How to Become an Osteopath?

Osteopathy, a natural and non-invasive practice, is gaining popularity. This alternative and traditional medical discipline is thriving worldwide, and Canada is no exception. Whether it’s stress management, relief from chronic or acute pain, or treating various disorders, the benefits of this therapeutic approach are numerous. Many Canadians are seeking osteopaths for well-being improvement and pain relief. A quarter of the population in Quebec has already turned to osteopathic therapy. Are you considering a career as an osteopath in Canada? The Collège d'Études Ostéopathiques (CEO) training centers welcome you in several provinces, from Manitoba to British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. Learn how to become an osteopath.

Becoming an Osteopath: What's New in Osteopathy and Training?

Private education currently dominates osteopathic training in Canada. Despite growing popularity and progressive recognition, this evolving profession still faces inconsistent regulation nationwide. Stakeholders expect osteopathy to move towards more significant structuring and more formal integration into the healthcare system.

Towards an Official Framework for the Osteopathic Profession?

In Quebec, for example, the province’s Office des professions has favored creating a professional order of osteopaths. This decision is considered a significant step forward in structuring the profession, protecting the public, and fostering collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

Are University Programs Being Developed?

University programs are also being developed to offer increasingly efficient training for future osteopaths. For instance, the University of Sherbrooke intends to create a master’s program in osteopathy in the coming years. This initiative aims to enhance existing training, particularly those provided by private centers. The evolution of university programs is essential for achieving academic and professional recognition in osteopathy.

Becoming an Osteopath: The Private Training Path

Since osteopathy still needs to be mandated as part of the university system for practitioner training, private schools are growing to meet the rising demand. Thus, private institutions play a central role in osteopath training in Canada.

In most Canadian provinces, where there is no professional order for osteopaths, associations like Osteopathy Quebec play a crucial role in structuring education and professionalizing osteopathy. They set practice standards, promote continuing education, and represent the profession’s interests with government bodies and the public.

Over time, osteopathic training is becoming increasingly structured. Rigorous programs are now offered, combining theory, clinical practice, and in-depth studies of anatomy and biomechanics.

The Collège d'Études Ostéopathiques (CEO) is a recognized osteopathy school known for its quality education. Its programs typically last several years and cover various subjects, from anatomy and physiology to pathology and specific manual techniques used in osteopathy. The rigour of these training programs ensures the credibility of osteopaths trained on both national and international levels.

Where to Study Osteopathy in Canada?

Do you want to become an osteopath? The CEO offers comprehensive and high-quality training at several centers across Canada. Benefit from excellent education provided by experienced professionals and join a dynamic community of students and graduates:

Becoming an Osteopath in British Columbia:

British Columbia is a province where osteopathy is booming. The CEO training center in Vancouver offers a variety of programs tailored to the population’s needs.

Becoming an Osteopath in Manitoba:

In Manitoba, osteopathic training at the CEO center in Winnipeg addresses the growing demand for alternative healthcare. It includes clinical internships that allow students to adapt to various care settings. Graduates are prepared to work in multidisciplinary clinics or open their practices.

Becoming an Osteopath in Nova Scotia:

The CEO also offers osteopathy programs in Halifax. Sessions are organized to accommodate small groups, ensuring personalized attention and strong relationships between students and professors.

Becoming an Osteopath in Quebec:

Quebec students have several options for osteopathy training. CEO training programs are available in both Montreal and Quebec City. If you live in either of these cities, you can take courses taught by recognized experts in the field while gaining supervised clinical experience in real-world settings, all while staying close to home.

How to Access Osteopathic Training?

Osteopathic training is open to various profiles:

• University graduates are eligible after an evaluation by an admissions committee, regardless of whether their degree is health-related or not.
• Already-graduated healthcare professionals. If you are a doctor, occupational therapist, nurse, veterinarian, pharmacist, dentist, or physical education and health professional, you can access the osteopathic programs developed by the CEO.
• Students with a Diploma of College Studies (DCS) in specific health-related fields, such as physical rehabilitation, nursing, acupuncture, medical electrophysiology, biomedical analysis, dental hygiene, and dietetics, may also be eligible. However, they are required to complete an additional 413-hour health science course before their admission is validated.

Two Training Options for Future Osteopaths:

• Full-Time Program

The full-time program lasts five years. It is designed for students without a health-related university background. It includes courses in anatomy, pathology, physiology, and osteopathy. Several practice days per week, supervised by qualified osteopaths, are included in this program at the CEO’s external clinic.

• Part-Time Program

The part-time program is aimed at already-graduated healthcare professionals. It focuses on osteopathy courses, as students are already trained in subjects like anatomy, physiology, and pathology. This program also lasts five years and includes several seminars.

Why Choose the CEO?

Train at a renowned institution like the Collège d'Études Ostéopathiques (CEO), known for its excellence. It offers solid theoretical education and intensive clinical practice in a learning-friendly environment. There are several benefits for osteopathy students:

• The CEO boasts a long history and strong reputation, having been active since 1981. Its training programs are regularly updated according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, ensuring high-quality education.
• The CEO places particular emphasis on practical training. The program favours in-person classes to develop essential manual skills. Students also have the unique opportunity to collaborate with the external clinic, where they can apply their knowledge under the guidance of experienced professors.
• Gain access to extensive academic resources, including over 1,200 titles, 1,000 theses, and 200 essays, allowing for in-depth research.
• Benefit from the training's professional recognition: Graduates are accepted by associations like Osteopathy Quebec, providing them with immediate credibility to practice legitimately.

What Diplomas Can You Obtain After the Training?

Osteopathic programs allow students to receive one of two diplomas issued by the CEO: the D.O. or D.O.M.P. The main characteristics of these diplomas are:

• D.O.M.P. :

If you study at the Vancouver, Winnipeg, or Halifax campuses, you will receive the D.O.M.P. or "Diploma in Osteopathy Manual Practice" upon completing the 5-year program. You can then work as an "Osteopathic manual practitioner" in Canada’s anglophone provinces.

• D.O. :

D.O. stands for "Diploma in Osteopathy." It is awarded at the CEO campuses in Montreal and Quebec City. D.O. graduates can use the professional title "Osteopath."

• What is the Difference Between D.O. and D.O.M.P.?

The D.O. title is also used in osteopathy. It stands for "Doctor of Osteopathy" and is a title protected by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, used by graduates from U.S. osteopathic medical schools. Canadian schools, including the CEO, cannot grant this title.

Conclusion

Considering a career as an osteopath in Canada is a wise choice. Job prospects for osteopaths are promising as the Canadian population increasingly embraces alternative therapies like osteopathy. If this path interests you, explore the training opportunities offered by private institutions like the Collège d'Études Ostéopathiques (CEO). These training programs are recognized by professional associations in various Canadian provinces, helping you integrate into the job market after graduation.