Joining Requirements
Becoming a member of our NARDMO reflects a commitment to excellence, professionalism, and the highest standards in our field. Membership is open to qualified individuals who have met the educational and competency benchmarks set by our governing body.
To be eligible, applicants must:
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Successfully complete an approved educational program that meets the Association’s curriculum standards. The chart below outlines the minimum requirements for curriculum standards.
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Pass the National Board Examination, demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and ethical practices required for professional recognition.
These requirements ensure that all members are equipped to provide safe, effective, and ethical services, while upholding the integrity and reputation of our profession nationwide.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) & Transfer Credit Policy
The Association values diverse educational pathways and recognizes that members may acquire equivalent knowledge and skills through formal education, accredited training programs, and relevant professional experience. Through our PLAR and Transfer Credit process, applicants may receive recognition for prior learning that meets our national standards for competency and professionalism.
Applications are assessed on the basis of:
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Accreditation and credibility of the issuing institution or organization
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Relevance of the program or course content to the Association’s professional scope
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Comparability of learning objectives, curriculum content, instructional hours, and evaluation methods
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Recency of the training and evidence of continued professional involvement
To apply, candidates must provide official documentation such as transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution, detailed course or program outlines, instructor qualifications, and proof of institutional recognition. Transfer credit from a third party via another institution will not be accepted.
Credits will only be granted for equivalent learning that meets the Association’s requirements of accredited transferable university-level courses and will not exceed the credit value awarded by the original provider. In some cases, credit may be denied if requirements are not met or the training is outdated. Applicants will receive written notice of the decision and may appeal within the stated time frame.
This process ensures that all members, whether trained through approved programs or recognized prior learning, meet the same high standards of knowledge, skill, and ethical practice across Canada.
National Board Certification Agency
This organization provides certification for industry professionals to complete the entrance exam. This is an entrance exam to practice based on the American Osteopathic SCOPE exam.
The board exam is held twice per year, in each province.
Standards to attend National Examinations to practice.
Minimum requirements to join NARMO for DOMPs and Osteopathic Manual Practitioners:
| SL | SUBJECT | REQUIRED HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 135 Hours |
| 2 | Lab: Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 15 Hours |
| 3 | Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 135 Hours |
| 4 | Lab: Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 15 Hours |
| 5 | Musculoskeletal Injuries and Exercise | 270 Hours |
| 6 | Clinical Palpations | 135 Hours |
| 7 | Applied Kinesiology | 135 Hours |
| 8 | Pathology | 135 Hours |
| 9 | Orthopedics and Clinical Assessments | 135 Hours |
| 10 | Basic Manual Techniques | 135 Hours |
| 11 | Psychology | 135 Hours |
| 12 | Neurology | 135 Hours |
| 13 | Personal Fitness and Wellness | 135 Hours |
| 14 | Medical Ethics / The Ethics of Touch | 135 Hours |
| 15 | Nutrition | 135 Hours |
| 16 | Pharmacology | 135 Hours |
| 17 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 135 Hours |
| 18 | Diagnosis and Symptomology | 135 Hours |
| 19 | Microbiology | 135 Hours |
| 20 | Pathophysiology | 135 Hours |
| 21 | Sports Nutrition | 135 Hours |
| 22 | Introduction to Business | 135 Hours |
| 23 | Orthopedics | 135 Hours |
| 24 | Clinical Pediatrics | 135 Hours |
| 25 | General Surgery | 135 Hours |
| 26 | Advanced Osteopathic Manual Somatic Techniques and Advanced Osteopathic Clinical Assessment Techniques | 270 Hours |
| 27 | Clinical Knowledge and Skill Acquisition - 1-6 sessions | 1260 Hours |
| 28 | Clinical Geriatrics | 135 Hours |
| 29 | Wellness and Coaching | 135 Hours |
| 30 | Clinical Internship | 1260 Hours |
| 31 | Clinical Externship/Work | 400 Hours |
Total number of hours required: 6,622 hrs
*course credits provided for accredited transferable university-level courses for key science components and will not exceed the credit value awarded by the original provider.
