Osteopathic Core Competencies Policy

We educate our students in the evaluation and management of frequently occurring, complex, concurrent, and ill-defined problems across a wide variety of acute and chronic presentations in simulated and direct patient encounters. The delivery of our curriculum is accomplished through a blended educational environment via interactive video content, small groups, immersive experiences, and targeted live lectures.

The expectations for progressive competency in performance are:

  • Application of Medical Knowledge, through biomedical sciences and Osteopathic Principles and Practices, in the diagnosis and intervention of common medical conditions in the course of Patient Care.
  • Effective Interpersonal and Communication Skills incorporating knowledge, behaviors, critical thinking and decision-making skills related to:
  • Medical history and physical examination
  • Osteopathic structural exam
    • Application of osteopathic manipulative medicine
  • Outlining a differential diagnosis for presenting complaints
    • Devising an evidence-based, cost-effective diagnostic approach
    • Appropriate interpretation of diagnostic studies
  • Discriminating between available therapeutic modalities
  • Understanding Practice-Based Learning and Improvement (PBLI), the impact of epidemiology, evidenced based medicine, best clinical practices, clinical guidelines, and the delivery of quality health care on PBLI.
  • Appropriate use of technology to support patient education and disease prevention.
  • Professionalism in upholding the highest moral and ethical standards in interactions with members of the health care team and with patients.
  • Awareness of and responsiveness to Systems-Based Practices in the context of the health care systems including the critical role of physicians within the health care system and identifying system resources to maximize the health of the individual and the community.

Competencies for Graduation
In addition, Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine’s curriculum prepares students for graduate medical education. Graduates meet the following minimal competencies:

COMPETENCY 1: Osteopathic Philosophy and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Graduates are expected to demonstrate and apply knowledge of accepted standards in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). The education goal is to train a skilled and competent osteopathic practitioner who remains dedicated to lifelong learning and to practice habits consistent with osteopathic principles and practices.

COMPETENCY 2: Medical Knowledge

Graduates are expected to demonstrate and apply knowledge of accepted standards of clinical medicine in their respective specialty area, remain current with new developments in medicine, and participate in life-long learning activities, including research.

COMPETENCY 3: Patient Care

Graduates must demonstrate the ability to effectively treat patients, provide medical care that incorporates osteopathic principles and practices, empathy, awareness of behavioral issues, preventive medicine, and health promotion.

COMPETENCY 4: Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Graduates are expected to demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that enable them to establish and maintain professional relationships with patients, families and other members of health care teams.

COMPETENCY 5: Professionalism

Graduates are expected to uphold the Osteopathic Oath in the conduct of their professional activities that promote advocacy of patient welfare, adherence to ethical principles, collaboration with health professionals, life-long learning, and sensitivity to diverse patient populations. Graduates should be cognizant of their own physical and mental health in order to effectively care for patients.

COMPETENCY 6: Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

Graduates must demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate their methods of clinical practice, integrate evidence-based medicine into patient care, show an understanding of research methods, and improve patient care practices.

COMPETENCY 7: Systems-Based Practice

Graduates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of health-care delivery systems, provide effective and qualitative patient care with the system, and practice cost-effective medicine.

This policy was reviewed and revised in March 2024. For assistance with policies and procedures, please contact Alexa Levine (adlevine@noordacom.org).