Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine: Accreditation and Standards
The Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KansasCOM), the first college of osteopathic medicine in Kansas, is committed to addressing healthcare disparities and training empathetic, patient-centered physicians. Located in Wichita, KansasCOM strives to improve healthcare by fostering innovation, caring, and inclusiveness.
Accreditation Status and Significance
KansasCOM has been granted pre-accreditation status by the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). This pre-accreditation allows KansasCOM to accept applications, admit students, provide medical instruction based on the approved osteopathic medical curriculum, and declare its pre-accreditation status. Full accreditation can be considered after the graduation of the first class, expected in May 2026.
The AOA Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) ensures academic quality and continuous improvement in colleges of osteopathic medicine by setting and upholding accreditation standards and procedures.
Graduates of Pre-Accredited COMs are eligible to receive the DO degree, participate in the Residency Match, enter all residency programs, and achieve licensure in all 50 states.
Facilities and Resources
KansasCOM provides a modern learning environment with advanced facilities, including:
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- Research Space: Offices for research faculty and a classroom with technology to host virtual guests through the Kansas Education and Research Network (KERN).
- Simulation Center: A 22,000 square foot center featuring inpatient and outpatient wings.
- Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) Suite: Includes 12 exam rooms equipped with A/V recording devices, a control room, a debriefing and meeting room, student and standardized patient (SP) check-in, and SP lounge.
- 3D Printer: Introduces students to the concepts of 3D printing and its future applications in medicine.
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Lab: Equipped with medical technology such as Microsoft HoloLens augmented-reality headsets and Visible Human Dissector.
Student Life and Support Services
KansasCOM focuses on providing a supportive and engaging environment for its students:
- Student Government Association (SGA): Elected by the student body, the SGA acts as a liaison between students and the administration.
- Student Organizations: Offer opportunities for leadership development, career exploration, community service, education, professional networking, and recreation.
- Office of Learning Enhancement: Provides academic support, including workshops, tutoring services, board exam preparations, course remediation, course reviews, and academic counseling.
- Office of Career Services: Offers resources for specialty selection, CV development, residency application process, and interview skill development. Students also have access to Careers in Medicine, a career-focused online tool.
- Mental Health Resources: On- and off-campus mental health resources are available, including access to licensed professionals and ComPsych services.
Admission Requirements and Standards
Admission to KansasCOM is competitive and based on factors that indicate a good fit with the school's mission. KansasCOM recruits students with diverse backgrounds who demonstrate the potential to become outstanding physicians.
Key admission requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college.
- Meeting health and technical standards to participate in and graduate from the osteopathic medical education programs. Reasonable accommodations are made as required by law, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Grades and MCAT scores are important indicators of success in medical school.
- Although not required for admission, applicants are encouraged to submit a current Casper score for consideration.
Commitment to Community and Service
Community engagement is central to KansasCOM's mission. Students participate in community service projects in the Wichita area, focusing on underrepresented populations, starting during orientation.
Grievance Procedures
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA), the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) and the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) provide individuals the opportunity to utilize their accreditation organizations to receive specific grievances, as well as providing a mechanism for reviewing and resolving complaints. Students may file complaints with HLC-NCA, COCA, CODA, or the APA, and may do so confidentially when permitted by the accreditation organization. Complaints regarding dishonesty or fraudulent activity in a KCU distance education program in a state outside of Missouri may be initiated through KCU's student grievance procedure. According to the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), the initial responsibility for investigating and resolving such grievances resides with the institution. DHEWD's decision is final. For more information about the distance-education complaint resolution process, see the National Council for State Authorization and Reciprocity Agreements. DHEWD will consider certain additional types of complaints following the student’s exhaustion of all processes available at their institution.
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