Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine: Accreditation, Admissions, and Programs

The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) is dedicated to providing a supportive and purposeful environment for aspiring physicians. From the initial admissions process to the final clinical rotations, ACOM equips students with the tools necessary to thrive in their future medical careers.

Accreditation: A Mark of Excellence

ACOM holds full accreditation from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) of the American Osteopathic Association. COCA, recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE), is the sole accrediting agency for predoctoral osteopathic medical education.

In a meeting held on April 11-12, 2024, COCA reviewed the site visit report from the comprehensive site visit conducted at ACOM on December 4-7, 2023. Following this review, COCA voted to grant ACOM the accreditation status of "Accreditation with Exceptional Outcome," the highest recognition awarded by COCA, valid for 10 years.

James C. Jones, DO, FACEP, dean of ACOM, expressed his gratitude to the faculty and staff for their hard work and contributions to ACOM's strategic planning and accreditation process, emphasizing their focus on student well-being and success.

Furthermore, on December 13, 2018, COCA approved ACOM’s request for a substantive change, allowing the college to expand its matriculating class size to accommodate up to 210 students.

ACOM is also licensed as an Osteopathic Medical School authorized to confer the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine by the Alabama Community College System, Private School Licensure Division.

Institutional Accreditation involves the collection, review, analysis, and reporting of information to ensure compliance with nationally recognized standards set by COCA. The aim is to maintain the highest quality educational standards in the osteopathic medical education program. To achieve this, Institutional Effectiveness connects ACOM’s learning outcomes assessment with the program’s outcomes and competencies, aiming for continuous improvement. Additionally, fostering faculty and staff development is crucial in enhancing effectiveness. Library Resources play a vital role in supporting and enriching the learning, teaching, research, and service activities at ACOM.

Admissions Overview

ACOM welcomes determined and passionate applicants from all backgrounds, with a particular interest in those from Alabama and the surrounding region. The college utilizes a rolling admissions process, reviewing applications and making interview decisions throughout the admissions cycle. Applying early is recommended to maximize chances of acceptance.

Key Admissions Information:

ACOM accepts applications from U.S. citizens or permanent residents only.
ACOM does not accept international or non-permanent residents at this time. Applicants with DACA status also cannot be considered.
ACOM’s first seat deposit of $2,000 is due December 14.

Letters of Recommendation

In place of a premedical advisor or committee letter, ACOM accepts two signed letters written by college science professors. These letters should be from faculty who instructed applicants in the required lecture science courses or recommended upper-level science courses (biology, chemistry, or physics). Labs or research-based courses will not suffice.

Special Programs

ACOM offers several special programs designed to enhance the educational experience and prepare students for future success.

Read also: Looking at Alabama's Schedule

Student Ambassador Program

The ACOM Student Ambassador Program comprises select students dedicated to advancing the mission of ACOM. Ambassadors serve as role models for academic success, diversity, and collaboration. As positive, enthusiastic, and well-informed representatives of the student body, they promote and participate in official functions of ACOM.

Student Representatives

Each class elects its own student representative group to provide feedback on course progress to the course directors and overall feedback to administration about the program.

Anatomy/Osteopathic Principles and Practice Fellows Scholars Program

The Anatomy/OPP Fellows Scholars Program, offered through the Departments of Anatomy and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, expands educational opportunities for selected students with guided learning experiences in medical education, research, Osteopathic Principles and Practices, and Anatomy. Participants assist in all phases of the departments’ operations. A key emphasis of the program is to formally train students in medical education and begin a journey to achieve master’s-level experience and preparation to become excellent teachers and faculty.

Clinical Simulation Fellows Scholars Program

The Clinical Simulation Fellows Scholars Program expands educational opportunities for selected students with guided learning experiences in medical education, research, and Clinical Simulation. Participants assist in all phases of the ACOM Division of Clinical Sciences’ operation. An important emphasis of the program is to formally train the student in medical education and begin a journey to achieve master’s level experience and preparation to become excellent teachers and faculty.

Dual Degree Programs

ACOM also offers dual degree programs in collaboration with other universities:

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Troy University, Dothan Campus: This program educates and develops leaders and builders of enterprises who create value for their stakeholders and society at large. The MBA degree provides the skills and knowledge to successfully start a professional medical practice.
Master of Public Health (MPH), Samford University Online: This coordinated program prepares students for practice-related careers such as primary care and public health physicians in government agencies, rural health centers, and international health organizations. The multidisciplinary approach helps students apply the latest scientific evidence to build solutions to address current global health problems. DO students can take the majority of course work for the MPH during the summer term, and all MPH courses are offered online.
Master of Science in Management (MSM) - Leadership Concentration, Troy University: This program helps students acquire and enhance their leadership skills for careers in hospital or clinical settings. The MSM program is tailored to meet the needs of individuals with non-business backgrounds or degrees or those focused specifically on enhancing leadership skills.

Institutional Effectiveness and Planning

Institutional Research involves preparing surveys and reports for various external agencies, including federal and state entities. It is also important to ensure that relevant College information is easily accessible online for the ACOM community. IE further facilitates faculty and student research, as well as peer review through publication or grant applications. Institutional Planning entails coordinating activities for the development, review, and revision of the strategic plan that encompasses all essential aspects of the ACOM mission.

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