Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation
The Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) is the accrediting body responsible for ensuring the quality of education at osteopathic medical schools in the United States. It operates under the authority of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and evaluates colleges based on established standards. Accreditation by COCA is essential for schools to grant degrees recognized by the AOA and for graduates to obtain licensure.
COCA's primary goal is to promote excellence in osteopathic medical education. It conducts regular reviews and assessments of osteopathic colleges to ensure they meet educational standards, which helps maintain the integrity of the profession and the quality of care provided by future osteopathic physicians.