Experts in manual osteopathy distinguish two types of training depending on prior training and clinical experience of trainees. The WHO presents what the community of practitioners, experts and regulators of manual osteopathy considers to be adequate levels and models for training osteopathic practitioners. It provides training benchmarks for trainees with different backgrounds. Together, these can serve as a reference for national authorities wishing to establish systems of training, examination and licensure that support the qualified practice of manual osteopathy. Both types of osteopathic training programs are offered in Canada.
The Type II program is designed to enable previous healthcare professionals (e.g. a Registered Massage Therapist, Physiotherapist, Naturopathic Physician, Kinesiologist, Registered Nurse, etc.) to become qualified Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (O.M.P.). The syllabus and curriculum for Type II programs will vary depending upon the prior healthcare training and clinical experience of each individual student. Graduates of Type II and Type I programs must demonstrate the same competencies of osteopathic care. Type II program’s course content and length may be modified depending on the prior experience and training of individual applicants.
The Type I Program is designed to educate potential candidates with little or no prior healthcare/health sciences training background, but who have completed high school education or equivalent. These programs typically are four-year, full-time programs. This program will typically be longer in duration because of the extra time it takes to educate about general anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology – which Type II candidates already have from their previous disciplines.
The educational result for both Type II and Type I graduates is virtually the same, both Types have proven their competencies in the field of Manual Osteopathic Therapy through examination and adhere to the WHO Benchmarks for training in traditional / complementary and alternative medicine. These WHO benchmarks reflect what the community of practitioners considers to be reasonable in training professionals to practice the discipline of manual osteopathy, considering consumer protection and patient safety is at the core of professional practice.
For further reference, please consult the WHO “Benchmarks for Training in Osteopathy”
Both Type I and Type II manual osteopathy training pathways are recognized under WHO guidelines. NMOS, however, formally endorses those practitioners credentialed via the Type II route—candidates with preexisting healthcare education entering manual osteopathy. NMOS affiliation signals high-quality training, observance of ethical codes and practice standards, and broad eligibility for third-party reimbursement by leading Canadian insurers.
Philosophy of Practice
Our philosophy reflects the core principles of Manual Osteopathy:
Interconnected Systems
The musculoskeletal system is deeply connected with every other system of the body and often reflects the state of health or disease.
Structure and Function
Body structure and function are inseparable. A disturbance in one can lead to imbalance or disease in another.
Self-Healing Capacity
The body possesses an inherent ability to repair and defend itself. When adaptability is compromised—or external factors exceed the body’s capacity—dysfunction or illness may occur.
Rational Treatment
Effective treatment is guided by these principles, aiming to restore balance, support natural healing, and improve overall function.