Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Granted Initial Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

LAS CRUCES, N.M. and MELBOURNE, FL., July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (Burrell College) is proud to announce that it has been granted Initial Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six institutional accreditors recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The decision, effective June 26, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the College's history and affirms its mission-driven commitment to having a healthy and holistic impact on the communities it serves.

In awarding accreditation, the HLC Board of Trustees noted that Burrell College meets all Eligibility Requirements, Federal Compliance Requirements, Assumed Practices, and Criteria for Accreditation, including all core components. Burrell College is approved to confer the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree at the doctoral program level. The Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) will continue to serve as the programmatic accreditor for the DO degree program.

With this achievement, Burrell College is now positioned to seek HLC's approval to offer additional health science-related degree programs. These programs are in development and will be announced in the near future.

The final report from the HLC Site Visit Team highlighted the College's strong academic environment, institutional effectiveness, and the College's facilities and student support infrastructure, stating:

"Faculty and staff are clearly dedicated to the success of their students and have clear lines of responsibility in terms of the quality of the academic offerings." Furthermore, "Burrell College provides sufficient spaces for students to engage in coursework, team exercises, clinical experiences, and research across both the New Mexico and Florida campuses, as well as its Regional Academic Centers."

Further, the evaluation team commended Burrell for its robust student services and institutional culture:

"There are extensive avenues for student success, wellness, and career preparation that are readily available, and it was clear during the HLC team visits that the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, and staff are unified in their dedication to the success of Burrell College students and the institution."

"This recognition by the Higher Learning Commission is a tremendous affirmation of our ongoing commitment to grow and foster a healthy organization," said John L. Hummer, President of Burrell College. "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."

With institutional accreditation secured, Burrell College now begins a ten-year cycle on the HLC's Standard Pathway. The next comprehensive evaluation for reaffirmation of accreditation is scheduled for 2028–2029.

This HLC action updates Burrell College's official Statement of Accreditation Status, which will be published on the HLC website, and will also be shared with relevant state and federal agencies and accrediting associations.

For more information about Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, visit www.burrell.edu.

About Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine:
Burrell is a four-year, private osteopathic, student-centered medical school utilizing the latest medical education technologies and methods to ensure student success in all fields of medicine — from primary care to subspecialties like surgery, anesthesiology, and emergency medicine. Established in 2013, Burrell has two campuses, Las Cruces, New Mexico and Melbourne, Florida.

Media Contact: Sidney Alvarez
C: 504-495-4577

SOURCE Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine