In order to be eligible for membership with the association, the applicant is supposed to satisfy the following criteria:

Osteopathic Manual Practitioners — Foundational and Educational Standards

NARDMO aligns its foundational education and professional standards with the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) curriculum framework. These standards provide the guiding structure for both program reviews and individual practitioner development within the association.

Eligibility and Practice Requirements

• Practitioners must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents to work legally within Canada.

• Foreign members or individuals awaiting approval who are located in Canada are not permitted to treat patients until authorization is granted.

• All practitioners must maintain active and valid professional insurance coverage, either individually or through their employer, including workplace liability protection.

Educational Requirements

Education requirements are consistent with the WHO Benchmarks for Training in Osteopathy (2010) and are organized under two training pathways:

Type 1 pathway

Applicants enter with secondary-school completion or equivalent; no previous healthcare qualification is required.

The program framework comprises 4,200–6,000 total learning hours, normally completed over four years full time or an approved equivalent, including a minimum of 1,600 hours of supervised clinical practice and training.

Type 2 pathway

Applicants enter with a recognized previous healthcare qualification.

The program framework comprises 4,200–6,000 total learning hours, subject to documented Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and transfer-credit decisions. Duration is determined by accepted prior learning and remaining requirements. A minimum of 1,600 hours of supervised clinical practice and training is required.

Both pathways must achieve equivalent graduation competencies and assessments. The 1,600-hour clinical minimum is included within the total program hours.

These are NARDMO’s association requirements. Referencing WHO benchmarks does not mean every numerical requirement above is prescribed by WHO.

Graduation alone does not guarantee membership. Applicants must also meet NARDMO’s examination and professional requirements.

Program and Institutional Requirements

Graduation as a Manual Osteopathic Practitioner (OMP) or Master of Science in Osteopathic Manual Practice (MsOMP) must be from a recognized Canadian institution or an internationally accredited equivalent. Select private institutions may be considered for recognition at the discretion of NARDMO.

The benchmarks and foundational academic standards recognized by NARDMO are based on the Core Curriculum developed by the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO). This curriculum provides the framework for competency expectations, clinical skill development, and integration of osteopathic principles and practice across all approved programs.  See chart below for reference.

Please submit the following documents when applying for membership by email:

• Completed registration form, which we will send to you by email, and government-issued identification.

• A copy of your diploma and official transcripts.

• One passport-sized headshot photograph. If your application is accepted, this photograph will be used for your membership certificate.

• Your CV and verified clinical-training records.

• Accepted examination results.

• Proof of professional liability insurance covering your activities.

• Current first aid and CPR certification.

• Criminal-record screening and a Vulnerable Sector Check, where applicable.

• Relevant professional-standing and disciplinary disclosures.

• Evidence of authorization to work in Canada, where applicable.

• Agreement to NARDMO’s bylaws, ethics and practice standards.

Screening findings must be assessed through a documented, fair review process.

Membership fees

• New members: $1,000 CAD for initial registration, including first-year membership.

• Active members: $500 CAD for annual renewal.

• Reapplying members following a lapse or departure: $1,000 CAD, including the first year after readmission. Reapplication requires reassessment against the requirements in force.

Membership fees may be paid by credit card or e-transfer.

Want to renew your membership?

Here is a list of our annual membership fees:

Manual practitioner: $500.00 CAD – Annual Renewal Fee 

• Registration fee – for manual practitioners – $1,000.00( annual membership included) for new members.
• Re-registration fee (previous members)- $1000.00.
• Temporary membership for three months – $500.00 (New members).
• Annual membership-$500 (renewal for active members)

LLT3 & 4 Low Level Laser Therapy: $500.00 CAD.
Shockwave Therapy: $500.00 CAD

Please pay attention: Annual and Registration fee are not refundable.

Please note that all admission fees (including the initial admission fee of $1,000.00 CAD) are not refundable to members who have been removed and banned from the Association for fraud and other offences as determined by the Board of Directors. The admission fee of $1,000.00 CAD and admission criteria apply to members who are re-applying to the Association after being inactive or have been active at another association.

The Board of Directors reserves the right to remove and/or cancel membership for any member(s) providing false/incorrect information. Members who do not abide by/follow our Standards of Practice or implement any behaviour which will falsely or negatively represent the  Association may also be removed with/without notice.

Reference Framework: General Objectives for an Osteopathic Principles and Practice Curriculum

(Adapted from the American Academy of Osteopathy)

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Source:
American Academy of Osteopathy. “General Objectives for an Osteopathic Principles and Practice Curriculum.” All rights reserved.