Core Curriculum & Competencies of Osteopathic Practice
The Ontario Association of Osteopathic Practitioners (OAOP) ensures that its members meet high professional standards through a comprehensive curriculum that integrates basic sciences, clinical sciences, osteopathic principles, and hands-on practical training.
π Core Areas of Study
π¬ Basic Sciences
- History and philosophy of science
- Gross and functional anatomy (including embryology, neuroanatomy, and visceral anatomy)
- Fundamental bacteriology, biochemistry, and cellular physiology
- Physiology, with an emphasis on:
- Neuroendocrine-immune network
- Autonomic nervous system
- Arterial, lymphatic, venous, and musculoskeletal systems
- Biomechanics and kinetics
βοΈ Clinical Sciences
- Models of health and disease
- Safety and ethics
- Pathophysiology of major body systems:
- Nervous, musculoskeletal, psychiatric, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, reproductive, genitourinary, immune, endocrine, and otolaryngology systems
- Basic orthopedic diagnosis and radiology
- Nutrition and basic emergency care
𦴠Osteopathic Science
- Philosophy and history of osteopathy
- Structure/function interrelationships in osteopathy
- Clinical biomechanics, joint physiology, and kinetics
- Mechanisms of osteopathic manual therapy techniques
π Practical Skills
- Patient history-taking and clinical examination
- Osteopathic diagnosis and differential diagnosis
- Interpretation of laboratory and imaging data
- Clinical problem-solving and reasoning
- Research evaluation and integration into practice
- Communication and patient interviewing
- Clinical documentation
- Basic life-support and first-aid care
π Osteopathic Manual Therapy Techniques
- Direct methods: Thrust, articulatory, muscle energy, and general osteopathic methods
- Indirect techniques: Functional techniques and counterstrain
- Balancing techniques: Balanced ligamentous tension and ligamentous articulatory strain
- Combined techniques: Myofascial/fascial release, Still technique, cranial osteopathy, visceral techniques
- Reflex-based techniques: Chapmanβs reflexes, trigger points, neuromuscular techniques
- Fluid-based techniques: Lymphatic pump techniques
π Training & Clinical Experience
Osteopathic practice requires both cognitive and hands-on skills, developed through supervised training.
- A minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Practical experience in an osteopathic clinical environment to ensure high-quality training
- Exposure to patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning
π Core Competencies for Osteopathic Practice
Osteopathic practitioners must demonstrate:
β A deep understanding of osteopathic philosophy and its application to healthcare
β Proficiency in palpatory and diagnostic skills
β Expertise in neuromusculoskeletal disorders
β Knowledge of indications and contraindications for osteopathic treatments
β Competency in diagnostic imaging, lab test interpretation, and physical examination
β Understanding of traditional and complementary medicine approaches
By maintaining these high standards, OAOP ensures its members provide safe, effective, and evidence-based osteopathic care to the public.