Introduction to Osteopathy in the Cranial Field

This 40-hour Introductory course consists of virtual online lecture modules starting September 5, four mandatory online discussion groups, and concludes with an in-person 3-day lab training at the sites and dates listed above.

Who Should Attend

• Medical physicians (DO or MD) with a current unrestricted license to practice medicine in the US
• Dental physicians (DDS or DMD) with a current unrestricted license to practice dentistry in the US
• Resident physicians (DO or MD) who are under contract with an ACGME-accredited residency program
• Currently enrolled students at a US AOA-approved college of osteopathic medicine
• Medical physicians (MD) who reside and actively practice internationally with a current unrestricted license to practice medicine
• International osteopaths who meet all criteria (other than Intro Course requirement) for OCA membership including membership in an OCA-recognized affiliate society

Tuition Assistance

The OCA Foundation will be providing a limited amount of Tuition Assistance to support participation in this course.

• Students may be eligible for 100% or 50% Tuition Assistance, depending on available funding.
• Residents and Early Career Physicians may be eligible for 50% Tuition Assistance.

Applications should be submitted directly to the Foundation on their website. It is your responsibility to make sure your grant application is complete with the OCAF.

Submit your Tuition Assistance application FIRST, before registering for the course. Once your application is accepted, OCAF will provide you with the coupon code to use on your course registration.

Cost

Regular Registrant	$2,395
OCAF Approved Resident/Early Career Physician	$1,195
OCAF Approved Student	$0

Upon registration, you will receive detailed information about the lab site address, travel information, and recommended hotels.

Waitlist

Each lab site has limited capacity. If your preferred site is closed, you should join the waitlist. If you are notified that a spot become available, you will have 3 days to complete registration. If you are willing to consider multiple lab sites, contact office@cranialacademy.org.

Course Schedule

Lecture Week 1:
Self-study online video lectures (3-4 hours) Sep 5-19.
Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Sep 19 (various times).

Lecture Week 2:
Self-study online video lectures (3-4hours) Sep 20-26.
Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Sep 26 (various times).

Lecture Week 3:
Self-study online video lectures (3-4 hours) Sep 27-Oct 3.
Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Oct 3 (various times).

Lecture Week 4:
Self-study online video lectures (3-4hours) Oct 4-10.
Online Assessment:  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Oct 10 (various times). Must meet passing criteria to be approved to continue to In-Person Labs. 

Weekly Zoom discussion group participation with video on is mandatory to pass this course. You must also get passing grades on the weekly lecture quizzes and the Online Assessment to continue to the lab portion.  

In-Person Labs: After completing the 4 weeks of lectures and discussion groups, course participants will attend 3 days of hands-on labs in a small regional group with experienced OCA faculty as table trainers in 1:4 ratio. Labs for Day 1 & 2 will be 8am - 7pm, and Day 3 will be 8am - 1pm. You must pass the final practical exam at the end of your lab session on Day 3 to successfully pass the course.

CME

The Osteopathic Cranial Academy is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. The Osteopathic Cranial Academy has designated this activity for 40 AOA Category 1-A credits, commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.

Cancellation policy

All cancellations must be received in writing at the office of The Osteopathic Cranial Academy by August 31, 2026 and are subject to a $50 administrative processing fee. Participants who cannot complete the course due to illness, family emergencies or work-related restrictions will be offered the option to repeat the course at its next offering. No discount will be provided for individuals not participating in food functions at the in-person labs.

You may change your lab date/location, subject to availability, through August 31, 2026 at no charge. Please note that we anticipate this course reaching capacity, so there may not be availability at other sites.

Liability Release

Participation in this program will involve physical activity, including contact by and with instructors and other participants. This, and particularly activity involving physical diagnostics and manual therapeutics, could possibly entail risks for participants of new injury or aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

The participant acknowledges and assumes the risks associated with participating in the laboratory sessions. Furthermore, the participant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless The Osteopathic Cranial Academy and fellow participants from and against any liability, damage, or personal injury that might occur. Furthermore, the applicant covenants to hold harmless, indemnify, and defend The Osteopathic Cranial Academy from and against any use or misuse that applicant may make at any time of any knowledge or information that applicant derives from participation in this program. The applicant should carry adequate liability insurance which would be activated in the instance of the use or misuse of this knowledge or information. Participants in the course are examined and treated by instructors following the course in case any problems arise from treatment by fellow students.

OCA Photography

Photographs may be taken by the Osteopathic Cranial Academy (OCA) or its agents. By participating in this event, you hereby grant the OCA the right to photograph you and use those photographs for any legitimate purpose. If you do not wish to have your photograph used by OCA, please notify staff at office@cranialacademy.org.

Code of Conduct

The Osteopathic Cranial Academy is dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive experience for everyone. We strive to create an environment where all attendees can learn, network, and enjoy the event without fear of harassment or discrimination.

Expected Behavior
We expect all participants, including attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and staff, to:

• Be respectful and considerate: Treat all individuals with kindness, courtesy, and respect.
• Communicate constructively: Engage in open and honest dialogue while being mindful of others’ perspectives.
• Be inclusive: Embrace diversity and ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued.
• Be mindful of your surroundings: Be aware of your physical space and how your behavior may affect others.
• Respect boundaries: Understand and respect personal boundaries and refrain from any unwanted advances or attention.

Unacceptable Behavior
The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated:

• Harassment: Any form of verbal, written, or physical conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating environment. This includes but is not limited to offensive comments, sexual harassment, deliberate intimidation, stalking, or unwelcome physical contact.
• Discrimination: Any form of discrimination based on gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, age, religion, nationality, or experience level.
• Hate speech: Any language that promotes or incites violence, hatred, or discrimination against any individual or group.
• Disruption: Any behavior that disrupts the flow of the conference, including but not limited to interrupting speakers, blocking access, or creating excessive noise.
• Illegal activity: Any activity that violates local, state, or federal laws.

Cranial Base Course

Unlock the Missing Link to Complex Case Management

Course Director: Jose Camacho, DO

Portland, Oregon

September 25-27, 2026

Tuition: $1,650

NOTE: Course pre-requisites are two OCA Approved 40-Hour Introductory Courses. Please only register if you have taken two 40-Hour Introductory Courses from OCA, Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation, and/or Osteopathy's Promise to Children.

This course will equip you with palpatory confidence and precision techniques to engage intraosseous, articular, fluid, membranous, and ligamentous restrictions in the cranium, cervical, and sacral areas.

For many types of pain, post-concussion symptoms, vertigo, tinnitus, hormonal imbalances, and persistent cranial restrictions—what happens when medications, physical therapy, and surgery aren’t enough?

As a healthcare provider, you need more than just symptom management. You need tools that restore function and improve quality of life.

Osteopathic cranial base techniques provide a profound, hands-on approach to accessing deep patterns of dysfunction that contribute to many different conditions.

Course Goals 

The course will explore more specific techniques for treating the cranial base, beyond what is taught in the Introductory Course:

• A review of the anatomy, physiology, and development of the cranial base and related CNS structures.
• Effects of core link on the cranial base. Specific sutural techniques -- osseous detail. Treating the temporal bone -- in detail.
• Specific treatment of SBS compression.
• Treatment of intraosseous strains.

The Course will presents a variety of approaches to treatment:

• Specific bony articular techniques.
• Balanced membranous tension and balanced ligamentous tension -- approaches emphasizing the forces within fascia and membranes. Approaches that utilize forces within the fluid matrix.
• Treating through the fluid.
• Approaches based on an understanding of the embryonic patterns of development.

Ample table training to guide students to a better understanding of their role in assisting the inherent forces of health within the Primary Respiratory Mechanism. 

Prerequisites

Successful completion of two (2) Osteopathic Cranial Academy Approved 40-hour Courses.

PLEASE NOTE: If you register for this course and do not meet the eligibility requirements for it, your tuition payment will be refunded. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact the OCA office before registering.

Course Location & Accommodations

University Place Hotel & Conference Center, 310 SW Lincoln St., Portland, OR 97201

Reserve a room at the hotel where the course will be held. Rooms are $89 per night plus tax. This rate includes breakfast daily.

Phone: 1-866-845-4647 and choose option 1 for reservations.

Course registration fee includes all instruction, materials, lunch on Friday and Saturday, and breaks each day.

CME

The Osteopathic Cranial Academy is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. The Osteopathic Cranial Academy has designated this activity for 22.50 AOA Category 1-A credits, commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.

Tuition Assistance

The OCA Foundation will be providing a limited number of grant support providing up to 50% in Tuition Assistance for eligible students, residents, and young physicians. 

Step 1: Submit Application

Applications should be submitted directly to the Foundation. It is your responsibility to make sure your grant application is complete with the OCAF.

Step 2: Await Conditional Approval

If approved, you will receive a congratulatory email with a registration code and conditional approval.

Step 3: Course Registration 

Use the provided registration code to register for the course, provide payment, if necessary, and submit the necessary eligibility documentation through the OCA registration form.

Step 4: Final Eligibility Review

Your submitted documentation will be reviewed for final eligibility confirmation before the course begins.

Thank you to OCAF for its generous support!

Course Schedule

The course will begin at 8:00am Pacific Time on Friday, September 25 and will adjourn at 12:30pm Pacific Time on Sunday, September 27.

Click here to view the complete schedule.

Cancellation policy

Registration Deadline is Friday, September 11, 2026.

All Cancellation must be received in writing and are subject to administrative fee of 15% of the total registration fee if received at the office of The Osteopathic Cranial Academy on or before 90 days prior to the first day of the course. Cancellations received between 90 and 15 days prior to the course are subject to an administrative fee of 25% of the total registration fee, provided that the spot is filled. The entire registration fee will be forfeited for cancellations received 14 days or less prior to the first day of the course or for failure to attend.

Waiver, Release, and Indemnity Agreement

The participant acknowledges that they are voluntarily participating in the laboratory sessions, and that there are risks of physical injury associated with such participation. The participant agrees to waive any and all claims it may have against The Osteopathic Cranial Academy (hereinafter “The OCA”), and to release The OCA from any and all liability it may have for such claims, including but not limited to claims for personal injury or damages relating to the applicant’s participation in the program sessions. The applicant agrees not to sue The OCA, and to defend and indemnify The OCA and to hold it harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, and liabilities relating to or arising out of the particpant’s participation in the program sessions.

Other Course Details:

1) No personal taping is permitted. 

2) The Osteopathic Cranial Academy teaches the application of cranial osteopathic concepts to DOs, MDs, and DDSs.  It is the responsibility of ALL participants to use the information provided within the scope of their professional license. 

3) In consideration for those participants with sensitivities, please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or strongly scented toiletries. 

2027 Annual Conference
Save the Date!

More program information will be available Fall 2026. Registration will open December 2026.

Venue
The Westin Indianapolis
241 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
OCA Room Rate: $199/night + tax
Book by May 19, 2027

CME

The Osteopathic Cranial Academy is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. The Osteopathic Cranial Academy has designates this activity for AOA Category 1-A credits, the exact amount to be determined. OCA will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).