Federal state authorization regulations require institutions offering programs that lead to professional licensure or certification to disclose whether those programs satisfy the educational requirements for licensure in each state or territory where students may seek employment. See 34 CFR § 668.43(a)(5)(v).
Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda-COM) offers one degree program: the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.).
The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree awarded by Noorda-COM is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure as an osteopathic physician in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, subject to each jurisdiction’s applicable licensing requirements. Noorda-COM is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).
Licensure Requirements
Earning a D.O. degree is one component of the physician licensure process. Noorda-COM students are eligible for and required to take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) Level 1 and Level 2-CE during medical school. Graduates are eligible to take COMLEX-USA Level 3.
To obtain a license to practice osteopathic medicine, graduates must successfully complete all required components of the COMLEX-USA examination sequence and satisfy any additional licensure requirements established by the state or jurisdiction in which they seek licensure.
Additional state-specific requirements may include, but are not limited to:
- Completion of an accredited graduate medical education (residency) program
- Criminal background checks
- Jurisprudence or state law examinations
- Other requirements established by the applicable licensing board
Students are responsible for reviewing the licensure requirements of the state or jurisdiction in which they intend to practice. Current licensing requirements are available directly from the appropriate state medical or osteopathic licensing board.
Residency and Alternative Pathways
Graduation from medical school does not guarantee placement in a graduate medical education (residency) program. Graduates who do not initially match into a residency program may pursue opportunities such as:
- Conducting biomedical or clinical research
- Working in clinical support or healthcare-related positions
- Strengthening their residency application for a future Match cycle
- Other professional or educational opportunities consistent with their qualifications
In some states, graduates who have not yet entered residency may be eligible for a limited or supervised license—often referred to as an Assistant Physician, Associate Physician, or a similar title—that permits practice under the supervision of a licensed physician. Availability, eligibility requirements, and the name of these licenses vary by state.
Students seeking information about these pathways should consult the applicable state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) for current information regarding state-specific licensure options.
