New colleges of osteopathic medicine: steps in achieving accreditation--an update.

The American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (AOA COCA) is recognized by the US Secretary of Education as the only accrediting agency for predoctoral osteopathic medical education. To maintain its recognition with the US Secretary of Education, AOA COCA is required to adhere to all federal laws and regulations associated with recognition of accrediting agencies. The authors discuss changes in the policies and procedures applicable to developing new colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) and discuss the COMs that have been granted Accreditation status since 2008. Also included is a review of AOA COCA-approved class sizes for accredited COMs.