COM’s criteria, visit their official page.

Saint Louis University School of Medicine (SLU SOM)

SLU SOM, the first medical school established in St. Louis, offers a four-year MD program along with several dual degree options (such as MD/PhD, MD/MPH, and MD/MBA). With a long-standing tradition in both clinical excellence and research, SLU attracts a diverse pool of applicants.
School Highlights:

Tied for Missouri’s top primary care program and second in medical research
Recently enhanced research facilities, including a state-of-the-art 10-story research center
U.S. News Rankings include strong performances in research and primary care

Selection Factors:

Emphasis on academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service
Well-rounded profiles that balance research exposure with clinical experience

Learn more about SLU SOM by visiting their official website.

University of Missouri Columbia School of Medicine (MU SOM)

MU SOM, the region’s first public medical school, is known for its patient-based learning model and high residency match rate. Offering a traditional four-year MD program and an MD/PhD option, the school emphasizes real-world clinical experiences.
School Highlights:

Patient-centered curriculum with small-group and self-directed learning
Consistently ranked in the top ten for Family Medicine nationally
U.S. News Rankings:

#80 in Research
#67 in Primary Care
#18 in Medically Underserved Areas

Selection Factors:

Holistic evaluation of academic performance, clinical exposure, and cultural competency
In-state applicants require a minimum 3.0 GPA, while out-of-state criteria vary by GPA

For more insights on MU SOM’s offerings, visit their official site.

University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine (UMKC)

UMKC’s School of Medicine is recognized for its innovative accelerated BA/MD program—admitting students directly from high school—and its patient-oriented curriculum. Although named for Kansas City, the campus is located in Springfield, MO, and emphasizes clinical training in high-volume hospitals.

School Highlights:

Unique “docent system” fostering collaborative clinical learning
Significant research funding for cutting-edge studies in biomaterials and population health
U.S. News Rankings include strong figures in primary care and research

Selection Factors:

Holistic review focusing on AAMC’s Core Competencies, including professionalism, communication, and ethical reasoning
Competitive statistics: High average GPA and MCAT scores alongside robust secondary application essays

Explore more about UMKC’s programs on their official website.

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (WUSTL SOM)

With a legacy dating back to 1891, WUSTL SOM is the premier destination for medical research in Missouri, producing over 20 Nobel laureates. Its four-year MD program, along with dual degree options, attracts students aiming for excellence in both clinical care and research.

School Highlights:

Nationally recognized for innovative medical programming and extensive clinical training
U.S. News Rankings highlight top placements in primary care, research, and multiple specialties such as Anesthesiology and Internal Medicine

Selection Factors:

Admissions committees prioritize intellectual curiosity, maturity, and leadership potential
Comprehensive review of academic records and strong letters of recommendation are essential

For additional information, please refer to Washington University’s official page.

Final Thoughts

We hope this reworked guide to Missouri medical schools helps you navigate the competitive admissions landscape for 2025. Whether you’re targeting an allopathic or osteopathic program, leveraging clinical experiences and personalized guidance is key to success. For more resources on medical internships, shadowing opportunities, and global healthcare exposure, visit Go Elective.

Good luck on your journey to becoming a healthcare professional!

Article Details

Travel with us.
Inquire Today!

Go Elective offers immersive opportunities for medical students, pre-med undergraduates, residents, nursing practitioners, and PAs to gain guided invaluable experience in busy hospitals abroad. Discover the power of study, travel, and impact.