The College of Osteopathic Medicine will graduate 65 medical students in May, a third of which will complete their residencies in the Central Valley. Photo by Ben Hensley

The California Health Sciences University (CHSU) announced last week that its College of Osteopathic Medicine has received a seven-year accreditation by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).

CHSU was informed of the news following the COCA Executive Committee decision during its April meeting.

COCA is recognized as the accreditor of osteopathic medicine colleges by the U.S. Department of Education.

“Congratulations to Dr. Graneto and his leadership team for this significant accreditation achievement for our medical school, which resulted from many years of support from the CHSU community — from the Trustees, Administration, faculty, staff, and students — many of whom served on committees and helped prepare the self-studies,” stated Flo Dunn, Founding President of CHSU.

The college expects 65 medical students to graduate in may, a third of which will complete their residencies in the Central Valley.

After earning a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, students are required to pass a final board licensing exam before starting residency programs in hospitals, clinics and health centers.

After they complete their residencies, practicing doctors are allowed to practice independently.

“We are extremely proud to have our medical school receive a seven-year accreditation from the COCA, which is the maximum amount for a new school,” said John Graneto, DO, Dean of the CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. “Having such a large number of CHSU students complete residencies locally, especially in primary care specialties, is an important part of our mission and will help underserved populations have more equitable access to health care.”

Last month, the university announced that its entire inaugural cohort of medical students in the program have been matched to a residency program.

The inaugural graduating class of 2024 medical students will be honored at a graduation ceremony at the Save Mart Center on Sunday, May 19.