Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Achieves Initial Accreditation, Marking a New Era

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Achieves Initial Accreditation

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine proudly commemorates a significant milestone in its evolution by receiving Initial Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This esteemed accreditation, effective June 26, 2025, marks a major achievement for the College, establishing its commitment to serving the community with a deep-seated mission.

Overview of Accreditation

The decision of the HLC, one of six institutional accreditors recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, confirms that Burrell College fulfills all essential eligibility requirements, federal compliance mandates, operational practices, and criteria for accreditation. The College is officially recognized to confer the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree at the doctoral program level. The Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) will continue to oversee the programmatic accreditation for the DO program.

This accolade not only highlights the College’s strategic academic environment but also enhances its ability to develop and offer additional health science-related degree programs in the future. These initiatives are currently in progress and will be publicized shortly.

Strength of the Academic Environment

A final report from the HLC Site Visit Team underscored several standout features of the College, including its robust academic environment, institutional effectiveness, and extensive student support infrastructure. Notably, the team remarked on the specifically dedicated faculty and staff who foster student success and maintain diligent oversight of the quality within the academic offerings.

Burrell College boasts sufficient space for students to engage in diverse activities, including coursework, team exercises, clinical engagement, and research, available across both the New Mexico and Florida campuses, including their Regional Academic Centers.

The evaluation team further commended Burrell College’s strong student services and institutional culture. The board members, administration, faculty, and staff exemplified a unified commitment to cultivating student success, wellness, and career preparedness, which were evident during the HLC team’s evaluations.

Quotes from Leadership

John L. Hummer, President of Burrell College, shared insights on this commendation, stating, "This recognition by the Higher Learning Commission is a tremendous affirmation of our ongoing commitment to grow and foster a healthy organization. Our service-oriented team is united by a shared vision to train exemplary physicians and healthcare professionals who serve with compassion. I am humbled by all that we have accomplished and deeply grateful to our Board of Trustees, clinical training affiliates, community partners, and every student, faculty, and staff member whose dedication made this achievement possible."

Future Outlook

With the institutional accreditation in place, Burrell College embarks on a ten-year cycle on HLC's Standard Pathway, with the next comprehensive evaluation for reaffirmation of accreditation slated for 2028-2029. The College’s revised official Statement of Accreditation Status will be made accessible on the HLC’s website, as well as disseminated to relevant state and federal bodies and accrediting organizations.

For those seeking more detailed information regarding Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, further details can be found at their official site, www.burrell.edu.

About Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

Founded in 2013, Burrell College is a four-year, private osteopathic medical school focused on student-centered education, employing modern educational technologies and methodologies to ensure success across the medical spectrum—ranging from primary care to specific specialties such as surgery, anesthesiology, and emergency medicine. The College operates campuses in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Melbourne, Florida.