Accredited Medical Schools (US)

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) is the accrediting agency responsible for evaluating and accrediting colleges of osteopathic medicine (COM) in the United States. COCA’s role is critical in ensuring that osteopathic medical schools meet the required standards of education, clinical training, and research to provide high-quality education to students pursuing careers as osteopathic physicians. COCA is the only accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) for osteopathic medical schools, and its accreditation is essential for the schools to grant degrees that are accepted by licensing bodies, hospitals, and healthcare systems across the United States.

Osteopathic medicine is a distinct branch of medicine in the United States that emphasizes the interrelationship between the body’s nerves, muscles, and skeleton, along with the body’s ability to heal itself. Osteopathic physicians (DOs) are trained to use hands-on techniques, known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), to diagnose and treat various conditions. DOs focus on treating the whole person rather than just symptoms or isolated parts of the body, taking into consideration the physical, emotional, and environmental factors that impact health.

In order to be fully prepared to meet the high demands of the profession, students attend accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine that provide a comprehensive medical education. COCA's accreditation process is designed to assess whether an osteopathic medical school provides students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experiences required for them to become competent physicians. Schools that achieve COCA accreditation demonstrate a commitment to the highest standards of medical education and the continuous improvement of their programs.

The following is a detailed list of the osteopathic medical schools in the United States accredited by COCA. These institutions provide a diverse range of educational opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in osteopathic medicine.

A.T. Still University College of Osteopathic Medicine – A.T. Still University, located in Kirksville, Missouri, was the first institution to establish a school of osteopathic medicine. Its College of Osteopathic Medicine is one of the leading programs in the field, providing students with comprehensive training and a strong foundation in both clinical and basic sciences.

A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine – Located in Kirksville, Missouri, this institution is historically significant as the birthplace of osteopathic medicine. It continues to offer a rigorous osteopathic medical education that blends traditional medical training with osteopathic principles.

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University – Based in Glendale, Arizona, this college offers a highly respected program in osteopathic medicine. Students benefit from a strong focus on clinical training and the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment.

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University – Situated in Downers Grove, Illinois, this osteopathic medical school provides students with innovative education and clinical training, preparing them to practice in a wide range of healthcare settings.

Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine – Located in Des Moines, Iowa, Des Moines University has long been recognized for its excellence in training osteopathic physicians. The program offers students opportunities for hands-on clinical experience and research involvement.

Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences-Osteopathic College – Kansas City University, based in Kansas City, Missouri, provides osteopathic medical students with comprehensive education and training, along with strong partnerships with regional healthcare institutions for clinical education.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine – Lake Erie College, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, offers an osteopathic medical program that prepares students for a variety of medical specialties. The college places strong emphasis on community service and health promotion.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Bradenton Campus – The Bradenton, Florida campus of Lake Erie College offers students an osteopathic medical program with a focus on primary care and community-based healthcare.

Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine – Situated in Harrogate, Tennessee, Lincoln Memorial University provides students with opportunities for training in osteopathic medicine, with an emphasis on serving underserved communities.

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine – Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine is one of the most respected programs in the country, offering students a wide range of educational and clinical experiences.

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) College of Osteopathic Medicine – Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, NSU’s osteopathic medical school is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, diverse student body, and commitment to providing care to underserved populations.

New York College of Osteopathic Medicine Of NYIT – Located in Old Westbury, New York, the NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine offers a comprehensive program combining osteopathic principles with cutting-edge research and clinical training.

Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine – Oklahoma State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, provides students with a strong foundation in osteopathic medicine, supported by robust clinical training opportunities.

Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine – Ohio University, located in Athens, Ohio, offers an osteopathic medical program that is deeply committed to rural healthcare, offering clinical rotations in underserved communities.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, with campuses in Philadelphia and Georgia, is one of the largest and most established osteopathic medical schools in the country, offering diverse training opportunities.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia Campus – The Georgia campus of PCOM is located in Suwanee, Georgia, and serves as an extension of the original Philadelphia campus, providing students with osteopathic training in the southeastern United States.

Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine – Pikeville College, located in Pikeville, Kentucky, offers a distinctive program aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of the Appalachian region.

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Touro College, based in Harlem, New York, provides a comprehensive osteopathic medical education with a focus on providing care to underserved urban populations.

Touro University - California Touro University College of Osteopathic – Located in Vallejo, California, this branch of Touro University provides a curriculum that incorporates both clinical and academic training, with a strong emphasis on community healthcare.

Nevada Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine – Situated in Henderson, Nevada, this osteopathic medical school is dedicated to preparing students for careers in primary care and community health.

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Osteopathic Med – Though the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey is now part of Rutgers University, its College of Osteopathic Medicine has a long-standing history of producing skilled osteopathic physicians.

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine – Located in Biddeford, Maine, this college has a strong commitment to primary care and rural healthcare, providing clinical training across Maine and New England.

University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth Texas – The University of North Texas Health Science Center’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, based in Fort Worth, is recognized for its excellence in educating osteopathic physicians in Texas and beyond.

Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Located in Blacksburg, Virginia, this osteopathic medical school emphasizes rural healthcare and primary care, with a focus on producing physicians dedicated to serving underserved communities.

Western University - College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific – Based in Pomona, California, WesternU provides a comprehensive osteopathic medical education in a state-of-the-art facility, with a focus on primary care and community-based healthcare.

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine – Located in Lewisburg, West Virginia, this school offers a rigorous osteopathic medical program that provides students with a strong foundation in clinical skills and a focus on serving rural communities.

Each of these schools adheres to the accreditation standards set forth by COCA, ensuring that students receive high-quality medical education and training to become skilled osteopathic physicians. The accreditation process also ensures that these institutions are committed to continual improvement, innovation, and excellence in medical education, clinical training, and healthcare delivery. With these schools contributing to the growing demand for osteopathic physicians, students can confidently pursue their education and careers knowing they are receiving top-tier training that meets national and international medical standards.