Osteopathic education: The link between mission and accreditation

ObjectiveThis commentary promotes the role of accreditation in meeting a school's mission.BackgroundUnderstanding the parallels between the growth of osteopathic educational institutions and the increase in educational standards over time places a historical perspective on this subject.DataThe concept of minimum competence, exceeding minimum competence, and their link to the assurance of quality in osteopathic medical education is explored. Knowing that a school's mission speaks to excellence and quality, and that the accreditation process is a way to ensure quality, mission and accreditation are therefore linked.ConclusionThrough the accreditation process, we ensure that our schools' missions are met, and we assure our students and the public that we deliver an osteopathic medical education of the highest quality.