New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

The New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYIT-COM) is a private medical school located primarily in Old Westbury, New York. It also has a degree-granting campus in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Founded in 1977, NYIT-COM is an academic division of the New York Institute of Technology. Formerly the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, it is one of the largest medical schools in the United States. History The college opened in 1977, as the first osteopathic medical school in the state of New York, offering the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O.). The college was established through the efforts of Dr. W. Kenneth Riland, an osteopathic physician (D.O.), and New York State Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller and members of the Rockefeller family. The college was granted accreditation by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and was chartered under New York State law through the efforts of Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller. In 1978, Nelson Rockefeller contributed $250,000 to the college's general endowment fund and in 1979 Laurance Rockefeller contributed the same amount. The friendship between Nelson Rockefeller and W. Kenneth Riland was an important factor in the founding of the medical college. Dr. Riland served as Mr. Rockefeller's personal physician during his governorship of New York as well as during his vice-presidency in the Ford administration. To honor the efforts and contributions of Governor Rockefeller, the Nelson A. Rockefeller Academic Center was dedicated in 1979. The inaugural class of 34 students graduated on June 11, 1981. An honorary Doctor of Laws degree was awarded to Dr. W. Kenneth Riland, who was honored for his role in the establishment of the college. The W. Kenneth Riland Academic Health Care Center, completed in 1984, is located on campus and serves as a clinic and teaching hospital.