Programmatic Level Educational Objectives
Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine defines Programmatic Level Educational Objectives (PLOs) to describe the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and professional attributes expected of all students across progressive stages of the curriculum.
These objectives are aligned with the Osteopathic Core Competencies and the nationally recognized Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) Competency Framework, including Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Professionalism, Practice-Based Learning and Improvement, and Systems-Based Practice. The curriculum is organized into three developmental phases. Progression is based on demonstrated competence, performance patterns, and readiness for increasing responsibility in patient care.
Although the curriculum is structured in phases, formal progression decisions occur both within and between phases, including promotion from Year 1 to Year 2 within Phase 1. Advancement is determined by the Student Promotion Committee (SPC) based on the totality of performance and demonstration of readiness for the next level of training. Achievement of these objectives is required for promotion as outlined in the Promotion Policy. These objectives are assessed through a combination of formative and summative evaluations mapped to program competencies.
Programmatic Level Educational Objectives are mapped to curricular components and assessment methods across all phases of the curriculum. Outcome data are regularly reviewed by faculty and institutional committees to evaluate student performance, inform promotion decisions, and guide continuous curricular and programmatic improvement. These objectives are communicated to students and faculty and serve as the foundation for curriculum design, assessment, and evaluation of program effectiveness.
Phase 1 – Foundational Competence
Students in Phase 1 develop the foundational knowledge, clinical skills, and professional behaviors necessary for entry into clinical training.
By the end of Phase 1, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to:
- Obtain a comprehensive medical history and perform a complete physical examination, including an osteopathic structural examination
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of normal human anatomy, physiology, and structure-function relationships, including osteopathic principles and practice (OPP) *pharmacology, micro/immuno
- Explain mechanisms of disease and foundational pathophysiology across organ systems
- Apply principles of professionalism, ethical behavior, and accountability
- Communicate effectively with patients, peers, and faculty
- Collaborate effectively within healthcare teams
- Apply foundational concepts of health systems science
- Demonstrate self-directed learning, critical thinking, and reflective practice
- Apply principles of research and critical appraisal of biomedical literature
Progression within Phase 1 and advancement to Phase 2 require demonstration of competence and readiness as determined by the SPC.
Phase 2 – Core Clinical Entrustment
Students in Phase 2 apply and integrate knowledge and skills in supervised clinical environments.
By the end of Phase 2, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to:
- Obtain focused and comprehensive histories and perform appropriate physical examinations
- Develop prioritized differential diagnoses
- Apply clinical reasoning to diagnostic and management plans
- Demonstrate understanding of pathophysiology and pharmacologic management
- Integrate osteopathic principles and utilize OMT when appropriate
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams
- Demonstrate professionalism and accountability in patient care
- Apply systems-based practice principles
- Engage in practice-based learning and improvement
Advancement from Phase 2 to Phase 3 requires demonstration of clinical competence and readiness as determined by the SPC.
Phase 3 – Advanced Entrustment for Residency Readiness
Students in Phase 3 demonstrate readiness for entry into graduate medical education.
By the end of Phase 3, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to:
- Perform patient evaluations with increasing independence
- Develop and implement diagnostic and management plans
- Perform core clinical procedures
- Enter and manage clinical orders under supervision
- Integrate evidence-based medicine into decision-making
- Demonstrate advanced communication skills
- Provide patient-centered care across diverse populations
- Incorporate osteopathic principles and OMT into care
- Function effectively as a member of the healthcare team at an intern-ready level
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability
- Engage in lifelong learning and professional development
Graduation requires demonstration of competence across all domains and readiness to contribute safely and effectively to patient care under appropriate supervision, as determined through SPC review and in accordance with the Graduation Policy.
This policy was reviewed and revised March 2026. To view the full policy please see the Catalog/Student Handbook. For assistance with policies and procedures, please contact Alexa Levine (alexa.levine@noorda.edu).
