Advance your expertise in hospice and palliative medicine through osteopathic subspecialty certification and demonstrate excellence in patient centered care.
About Osteopathic Certification
The American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists offers a Certificate of Added Qualification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Certification is administered through the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Conjoint Examination Committee, which also oversees Osteopathic Continuous Certification requirements.
Participating Specialty Boards
The following primary osteopathic boards participate in the Conjoint Committee:
- Emergency Medicine
- Family Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Neurology and Psychiatry
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Eligibility for Initial Certification
To earn a Certificate of Added Qualification in hospice and palliative medicine, candidates must:
- Graduate from a COCA accredited college of osteopathic medicine
- Hold active certification from an AOA primary specialty board
- Maintain a valid license to practice medicine in the United States
- Demonstrate clinical competence in hospice and palliative medicine
- Complete a 12 month ACGME approved hospice and palliative medicine fellowship
Clinical competence must be verified by the fellowship program director.
Certification Exam Overview
The osteopathic certification exam is:
- A proctored assessment
- Five hours in length
- Multiple choice format with single best answer questions
Details on exam scheduling, locations, and application requirements are available through the Conjoint Committee on Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Osteopathic Continuous Certification
Physicians with a time limited certificate must participate in Osteopathic Continuous Certification to maintain their credential. This includes completing all four required components established by the American Osteopathic Association. Physicians must also maintain certification in their primary specialty board.
Contact your primary board for current requirements and deadlines.
Alternative Certification Pathways
Midcareer physicians who are not eligible for certification through ABMS or AOA may consider Hospice Medical Director Certification.
Learn more through the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board.
Important Note
This page provides general guidance on osteopathic certification.
For specific eligibility criteria, application requirements, and timelines, contact your primary certification board directly.