American Osteopathic Association, Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation AOA-COCA

Overview

The Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) is the accrediting body for colleges of osteopathic medicine in the United States. Operating under the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), COCA ensures that osteopathic medical schools meet rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness in education. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, COCA accredits 42 colleges of osteopathic medicine operating at 68 sites across the country. This accreditation signifies that these institutions meet or exceed COCA's established standards, which encompass areas such as mission, governance, curriculum, faculty and student outcomes.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

COCA was established to provide a structured and standardized approach to accrediting osteopathic medical education. The AOA, recognizing the need for a dedicated body to oversee the accreditation process, founded COCA to ensure that osteopathic medical schools uphold the profession's standards and adapt to evolving educational needs. Over time, COCA has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of osteopathic medical education, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the healthcare needs of society.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives

COCA's mission is to serve the public by establishing, maintaining and applying accreditation standards and procedures to ensure that academic quality and continuous improvement in osteopathic medical education reflect the evolving practice of osteopathic medicine. The commission's objectives include:

• Ensuring that accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine meet or exceed established standards.
• Promoting continuous quality improvement in osteopathic medical education.
• Adapting accreditation standards to reflect the changing landscape of healthcare and education.
• Providing transparent and accessible information about accredited programs to stakeholders.

These objectives align with COCA's broader mission to maintain and enhance the quality of osteopathic medical education, thereby ensuring that graduates are equipped to provide high-quality healthcare.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

COCA operates as an autonomous body within the AOA, with its own governance structure to ensure impartiality and objectivity in the accreditation process. The commission is composed of members who are experts in various aspects of medical education, including faculty, administrators and practitioners. These members are appointed based on their expertise and commitment to the principles of osteopathic education. COCA's independence is crucial in maintaining the credibility and integrity of the accreditation process, allowing it to make decisions based solely on the merits of each program under review.

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

COCA's primary role in higher education is to evaluate and accredit colleges of osteopathic medicine, ensuring they meet established standards of quality. This process involves a comprehensive review of various aspects of each institution, including:

• Mission, goals and objectives
• Governance, administration and finance
• Facilities, equipment and resources
• Faculty and staff qualifications
• Curriculum design and delivery
• Student admissions, performance and evaluation
• Research and scholarly activity

Through this rigorous evaluation, COCA ensures that accredited institutions provide high-quality education that prepares students to meet the demands of the healthcare profession.

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

COCA's recognition by the U.S. Department of Education underscores its credibility and adherence to national standards. Additionally, COCA's standards have been acknowledged internationally. For instance, the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) awarded COCA a ten-year recognition status, affirming that COCA-accredited programs meet standards equivalent to those of other top medical schools worldwide. This international recognition facilitates the mobility of osteopathic physicians and enhances the global reputation of U.S.-trained osteopathic medical professionals.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

COCA continues to influence the landscape of higher education by ensuring that osteopathic medical schools maintain high standards of education. Its role is increasingly important as the healthcare environment evolves, with a growing emphasis on primary care and holistic patient management. By adapting accreditation standards to reflect these changes, COCA ensures that osteopathic medical education remains relevant and effective. Looking forward, COCA's commitment to continuous improvement will help shape the future of osteopathic medical education, ensuring that it meets the needs of both students and the communities they serve.

7. Summary

The Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of osteopathic medical education in the United States. Through its rigorous accreditation process, COCA ensures that colleges of osteopathic medicine meet high standards, preparing graduates to provide excellent healthcare. Its recognition by the U.S. Department of Education and international bodies like the WFME underscores the credibility and global relevance of COCA-accredited programs. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, COCA's commitment to quality and continuous improvement will remain central to the advancement of osteopathic medical education.

8. FAQs

1. What is the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA)?
   COCA is the accrediting body for colleges of osteopathic medicine in the United States, ensuring that these institutions meet rigorous standards of quality in medical education.
2. How many colleges of osteopathic medicine are accredited by COCA?
   COCA accredits 42 colleges of osteopathic medicine operating at 68 sites across the United States.
3. Is COCA recognized by the U.S. Department of Education?
   Yes, COCA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting agency for colleges of osteopathic medicine.
4. What standards does COCA use to evaluate colleges of osteopathic medicine?
   COCA evaluates institutions based on standards related to mission, governance, curriculum, faculty, resources and student outcomes.
5. Does COCA have international recognition?
   Yes, COCA's standards have been recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), affirming that COCA-accredited programs meet international standards of medical education.

Organization Name

American Osteopathic Association, Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation

Acronym

AOA-COCA

Year of Establishment

1/01/1973

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

U.S. Department of Education

Affiliations or Memberships

Association for Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

142 East Ontario Street
Chicago
60611 Illinois United States

Phone

+1 (312) 202 8124

Fax

+1 (312) 202 8202

n.a.

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Wikipedia Article

American Osteopathic Association, Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation's Wikipedia article

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