Exciting Developments at IUP’s Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine

Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) continues to make significant progress toward establishing its proposed college of osteopathic medicine. This initiative will transform healthcare education and rural healthcare access in western Pennsylvania and beyond.

Building Momentum Toward Accreditation

Since announcing its plans in 2023, IUP has formally initiated steps toward accreditation of its proposed college of osteopathic medicine from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). If approved, the college could welcome its first class of future physicians as early as fall 2027.

“We’re committed to training the next generation of physicians who will serve rural and underserved communities,” said Dr. Lara Luetkehans, IUP Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “This college is a natural extension of IUP’s mission and values.”

There are only three colleges of osteopathic medicine in Pennsylvania, all at private universities; IUP’s proposed college would be the only one at a public university.

A Focus on Rural Healthcare

A key goal of IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine is to address physician shortages in rural areas. Pennsylvania ranks among the top states with underserved rural populations, and the need for family and primary care physicians continues to grow.

The curriculum will emphasize hands-on clinical experiences at rural hospitals, community partnerships, and a strong foundation in osteopathic principles, preparing students to meet real-world healthcare needs with compassion and expertise.

Support and Partnerships

The project has drawn strong support from state and federal leaders, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders. IUP has partnered with local hospitals, clinics, and health systems to secure clinical training sites and residency opportunities—12 formal clinical training affiliation agreements have been signed by hospitals and health providers in the region.

Additionally, IUP’s Board of Governors has allocated $2 million in design funds for the academic building renovations for a health sciences cluster and proposed a college of osteopathic medicine on the university’s Indiana campus. Plans are underway to renovate existing facilities and create state-of-the-art learning environments.

Stay Involved

IUP invites alums, healthcare professionals, and community members to stay engaged and support this historic initiative. To learn more or get involved, visit https://www.iup.edu/president/proposed-com/index.html for updates and opportunities.

The journey to launching a college of osteopathic medicine is ambitious. Still, with IUP’s tradition of excellence, community commitment, and visionary leadership, the future looks bright for the university and the region’s health.