Top 10 Medical Schools In Des Moines IA And Fees (2026)

Des Moines, Iowa, may be modest in size, but it boasts some of the most respected medical and health sciences programs in the Midwest. Whether you want to become a physician, podiatrist, physician assistant, nurse, or allied health professional, Des Moines offers excellent educational opportunities. In this post, we explore the top 10 medical schools and health programs in Des Moines, including tuition, fees, and career prospects.

Top 10 Medical Schools In Des Moines IA And Fees

1. Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO Program)

Des Moines University (DMU) College of Osteopathic Medicine is the premier medical school in the city, granting the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. It focuses on holistic, whole-body patient care.

• Tuition & Fees: ~$66,300/year; fees: ~$89/year; living expenses: ~$20,000/year.
• Highlights: Hands-on clinical experience, high board pass rates, community-oriented training.
• Career Path: Graduates pursue primary care or specialty medicine in all 50 states.

2. Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (DPM Program)

This DMU college trains students to become podiatric physicians, focusing on foot and ankle care.

• Tuition & Fees: ~$44,000/year; additional living and rotation expenses.
• Highlights: Four-year intensive program with real-world clinical experience.
• Career Path: Board-certified podiatrists in hospitals, private practice, or specialty clinics.

3. Des Moines University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)

The MSPAS program prepares students to become physician assistants (PAs) who provide care in collaboration with physicians.

• Tuition & Fees: Graduate-level tuition (contact DMU for specifics).
• Highlights: Rigorous curriculum, clinical rotations in multiple specialties, high PANCE pass rates.
• Career Path: Hospitals, clinics, urgent care, specialty practices.

4. Des Moines University Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MS or PhD)

The Biomedical Sciences programs at DMU provide advanced training for careers in research, teaching, or biomedical innovation.

• Tuition & Fees: ~$7,400/year (full-time M.S.); additional living costs.
• Highlights: Advanced coursework in anatomy, physiology, molecular biology; mentored research opportunities.
• Career Path: Clinical research, biotech, pharmaceutical industry, teaching.

5. Des Moines University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

The DPT program trains students to become licensed physical therapists specializing in mobility and rehabilitation.

• Tuition & Fees: Graduate-level tuition (contact DMU for current rates).
• Highlights: Classroom and clinical training, NPTE exam preparation, evidence-based practice.
• Career Path: Hospitals, outpatient centers, sports medicine, rehabilitation facilities.

6. Mercy College of Health Sciences — Pre-Health & Healthcare Programs

Mercy College offers pre-health, nursing, public health, and allied health programs as pathways into medical careers.

• Tuition & Fees: ~$16,632/year for undergraduates; graduate program fees vary.
• Highlights: Pre-health courses, bachelor’s degrees in nursing/public health, certificates in medical assisting, radiology, and paramedic science.
• Career Path: Medical school, clinical careers, public health, allied health.

7. Mercy College of Health Sciences — Nursing & Public Health Programs

Mercy College’s nursing and public health programs prepare students for patient care and preventive medicine.

• Tuition & Fees: Varies by program level.
• Highlights: Clinical experience, NCLEX exam preparation, community health focus.
• Career Path: Nursing practice, community health, hospital administration.

8. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) — Health Science Pathway

DMACC provides allied health training and pre-med pathways, offering a cost-effective start for healthcare careers.

• Tuition & Fees: Community college rates; lower than university programs.
• Highlights: Courses in anatomy, medical terminology, lab fundamentals; transferable credits for pre-med/nursing.
• Career Path: Allied health roles, pre-med preparation for advanced programs.

9. Drake University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Drake University offers a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program essential to medicine and patient care.

• Tuition & Fees: Contact Drake for current tuition.
• Highlights: Clinical pharmacy training, patient medication management, collaboration with physicians.
• Career Path: Licensed pharmacists in hospitals, community pharmacies, research, or policy roles.

10. Allied & Specialized Health Certificates (Various Providers in Des Moines)

Des Moines also offers certificate and short-term programs in EMT, radiologic tech, sonography, paramedics, and clinical lab sciences.

• Tuition & Fees: Lower than full-degree programs; varies by provider.
• Highlights: Fast-track programs, career-focused training.
• Career Path: Emergency response, clinical laboratory, diagnostic imaging.

How to Choose the Right Program in Des Moines

1. Career Goals: Choose programs aligned with your target role (DO, PA, nursing, allied health).
2. Cost & Financial Aid: Graduate programs are higher-cost but lead to high-earning careers; pre-health programs are more affordable.
3. Clinical Opportunities: Des Moines offers strong partnerships for hands-on experience.

Conclusion 

Des Moines provides top-tier medical and health sciences education across osteopathic medicine, podiatry, physician assistant studies, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health. From affordable pre-health programs to advanced doctorate degrees, the city equips students for meaningful careers in healthcare.