University of North Texas Health Science Center/Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC/TCOM) has been granted 10-year Accreditation with Exceptional Outcome, the highest level of accreditation given by the AOA’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).
‘Transforming lives’
“We’re very pleased to have earned the highest level of accreditation possible,” said Frank Filipetto, DO, interim dean of UNTHSC/TCOM. “To perform so well in all the areas evaluated shows that it was truly a team effort, from those team members that maintain our facilities to our faculty, staff, students, and community partners who are part of our TCOM family.
“We couldn’t do it without the help of our entire UNTHSC/TCOM team and their commitment to our purpose of transforming lives.”
COCA, which reports to the U.S. Department of Education, is the national accrediting body for colleges of osteopathic medicine. COCA has also given 10-year accreditation to two other COMS, the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona.
To earn and maintain accreditation, colleges undergo thorough evaluations to determine if they meet or exceed standards with respect to educational quality. Among the areas examined are an institution’s mission, leadership, finances, facilities, curriculum, faculty, staff, students, research, graduate medical education and outcomes.
‘Extraordinary teamwork’
Provost Charles Taylor, PharmD, said he was proud of the time, energy and effort that UNTHSC/TCOM team members put into the rigorous accreditation process.
“To receive ‘Accreditation with Exceptional Outcome’ reiterates our commitment to the success of our students and is an outstanding example of the extraordinary teamwork happening every day at UNTHSC,” he says.
Further reading:
UNECOM and ATSU-SOMA first COMs to receive 10-year accreditation
COCA receives USDE renewal as recognized accrediting agency