Bearkat Student Doctors Lead Again: SHSU-COM Tops the Nation on COMLEX-USA Level 1

Bearkat Student Doctors Lead Again: SHSU-COM Tops the Nation on COMLEX-USA Level 1

Sam Houston State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) has once again earned national distinction, achieving the highest first-time pass rate in the country on the COMLEX-USA Level 1 board exam, administered by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME). This marks the second consecutive year SHSU-COM student doctors have led the nation in performance. 

The class of 2026 earned a 100 percent first-time pass rate, placing SHSU-COM first among all 46 colleges of osteopathic medicine nationwide and well above the national average of 90.25 percent.  

“This achievement reflects the talent, determination and commitment of our student doctors and the faculty and staff who support them,” said Thomas J. Mohr, DO, dean of SHSU-COM. “I am incredibly proud of the class of 2026 for this accomplishment, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to excel as we approach Match Day in March. Their performance affirms the strength of our curriculum and the culture of service that defines this college.” 

The COMLEX-USA Level 1 exam assesses foundational medical knowledge essential for clinical practice and marks a critical milestone in a student doctor’s journey toward becoming a licensed physician.  

This announcement builds on a growing record of academic success. Earlier this year, SHSU-COM’s inaugural class of 2024 earned a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the COMLEX-USA Level 3 examination among those who opted to take the test during the 2024 cycle. The accomplishment placed SHSU-COM among only two of the 44 eligible colleges nationwide to achieve a perfect score, reflecting the readiness of its graduates to serve patients and communities with excellence.  

In March, the class of 2025 also celebrated an impressive Match Day, with 99 percent of student doctors securing residency placements and more than 55 percent matching into programs within Texas. Over 56 percent of the class entered primary care specialties, reflecting SHSU-COM’s ongoing commitment to addressing the state’s physician shortage, particularly in rural and underserved regions.  

SHSU-COM remains the first and only new osteopathic medical school to receive a 10-year Accreditation with Exceptional Outcomes, the highest level of approval granted by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). Since welcoming its first class in 2020, the college has built a consistent record of excellence across every stage of medical training, from classroom learning to national board exams and residency placement. As one of the least expensive osteopathic medical schools in the nation, SHSU-COM continues to demonstrate its dedication to preparing highly skilled, compassionate physicians who are ready to meet the healthcare needs of Texas communities.