Table Of ContentAcademic Catalog
Table of Contents  Course Descriptions ............................................... 35 
Graduation Requirements ..................................... 37 
College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery ......... 38 
 
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Program................... 39 
Table of Contents ............................................... 2 
Program Requirements .......................................... 39 
Welcome ............................................................ 5  Program Application Process ................................. 39 
Technical Standards for Admission, Academic 
About This Catalog .............................................. 5 
Promotion and Graduation .................................... 40 
About Des Moines University .............................. 5  Curriculum Overview and Outline ......................... 41 
Accreditation ..........................................................6  Course Descriptions ............................................... 43 
University-Wide Student Learning Outcomes ..........6  Research ................................................................. 50 
Statement of Nondiscrimination .............................6  Program Outcomes ................................................ 50 
State Authorization of Distance Education...............7  Graduation Requirements ..................................... 50 
Licensure ................................................................ 51 
Academic Calendar ............................................. 7 
College of Health Sciences ................................. 52 
College of Osteopathic Medicine ......................... 8 
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies 
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program ................9 
Program ............................................................... 53 
Program Requirements ........................................... 9 
Program Requirements .......................................... 53 
Program Application Process ................................... 9 
Program Application Process ................................. 53 
Technical Standards for Admission, Academic 
Technical Standards for Admission, Academic 
Promotion and Graduation ................................... 10 
Promotion and Graduation .................................... 54 
Curriculum Overview and Outline ......................... 12 
Curriculum Overview and Outline ......................... 55 
Course Descriptions ............................................... 13 
Didactic Curriculum................................................ 56 
Extended Pathways to Success .............................. 24 
Clinical Curriculum ................................................. 56 
Program Outcomes ................................................ 24 
Course Descriptions ............................................... 56 
Graduation Requirements ..................................... 24 
Program Outcomes ................................................ 62 
Licensure ................................................................ 24 
Graduation Requirements ..................................... 62 
Master of Science in Anatomy Program ................. 25 
National Certification ............................................. 63 
Program Requirements ......................................... 25 
Master of Public Health Program .......................... 64 
Program Application Process ................................. 25 
Program Requirements .......................................... 65 
Technical Standards for Admission, Academic 
Program Application Process ................................. 65 
Promotion and Graduation ................................... 26 
Technical Standards for Admission, Academic 
Curriculum Overview and Outline ......................... 27 
Promotion and Graduation .................................... 65 
Course Descriptions ............................................... 28 
Curriculum Overview and Outline ......................... 66 
Graduation Requirements ..................................... 30 
Course Descriptions ............................................... 68 
Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Program 32 
Program Outcomes ................................................ 73 
Program Requirements ......................................... 32 
Graduation Requirements ..................................... 73 
Program Application Process ................................. 32 
Master of Health Care Administration Program ..... 74 
Technical Standards for Admission, Academic 
Program Requirements .......................................... 74 
Promotion and Graduation ................................... 33 
Program Application Process ................................. 74 
Curriculum Overview and Outline ......................... 34 
2
Technical Standards for Admission, Academic  Add/Drop Period .................................................... 98 
Promotion and Graduation ................................... 74  Course Withdrawal ................................................ 99 
Curriculum Overview and Outline ......................... 75  Incomplete (I) Status .............................................. 99 
Course Descriptions ............................................... 76  Grade Appeal Policy ............................................... 99 
Elective Courses ..................................................... 79  Leave of Absence Policy ...................................... 100 
Program Outcomes ................................................ 79  Short Term – Faculty Discretion .......................... 100 
Graduation Requirements ..................................... 79  Extended Absence Contract................................. 100 
Nursing Home Administrator License .................... 79  Voluntary Leave of Absence ................................ 100 
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program ...................... 80  Involuntary Leave of Absence .............................. 101 
Program Requirements ......................................... 80  The Process – Extended Absence Contract & 
Program Application Process ................................. 81  Voluntary Leave of Absence ................................ 101 
Technical Standards for Admission, Academic  Integrity Committee ........................................... 102 
Promotion and Graduation ................................... 81  Reinstatement Procedure ................................... 102 
Curriculum Overview and Outline ......................... 83  Registration ........................................................ 102 
Course Descriptions ............................................... 84  Religious Holidays............................................... 102 
Program Outcomes ................................................ 89  University or Academic Program Withdrawal ...... 102 
Licensure ................................................................ 89 
Admissions ..................................................... 103 
Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy 
Nondiscrimination .............................................. 103 
Program ............................................................... 90 
Misrepresentation .............................................. 103 
Technical Standards for Admission, Academic 
Multiple Applications.......................................... 103 
Promotion and Graduation ................................... 90 
Non-U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents ........ 103 
Curriculum Overview and Outline ......................... 91 
Dual Degree Program .......................................... 103 
Course Descriptions ............................................... 91 
Procedures for Accepted Students ...................... 103 
Graduation Requirements ..................................... 92 
Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships ............ 105 
Academic Policies ............................................. 93 
Payment of Tuition and Fees ............................... 105 
Academic Progress Committee .............................. 93 
Tuition Charges for Extended Pathways to Success
Academic Records, FERPA, Transcripts and 
 ............................................................................. 105 
Confidentiality ...................................................... 93 
Leave of Absence Implications ............................ 106 
Accommodations in Educational Programming Policy
Suspension Implications ...................................... 106 
 ............................................................................ 94 
Return of Computer Equipment .......................... 106 
Background ............................................................ 94 
Financial Aid ....................................................... 106 
Retention of Student Documents .......................... 95 
Students Receiving Financial Aid ......................... 106 
Procedure for Requesting Accommodations ........ 95 
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy ................ 107 
Reconsideration Requests ..................................... 97 
Return of Funds (Title IV Refund) Policy .............. 108 
Guidelines for Supporting a Request for 
Cancel or Return Loan Proceeds Policy ............... 110 
Accommodation .................................................... 97 
Loans .................................................................... 110 
Previous Accommodations Impact on Future 
Scholarships and Loan Repayment Programs...... 110 
Accommodations Needs ........................................ 97 
Payment of Financial Aid ..................................... 110 
Class Rank ............................................................ 98 
Grading ................................................................ 98  Campus Resources .......................................... 111 
Grading System ...................................................... 98  Bookstore ........................................................... 111 
3
Cafeteria ............................................................ 111 
Center for Teaching and Learning ........................ 111 
Child Care Resources........................................... 111 
Clubs and Organizations...................................... 111 
Continuing Medical Education (CME)................... 111 
Employment ....................................................... 112 
Faculty Advisor ................................................... 112 
ITS Resources ..................................................... 112 
Library ................................................................ 112 
Multicultural Affairs ........................................... 113 
Parking ............................................................... 113 
Student Assistance Program................................ 113 
Student Counseling Center .................................. 113 
Student Government .......................................... 113 
Student Handbook .............................................. 113 
Student Health Insurance.................................... 114 
Student Health Services ...................................... 114 
Wellness Center ................................................. 114 
 
   
4
Welcome    About Des Moines 
University  
Des Moines University, a private graduate university of the 
health sciences, is pleased to provide this catalog for the 
2017-18 academic year.   Founded in 1898, Des Moines University is the only private 
medical school in Iowa. The institution offers superior 
This catalog provides detailed information about the 
academics in a collaborative environment. Graduate-level, 
University’s degree programs in osteopathic medicine, 
professional degree programs are offered in osteopathic 
podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant 
medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician 
studies, health care administration, public health, 
assistant studies, health care administration, public health, 
biomedical sciences and anatomy.  
anatomy and biomedical sciences. 
While all of the degree programs outlined in this catalog 
represent a distinct regimen of professional and academic 
Mission 
preparation, you will find within our curricula a common 
To improve lives in our global community by educating 
focus on treating individuals through personalized, 
diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate 
compassionate, hands-on care that focuses on preventing 
health professionals. 
disease, not just treating symptoms.  
On a broad scope, the programs also address the needs of  Vision 
students by providing an ethical framework that considers  Des Moines University will be: 
the role of health care providers in today’s evolving health 
•  The leader in innovative health education that 
care environment.  
promotes lifelong learning 
We are committed to providing you with answers to your  •  A cultivator of distinctive faculty and student 
questions and opportunities for your professional success.  researchers who discover and disseminate new 
You are welcome to contact us for more information about  knowledge 
any of the degree programs or educational offerings in this  •  A provider of high-quality patient care and 
catalog as you plan your health care career.  educational experiences dedicated to improving 
health and wellness 
Sincerely, 
•  A policy consultant and resource for those 
Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D. 
engaged in healthy community transformation 
President and CEO, Des Moines University 
Values 
•  Accountability: Taking responsibility for our 
About This Catalog   
actions and outcomes. 
•  Collaboration: Establishing cooperative 
This catalog provides information about Des Moines  relationships and innovative practices to enhance 
University for the 2017-18 academic year. The information  health education and care. 
in this catalog does not constitute a contract between the 
•  Honesty: Demonstrating the highest standard of 
University and the student. The University reserves the 
truthful and ethical behavior. 
right to make changes in curricula, admission policies and 
procedures, tuition and financial aid, academic standards  •  Inclusiveness: Embracing a culture of diversity 
and guidelines, student services and any other statements  that accepts and respects the unique 
or policies set forth in this catalog, without giving prior  characteristics of each individual. 
notice. The University also publishes a Student Handbook 
•  Wellness: Committing to the well-being of the 
that serves as a guide to enrolled students. The handbook 
mind, body and spirit. 
contains more detailed information about the policies, 
procedures and organization of the University. Enrolled  Mission, Vision and Values 
students are advised to refer to each document as needed. 
5
University Profile  programs within the University also have professional 
The history of Des Moines University reflects a continuing  accreditation within their respective fields as follows: 
commitment to teach, to learn and to serve. 
•  College of Osteopathic Medicine: Commission on 
University History  Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), 142 E. 
Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Telephone 
Students in the osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, 
(800)621-1773. 
physician assistant and physical therapy programs receive 
part of their training on campus through the Des Moines  •  College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery: Council 
University Clinic, which offers primary care and medical  on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME), 9312 Old 
specialties and serves as a regional referral center. The  Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814. 
clinic’s multi-specialty, interdisciplinary approach allows  Telephone (301)-581-9200. 
physicians to refer patients to a single location for 
•  Doctor of Physical Therapy program: Commission 
diagnostic and therapeutic care of medical ailments not 
on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education 
ordinarily handled in a primary care or outpatient setting. 
(CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, 
The 1,500-seat Olsen Education Center is adjacent to the 
VA 22314. Telephone (703)706-3245. 
clinic. 
•  Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies 
The University’s commitment to wellness extends beyond 
program: Accreditation Review Commission on 
educational programs to the delivery of health care. 
Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), 
Students and faculty provide free health services and 
12000 Findley Road, Suite 150, Johns Creek, 
screenings to the community through charity events, 
Georgia 30097. Telephone (770)476-1224. 
sporting events and corporate wellness programs to help 
underserved children and families.  •  Master of Public Health program: Council on 
Education for Public Health (CEPH), 1010 Wayne 
Des Moines University has educated nearly 17,400 health 
Avenue, Suite 220, Silver Spring, MD 20910. 
care professionals and will continue to prepare physicians 
Telephone (202)789-1050. 
and allied health personnel for careers in the ever-
changing field of medicine while developing innovative  •  Master of Health Care Administration program: 
programs to serve students and society.  Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare 
Management Education (CAHME), 6110 Executive 
Governance  Boulevard, Suite 614, Rockville, MD 20852. 
The DMU Board of Trustees, the legal governing authority,  Telephone (301)298-1820. 
which includes physicians and lay members, has the 
University Accreditation 
responsibility for the overall control and policy-making of 
the University. The Board sets policy for the University in 
University-Wide Student 
areas of finances, business administration, faculty and 
academic programs. The Board performs other duties as 
Learning Outcomes 
necessary in the oversight of the University and the 
formulation of its policies.  University-wide student learning outcomes were 
developed in 2010 to describe the values or skills that 
Board of Trustees 
should be demonstrated by all DMU graduates regardless 
The University has been a member of the Association of 
of program. 
Governing Boards of Colleges and Universities since 
January 1971.  University-Wide Student Learning Outcomes 
Accreditation  Statement of 
Des Moines University is accredited by the Higher  Nondiscrimination 
Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, 
Des Moines University (“the University”) is committed to 
Chicago, IL 60604. Telephone 800-621-7440. Education 
maintaining a fair and respectful environment for work, 
6
study and participation in the life of the University. In its  In addition to regulating online programs, several non-
Discrimination and Harassment Prohibition policy, the  SARA states require institutions to be authorized by state 
University explicitly prohibits any member of the  authorities if DMU students will be placed in credit-
University community from harassing or discriminating  bearing internships or clinical rotations at a location or 
against any employee or student of the University because  organization in the state. Consequently, DMU cannot 
of that person’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity,  assure that students will be allowed to select internships 
creed, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual  or clinical rotation sites in every state. Program and 
orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information  clinical affairs coordinators can answer questions for 
and other characteristics protected by law (“protected  students about any potential limitations. 
class”). Incidents of protected class harassment or 
Up-to-date information about DMU’s authorization status 
discrimination will be met with appropriate disciplinary 
can be viewed on the University website. 
action, up to and including dismissal or termination of 
employment from the University. The University is  Additionally, DMU provides information for students 
committed to preventing or stopping discrimination or  listing the state agencies and contact information where 
harassment whenever it may occur at the University or in  students can file a complaint against the University. 
its sponsored activities. 
Questions regarding this statement may be directed to the 
Academic Calendar 
Chief Compliance Officer and/or Chief Human Resources 
Officer. 
Des Moines University operates on a continuous, semester-
State Authorization of  based calendar.   
Academic Calendar 
Distance Education 
 
The U.S. Department of Education expects educational 
 
institutions that offer distance or online education 
programs to students residing in states other than the 
home state of the institution to comply with applicable 
regulations in those states. Requirements for educational 
institutions vary by state. Many states, including Iowa, 
have voluntarily joined together in the State Authorization 
Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which provides 
authorization for participating educational institutions to 
offer certain activities to residents of other SARA-member 
states. Des Moines University (DMU) was approved for 
institutional participation in SARA on December 14, 2015. 
DMU works directly with non-SARA states to ensure that 
any required approvals are secured. Various state 
requirements and fees may prohibit DMU from achieving 
authorization in every state. In addition, state 
requirements and DMU’s approval status may change over 
time so prospective students residing outside of Iowa who 
are interested in enrolling in DMU’s Master of Public 
Health or Master of Health Care Administration programs 
should contact Admissions to confirm whether DMU is 
authorized to offer online programming in their state. 
DMU’s Admissions staff can answer questions about state 
authorization. 
7
College of Osteopathic  •  The College of Osteopathic Medicine will engage in 
and enable research and scholarly activity to 
advance the knowledge of health care, osteopathic 
Medicine 
medicine and in the sciences and technologies that 
will shape medicine, science, and education. 
Throughout its history, the College of Osteopathic  •  The College of Osteopathic Medicine will 
Medicine (COM) has maintained a tradition of dynamic  encourage, enable, and enhance the creation and 
growth and academic excellence. Students follow a four- development of graduate medical education, by 
year curriculum that prepares them to become osteopathic  lending support, education, and resources to 
physicians through an integrated program of lectures,  further the goal of creating graduate opportunities 
laboratories and clinical experiences in the on-campus  in osteopathic medicine. 
clinic, hospitals and ambulatory care facilities. With a rich 
history, the college continues to focus on the future by  AOA Code of Ethics 
developing outstanding osteopathic physicians to provide  The College of Osteopathic Medicine adheres to the AOA 
health care to the people of Iowa and the nation. To  Code of Ethics which has been designed to guide its 
achieve these goals, the educational program will continue  member physicians in their professional lives. The 
to emphasize a comprehensive approach to patients and  complete code may be accessed here. 
their health problems. Although the importance of well-
 
trained primary care osteopathic physicians (family   
medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics) is a basic tenet 
of the osteopathic medical philosophy, our students also 
explore careers in other specialties, such as emergency 
medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology and 
anesthesiology. 
College of Osteopathic Medicine 
Mission  
To improve lives in our global community by educating 
diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate 
osteopathic physicians, health educators, researchers and 
scholars. 
Vision 
•  The College of Osteopathic Medicine will be a 
leader in innovative medical education, both 
undergraduate and graduate, by meeting the 
highest standards of academic and clinical 
achievement. 
•  The College of Osteopathic Medicine will be a 
cultivator of distinctive educators and students 
who discover, disseminate, and apply new 
knowledge. 
•  The College of Osteopathic Medicine, through 
innovative design, will develop 
methods/processes to educate our students in the 
pursuit of delivering services that enhance health, 
wellness and education in our local, national, and 
global communities. 
8
Doctor of Osteopathic  8 semester hours, 
Biology/Zoology 
with lab 
Medicine Program 
8 semester hours, 
General Chemistry 
Osteopathic medicine is a philosophy of health care that  with lab 
emphasizes the interrelationships of the body’s systems in 
4 semester hours, 
the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness, disease  Organic Chemistry 
with lab 
and injury. The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) is 
trained to use all clinical/scientific modalities to maintain  Biochemistry  3 semester hours 
and restore the health of patients. Based upon an 
8 semester hours, 
increasing body of scientific evidence, osteopathic 
with lab 
medicine emphasizes four main tenets as identified by the 
Physics   (may substitute 3 
American Osteopathic Association: 
semester hours of 
•  The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body,  Statistics) 
mind, and spirit.  English: Comp/Literature/Speech  6 semester hours 
•  The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing,   
and health maintenance. 
Other recommended course work includes cell biology, 
•  Structure and function are reciprocally  microbiology, immunology, genetics, physiology and 
interrelated.  anatomy. Students must be able to successfully achieve the 
instructional goals of the college and pass both written and 
•  Rational treatment is based upon an 
practical examinations in all areas, including clinical 
understanding of the basic principles of body 
medicine, patient care, osteopathic manual medicine, Basic 
unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of 
Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support 
structure and function. 
(ACLS). Refer to the technical standards in this section. 
 The distinctive feature of osteopathic medicine is the 
Additional information can be found on the DO Program 
recognition of the relationship between structure and 
Admissions Requirements website. 
function of the body. The osteopathic physician (D.O.) uses 
the developed skills of observation, definitive history 
Program Application Process 
taking, clinical judgment, manual medicine and other 
Application to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program 
standard diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to 
is accepted through the American Association of Colleges 
recognize and treat pre-disease and disease states of the 
of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS), 
body. Treatment of the whole patient, rather than the 
which is a centralized application service. In addition, 
disease process, is the primary consideration. 
three letters of recommendation are required to complete 
the file prior to review by the Admission Committee. 
Program Requirements 
Detailed information regarding the process can be found 
To be considered for admission, applicants must have a 
on the DO program admissions website. 
bachelor’s degree or complete the requirements for a 
degree before enrollment. The degree must be from a  The Admissions Committee will select the most 
regionally accredited institution.  competitive applicants to participate in an on-
campus interview. Following the interview, the 
Applicants must submit entrance exam (e.g., MCAT) scores 
Admissions Committee will review applicant files and 
during the application process; scores no older than two 
interview results to make decisions. Generally, applicants 
years are preferred. Required courses must be completed 
will receive a response to their application within three 
before registration. The minimum grades recommended 
weeks of the interview. 
for application are a 2.8 cumulative GPA and a 2.8 science 
GPA on a 4.0 scale, and at least a “C” in each of the  Students wishing to be considered for transfer into the DO 
following prerequisite areas:  program from another college of medicine (osteopathic or 
allopathic) must meet the following criteria: 
9
•  Student must be ranked in the upper 50% of  considered for advanced standing credit.  Additional 
his/her current medical school class.  information regarding advanced standing credit can be 
reviewed in the Advanced Standing Credit policy. 
•  Student must submit a supportive letter of 
recommendation from the dean of his/her current 
Technical Standards for Admission, 
medical school stating student is in good academic 
standing.  Academic Promotion and Graduation 
A candidate for the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree 
•  Student is enrolled in a COCA- or LCME-accredited 
must have abilities and skills (referred to as “technical 
medical school. 
standards”) in seven areas: unimpaired observation; 
•  Student must have a cogent reason for requesting  communication; motor/sensory; strength and mobility; 
transfer.  visual integration; intellectual, conceptual, integrative and 
quantitative; and behavioral and social. The University is 
•  Student is willing to participate in a personal 
committed to complying with the terms of the Americans 
interview on our campus at the discretion of the 
with Disabilities Act, recognizing that certain minimum 
Chair of the Admissions Committee. 
technical standards must be present in all students seeking 
•  The Associate Dean of Academic Curriculum and 
a health care degree. Reasonable accommodations will be 
Medical Programs and a committee of COM course  provided when supported with appropriate 
directors will review the applicant’s transcript  documentation, but in all cases, candidates and students 
and determine where transfer credit will be given  must be able to demonstrate performance of these 
and what courses will be required for completion  standards in a reasonably independent manner. 
prior to graduation. 
1. Unimpaired Observation:  Candidates and students 
•  Student requesting transfer from other COMs  must have sufficient vision to be able to observe and 
must have passed COMLEX Level 1 of NBOME (or  timely interpret demonstrations, experiments and 
USMLE Step 1 if from an allopathic school).  laboratory exercises in the basic sciences. They must be 
able to observe a patient accurately for purposes of 
•  Student from an LCME-accredited medical school 
diagnosis and clinical care. 
must meet all DMU-COM OMM requirements prior 
to graduation.  2.  Communication:  Candidates and students must be 
able to speak, hear, observe, read and understand the 
•  Student must be enrolled at DMU a minimum of 
English language in order to elicit information; examine 
two years and meet all graduation requirements 
patients; describe changes in mood, activity, and posture; 
of the Student Handbook. 
and perceive nonverbal communications. They must be 
•  Student has not been convicted of a felony or  able to communicate effectively and respectfully with 
found guilty of professional or moral misconduct.  patients. Communication includes not only speech but also 
reading and writing. Candidate and students must also be 
•  Student must complete a criminal background 
able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and 
check and drug screen. 
written form with all members of the health care team. 
Additional information regarding transfer admission can 
3.  Motor/sensory:  Candidates and students must have 
be reviewed on the website. 
sufficient motor and tactile function to execute movements 
Students who have completed coursework in the Master of 
reasonably required to perform basic laboratory tests, 
Health Care Administration (MHA), Master of Public Health 
perform physical examinations, and provide clinical care, 
(MPH), Master of Science in Anatomy (MSA) or Master of 
including emergency treatment to patients. Such actions 
Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) program and are 
may include but are not limited to palpation, auscultation 
accepted into the DO program may petition to receive 
and percussion, and require coordination of both gross 
advanced standing for courses completed in the initial 
and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and functional 
program.  A maximum of 12.0 advanced standing credit 
use of the senses of touch and vision.  Candidates and 
hours can be requested. Courses must have been 
students must be willing and able to touch and examine 
completed within the last two years and students must 
members of all genders. 
have earned a minimum of a “B” grade in order to be 
10
Description:diagnostic and therapeutic care of medical ailments not ordinarily  The DMU Board of Trustees, the legal governing authority, which includes