Established in 1976 in Stratford, NJ as the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine (UMDNJ-SOM), the school became part of Rowan University in July 2013 and changed its name to Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM). A second campus opened in Sewell, NJ in 2022.

The school adopted its current name, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, upon entering into partnership with Virtua Health in 2022. Now part of the newly established Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University, SOM proudly continues its commitment to providing excellence in medical education, research and health care as it trains the health care workforce of the future.