Accreditation, Authorization, and Licensure
The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) holds multiple approvals that serve distinct and important purposes in ensuring both legal authorization to operate and the quality of its educational program.
Accreditation
ACOM is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) of the American Osteopathic Association. COCA is recognized by the United States Department of Education and is the sole accrediting agency for predoctoral osteopathic medical education in the United States.
COCA serves as the accrediting body for both the institution and its Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program through an integrated accreditation framework specific to osteopathic medical education. This accreditation evaluates compliance with national standards related to curriculum, faculty, student achievement, resources, and educational effectiveness.
On April 6, 2017, ACOM was granted full accreditation by COCA.
At its meeting on April 11–12, 2024, COCA reviewed the report from the Comprehensive Site Visit conducted December 4–7, 2023, and voted to grant ACOM the accreditation status of Accreditation. This accreditation status, the highest recognition awarded by COCA, is valid for a ten-year period. ACOM’s next comprehensive site visit is scheduled for the 2033–2034 academic year.
In addition, on December 13, 2018, COCA approved ACOM’s request for a substantive change to increase its approved class size, permitting a matriculating class of up to 210 students.
State Licensure and Authorization
Separate from accreditation, ACOM is licensed by the Private School Licensure Division to operate as an osteopathic medical school and to confer the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. This licensure is a regulatory approval that authorizes the institution to operate and offer degree programs within the state.
ACOM also maintains required annual licensure with the City of Dothan, ensuring compliance with applicable municipal requirements.
Understanding Accreditation and Licensure
Accreditation and licensure are distinct processes that serve different purposes. Accreditation is a peer-review process that evaluates the quality and effectiveness of an educational program. Licensure and authorization are regulatory approvals that permit an institution to operate and confer degrees.
Licensure does not replace accreditation, and accreditation does not substitute for state licensure or authorization. These approvals are granted independently by different oversight bodies and work together to ensure that ACOM operates legally while delivering a high-quality educational program.
Here’s how to reach staffers from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).
Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation
142 E. Ontario St.
Chicago, IL 60611-2864
(312) 202-8124