The American Osteopathic Association safeguards the credibility and quality of the osteopathic profession through a number of programs that cover the educational continuum from the classrooms of the medical school to the board certification of DOs.

Predoctoral Educational Accreditation

The AOA Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation serves the public by establishing, maintaining and applying accreditation standards and procedures to ensure that academic quality and continuous quality improvement delivered by the colleges of osteopathic medicines (COMs) reflect the evolving practice of osteopathic medicine. The scope of the AOA COCA encompasses the accreditation of COMs. More.

Postdoctoral Training

Postdoctoral training is a fundamental part of becoming an osteopathic physician providing the opportunity to utilize the hands-on approach central to the tenets of osteopathic medicine. Following graduation, osteopathic graduates complete an approved 12-month internship. Many graduates then choose to complete a residency program in a specialty area.

Postdoctoral Training Program Approval

The AOA through its Program & Trainee Review Council (PTRC) approves postdoctoral training programs, determines program eligibility requirements, and evaluates interns and residents as well as the postdoctoral programs. The AOA assists DMEs, program directors, and other persons concerned with osteopathic postdoctoral training in providing the highest possible quality of graduate education for interns and residents in osteopathic institutions. More.

Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institution (OPTI)

Established in 1995, Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institutions (OPTIs) are a community-based training consortium comprised of at least one college of osteopathic medicine and one hospital. Other hospitals and ambulatory care facilities may also partner within an OPTI. Community-based healthcare facilities such as ambulatory care clinics, rehabilitation centers and surgicenters may now have the resources and support necessary to provide physician training with an OPTI's assistance. More.

Continuing Medical Education

The goals of AOA's continuing medical education (CME) program are the continued excellence of patient care and improving the health and well-being of the individual patient and the public. The purpose of the CME program is the growth of knowledge, the refinement of skills, and the deepening of understanding for the osteopathic profession. More.

Certification

Certification is recognition by one of the 18 AOA Approved Specialty Boards that a DO has achieved expertise in a medical specialty or subspecialty. More.