COLA, Inc. is a physician-directed organization whose purpose is to promote health and safety through accreditation and educational programs. In 1993, COLA was granted deemed status by CMS to provide laboratory accreditation. As a leading laboratory accreditor in the United States, COLA operates its laboratory accreditation program in accordance with a quality management system certified to ISO 9001. This means we offer our customers a unique, standardized program and staff dedicated to satisfaction and laboratory quality. Our Surveyors and Technical Advisors are guided by a coaching approach and uncomplicated quality engineered processes. Laboratories of all types and sizes are evaluated and mentored to produce the highest quality laboratory services and meet CLIA regulations.

COLA’s Board of Directors consists of representatives from three founding member organizations: the American Medical Association (AMA), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the American College of Physicians (ACP).

The scholarship will be awarded on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis based on the information received from the candidate as well as the requested letter of recommendation.  All scholarship funds must be used for educational expenses for students actively enrolled and in good standing in a Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology Program at an accredited university or an accredited institution of higher learning.  Recipients are selected on the basis of academic merit and potential contribution to the field of laboratory medicine.  Scholarships may not be awarded to any Director, Officer or employee of COLA, Inc. or its subsidiaries, members of the Selection Committee, certain government employees, donors or their respective family members.