Course Schedule

Lecture Week 1:  Self-study online video lectures (3-4 hours) Sep 1-13.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Sep 14 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 2: Self-study online video lectures (3-4hours) Sep 14-20.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Sep 21 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 3: Self-study online video lectures (3-4 hours) Sep 21-Oct 4.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Oct 5 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 4: Self-study online video lectures (3-4hours) Oct 5-11.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Oct 12 (various times will be available).

Hands-on Labs: After completing the 4 weeks of lectures and discussion groups, course participants will attend 3 full days of hands-on labs in a small regional group with experienced OCA faculty as table trainers in 1:4 ratio in Great Barrington MA, Friday Oct 31 through Sunday Nov 2.  Labs are 8:00-6:00 each day.

Weekly Zoom discussion group attendance is mandatory to pass this course.  You must also get a passing grade on  both the written (weekly open note quizzes) and the final practical exam at the end of your lab session. 

Who Can 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, under certain conditions
• 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 number of grant support providing up to 50% in Tuition Assistance for eligible residents, and young physicians.

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

After you have applied for Tuition Assistance, use the coupon code 2025GRANT on check-out to pay the $1195 remainder of the registration that the Grant won't cover. If you are not awarded a grant by the OCAF, you will have the option of paying the additional $1200 to take the class, or we will offer you a full refund of the $1195 that you already paid.   You must register and pay a minimum of $1195 to hold a spot in the course.

FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS ONLY: Because of a very generous Anonymous Donor/Benefactor, the OCAF application is for Tuition Assistance is for the full tuition of $2,395.  FULL TUITION ASSISTANCE IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.  Once you have applied for the Foundation grant, use the coupon code OCAF100 when registering.

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 on or before the first day of the online portion of the course (Sep 1 2025), and are subject to administrative fee of $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 Hybrid course at its next offering.  No discount will be provided for individuals not participating in food functions at the in-person labs.

Changes in lab date/location, subject to availability, may be made through Sep 12 2024 at no charge.

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.

By applying to participate, the applicant acknowledges and assumes the risk associated with participating in the laboratory sessions and agrees to hold The Osteopathic Cranial Academy and fellow participants harmless indemnify, defend and free of liability from and against any damage or personal injury that might occur during or as a result of participation in this program. 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.

Course Schedule

Lecture Week 1:  Self-study online video lectures (3-4 hours) Sep 1-13.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Sep 14 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 2: Self-study online video lectures (3-4hours) Sep 14-20.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Sep 21 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 3: Self-study online video lectures (3-4 hours) Sep 21-Oct 4.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Oct 5 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 4: Self-study online video lectures (3-4hours) Oct 5-11.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Oct 12 (various times will be available).

Hands-on Labs: After completing the 4 weeks of lectures and discussion groups, course participants will attend 3 full days of hands-on labs in a small regional group with experienced OCA faculty as table trainers in 1:4 ratio in Los Altos CA (SF Bay Area), Friday Nov 7 through Sunday Nov 9.  Labs are 8:00-6:00 each day.

Weekly Zoom discussion group attendance is mandatory to pass this course.  You must also get a passing grade on  both the written (weekly open note quizzes) and the final practical exam at the end of your lab session. 

Who Can 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, under certain conditions
• 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 number of grant support providing up to 50% in Tuition Assistance for eligible residents, and young physicians.

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

After you have applied for Tuition Assistance, use the coupon code 2025GRANT on check-out to pay the $1195 remainder of the registration that the Grant won't cover. If you are not awarded a grant by the OCAF, you will have the option of paying the additional $1200 to take the class, or we will offer you a full refund of the $1195 that you already paid.   You must register and pay a minimum of $1195 to hold a spot in the course.

FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS ONLY: Because of a very generous Anonymous Donor/Benefactor, the OCAF application is for Tuition Assistance is for the full tuition of $2,395.  FULL TUITION ASSISTANCE IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.  Once you have applied for the Foundation grant, use the coupon code OCAF100 when registering.

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 on or before the first day of the online portion of the course (Sep 1 2025), and are subject to administrative fee of $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 Hybrid course at its next offering.  No discount will be provided for individuals not participating in food functions at the in-person labs.

Changes in lab date/location, subject to availability, may be made through Sep 12 2024 at no charge.

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.

By applying to participate, the applicant acknowledges and assumes the risk associated with participating in the laboratory sessions and agrees to hold The Osteopathic Cranial Academy and fellow participants harmless indemnify, defend and free of liability from and against any damage or personal injury that might occur during or as a result of participation in this program. 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.

Course Schedule

Lecture Week 1:  Self-study online video lectures (3-4 hours) Sep 1-13.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Sep 14 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 2: Self-study online video lectures (3-4hours) Sep 14-20.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Sep 21 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 3: Self-study online video lectures (3-4 hours) Sep 21-Oct 4.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Oct 5 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 4: Self-study online video lectures (3-4hours) Oct 5-11.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Oct 12 (various times will be available).

Hands-on Labs: After completing the 4 weeks of lectures and discussion groups, course participants will attend 3 full days of hands-on labs in a small regional group with experienced OCA faculty as table trainers in 1:4 ratio in Orlando FL, Friday Nov 14 through Sunday Nov 16.  Labs are 8:00-6:00 each day.

Weekly Zoom discussion group attendance is mandatory to pass this course.  You must also get a passing grade on  both the written (weekly open note quizzes) and the final practical exam at the end of your lab session. 

Who Can 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, under certain conditions
• 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 number of grant support providing up to 50% in Tuition Assistance for eligible residents, and young physicians.

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

After you have applied for Tuition Assistance, use the coupon code 2025GRANT on check-out to pay the $1195 remainder of the registration that the Grant won't cover. If you are not awarded a grant by the OCAF, you will have the option of paying the additional $1200 to take the class, or we will offer you a full refund of the $1195 that you already paid.   You must register and pay a minimum of $1195 to hold a spot in the course.

FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS ONLY: Because of a very generous Anonymous Donor/Benefactor, the OCAF application is for Tuition Assistance is for the full tuition of $2,395.  FULL TUITION ASSISTANCE IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.  Once you have applied for the Foundation grant, use the coupon code OCAF100 when registering.

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 on or before the first day of the online portion of the course (Sep 1 2025), and are subject to administrative fee of $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 Hybrid course at its next offering.  No discount will be provided for individuals not participating in food functions at the in-person labs.

Changes in lab date/location, subject to availability, may be made through Sep 12 2024 at no charge.

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.

By applying to participate, the applicant acknowledges and assumes the risk associated with participating in the laboratory sessions and agrees to hold The Osteopathic Cranial Academy and fellow participants harmless indemnify, defend and free of liability from and against any damage or personal injury that might occur during or as a result of participation in this program. 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.

Course Schedule

Lecture Week 1:  Self-study online video lectures (3-4 hours) Sep 1-13.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Sep 14 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 2: Self-study online video lectures (3-4hours) Sep 14-20.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Sep 21 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 3: Self-study online video lectures (3-4 hours) Sep 21-Oct 4.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Oct 5 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 4: Self-study online video lectures (3-4hours) Oct 5-11.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Oct 12 (various times will be available).

Hands-on Labs: After completing the 4 weeks of lectures and discussion groups, course participants will attend 3 full days of hands-on labs in a small regional group with experienced OCA faculty as table trainers in 1:4 ratio in Ft. Worth TX, Friday Oct 24-26.  Labs are 8:00-6:00 each day.

Weekly Zoom discussion group attendance is mandatory to pass this course.  You must also get a passing grade on  both the written (weekly open note quizzes) and the final practical exam at the end of your lab session. 

Who Can 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, under certain conditions
• 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 number of grant support providing up to 50% in Tuition Assistance for eligible residents, and young physicians.

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

After you have applied for Tuition Assistance, use the coupon code 2025GRANT on check-out to pay the $1195 remainder of the registration that the Grant won't cover. If you are not awarded a grant by the OCAF, you will have the option of paying the additional $1200 to take the class, or we will offer you a full refund of the $1195 that you already paid.   You must register and pay a minimum of $1195 to hold a spot in the course.

FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS ONLY: Because of a very generous Anonymous Donor/Benefactor, the OCAF application is for Tuition Assistance is for the full tuition of $2,395.  FULL TUITION ASSISTANCE IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.  Once you have applied for the Foundation grant, use the coupon code OCAF100 when registering.

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 on or before the first day of the online portion of the course (Sep 1 2025), and are subject to administrative fee of $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 Hybrid course at its next offering.  No discount will be provided for individuals not participating in food functions at the in-person labs.

Changes in lab date/location, subject to availability, may be made through Sep 12 2024 at no charge.

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.

By applying to participate, the applicant acknowledges and assumes the risk associated with participating in the laboratory sessions and agrees to hold The Osteopathic Cranial Academy and fellow participants harmless indemnify, defend and free of liability from and against any damage or personal injury that might occur during or as a result of participation in this program. 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.

Course Schedule

Lecture Week 1:  Self-study online video lectures (3-4 hours) Sep 1-13.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Sep 14 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 2: Self-study online video lectures (3-4hours) Sep 14-20.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Sep 21 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 3: Self-study online video lectures (3-4 hours) Sep 21-Oct 4.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Oct 5 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 4: Self-study online video lectures (3-4hours) Oct 5-11.  Mandatory Zoom small group discussion Oct 12 (various times will be available).

Hands-on Labs: After completing the 4 weeks of lectures and discussion groups, course participants will attend 3 full days of hands-on labs in a small regional group with experienced OCA faculty as table trainers in 1:4 ratio in Columbus OH, Friday Nov 14 through Sunday Nov 16.  Labs are 8:00-6:00 each day.

Weekly Zoom discussion group attendance is mandatory to pass this course.  You must also get a passing grade on  both the written (weekly open note quizzes) and the final practical exam at the end of your lab session. 

Who Can 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, under certain conditions
• 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 number of grant support providing up to 50% in Tuition Assistance for eligible residents, and young physicians.

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

After you have applied for Tuition Assistance, use the coupon code 2025GRANT on check-out to pay the $1195 remainder of the registration that the Grant won't cover. If you are not awarded a grant by the OCAF, you will have the option of paying the additional $1200 to take the class, or we will offer you a full refund of the $1195 that you already paid.   You must register and pay a minimum of $1195 to hold a spot in the course.

FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS ONLY: Because of a very generous Anonymous Donor/Benefactor, the OCAF application is for Tuition Assistance is for the full tuition of $2,395.  FULL TUITION ASSISTANCE IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.  Once you have applied for the Foundation grant, use the coupon code OCAF100 when registering.

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 on or before the first day of the online portion of the course (Sep 1 2025), and are subject to administrative fee of $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 Hybrid course at its next offering.  No discount will be provided for individuals not participating in food functions at the in-person labs.

Changes in lab date/location, subject to availability, may be made through Sep 12 2024 at no charge.

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.

By applying to participate, the applicant acknowledges and assumes the risk associated with participating in the laboratory sessions and agrees to hold The Osteopathic Cranial Academy and fellow participants harmless indemnify, defend and free of liability from and against any damage or personal injury that might occur during or as a result of participation in this program. 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.

Earn 1-A CME and review the foundations of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field in depth with these video lectures from OCA's Introduction to Osteopathy in the Cranial Field. 

This course makes available the lecture portion of the Hybrid Introductory course to members who have already taken a qualifying Introductory course and wish to take a deep dive into the theory, anatomy, and physiology of OCF.  The on-demand lectures can be watched at your own pace, as many times as you want, in order to really absorb these important foundational osteopathic teachings.  

Topics include:

Principles and specific considerations in diagnosis and treatment

• History, philosophy, and priniciples of OCF
• Skull landmarks and bony anatomy
• Embryology
• Cranial base & vault
• Temporal bone
• RTM, dura, and venous sinuses
• Sacrum, core link, and craniocervical junction
• Cranial nerves
• Facial embryology and anatomy
• Working in fluid
• Osteopathy in pregnancy, neonates and pediatrics
• Principles and specific considerations in diagnosis and treatment

You will also have the opportunity to participate in weekly Zoom discussion groups with the Hybrid students, led by an OCA faculty member.

This course does not count as an Introductory course for purposes of advanced course prerequisites. 

Course Schedule

Lecture Week 1:  Self-study online video lectures (3 hours) Sep 1-13.  Optional Zoom small group discussion Sep 14 (various times will be available). 

Lecture Week 2: Self-study online video lectures (3-4 hours) Sep 14-20.  Optional Zoom small group discussion Sep 21 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 3: Self-study online video lectures (3-4 hours) Sep 21-Oct 4.  Optional Zoom small group discussion Oct 5 (various times will be available).

Lecture Week 4: Self-study online video lectures (3 hours) Oct 5-11.  Optional Zoom small group discussion Oct 12 (various times will be available).

Lectures will remain available for viewing until Nov 30 2025.

Who Can Attend

This activity is limited to members of the Osteopathic Cranial Academy.

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 16 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 on or before the first day of the online portion of the course (Sep 1 2025), and are subject to administrative fee of $50 administrative processing fee.  

Liability Release

By applying to participate, 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.

The Next Step

San Diego, California

October 10-12, 2025

Tuition: $1,495

Course Director Eric Dolgin DO FCA

Associate Directors Jose Camacho DO, Matthew Gilmartin, MD

This course is specifically designed as a sequel to the Introductory Course, to provide students of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field with the additional tools that they need to put together effective treatment of the patient as a whole. In our Introductory Course, we learn fundamental techniques for diagnosis and treatment. But how do experienced practitioners put these fundamentals together into a unified treatment of the entire patient? When you look back on your learning experience, 20 years after your first introductory course, what will you wish you had been taught next? Our senior faculty have taken their own answers to this question and put them together to create “The Next Step”. 

Prerequisites

Successful completion of one Osteopathic Cranial Academy Approved 40-hour Course.

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.

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 21.50 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. 

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

If you apply for tuition  support before registering for this course, you can use the coupon code STEP2026 on check-out to just pay the $750 remainder of the registration that the Grant won't cover. If you are not awarded a grant by the OCAF, you will have the option of paying the additional $750 to take the class, or we will offer you a full refund of the $750 that you already paid.   You must register and pay a minimum of $750 to hold a spot in the course.

Thank you to OCAF for its generous support!

Cancellation policy

Registration Deadline is Monday, September 22, 2025.

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.

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.

By applying to participate, the applicant acknowledges and assumes the risk associated with participating in the laboratory sessions and agrees to hold The Osteopathic Cranial Academy and fellow participants harmless indemnify, defend and free of liability from and against any damage or personal injury that might occur during or as a result of participation in this program. 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.

Location of Course

Osteopathy's Promise to Children, 3706 Ruffin Rd, San Diego, CA 92123

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

Hotel Accommodations

Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Mission Valley/Stadium, 3805 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92123

Participants may stay at the hotel where the course is offered.  Rooms are $172.71 Price includes 2.20% mandatory charge per stay, but excludes tax.

https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/sanstgi-90l-e05edfb7-14ea-4463-860d-c72a843c8a39/

The room block is available through September 21 or until rooms are gone.

Course Schedule

Friday, October 10, 2025

08:00 am Introduction

08:20 am Review-Part I

08:40 am Review-Palpation

08:50 am Lab: Perceptual Contact

09:25 am Review-Part II

09:45 am Discussion in Small Groups

10:05 am Lab: Diagnosis of Partner

10:45 am Diagnosis: whole body vs. local

11:05 am Lab: Palpating the fluid body as a whole

11:40 am Diagnosing/Treating the health

12:00 pm Lunch

01:00 pm Faculty Q&A at tables

01:20 pm Shock/trauma

01:30 pm Lab: Releasing shock/trauma

02:00 pm Diagnosing and treating with the PRM

02:20 pm Lab: Diagnosing/treating extremities with the PRM

03:00 pm Discussion in Small Groups

03:20 pm Lab: Treatment of the Spinal Segments with BLT/BMT

03:50 pm Lab: Treatment of the Sacrum and Pelvis with BLT/BMT

04:50 pm Balancing Lab

05:10 pm Faculty Q&A at Tables

05:10 pm Adjourn

Saturday, October 11, 2025

08:00 am Review

08:20 am Clinical approach to treatment

08:40 am Whole Body Relationships – leg to pelvis and psoas

09:00 am Lab: Whole Body Relationships I – leg to pelvis and psoas

09:40 am Discussion in Small Groups

10:00 am Whole Body Relationships II – pelvis, abdomen, diaphragm

10:20 am Lab: Whole Body Relationships – pelvis, abdominal diaphragm

11:00 am Whole Body Relationships III – sternum/ribs, thoracic outlet

11:20 am Lab: Whole Body Relationships III  - sternum/ribs, thoracic outlet

12:00 pm Lunch

01:00 pm Faculty Q&A at Tables

01:20 pm Lab: Diagnosing and Treating the Whole

02:10 pm Facial Development Review

02:20 pm Maxilla and Pre-Maxilla

02:30 pm Lab: Dx/Tx Maxilla/Premaxilla

03:00 pm Ethmoid and Vomer

03:10 pm Lab: Ethmoid and Vomer

03:40 pm Discussion in Small Groups

04:00 pm Zygoma

04:10 pm Lab: Zygoma

04:30 pm TMJ and Mandible

0450 pm Lab: TMJ and Mandible

05:20 pm Discuss Palatine Treatment

05:30 pm Balancing Lab

05:45 pm Faculty Q&A at Tables

06:00 pm Adjourn

Sunday, October 12, 2025

08:00 am Review

08:20 am Colic

08:35 am Otitis Media

08:50 am Eyes

09:10 am Lab: Eyes

09:30 am Malocclusion, Teeth

09:50 am Lab: Teeth

10:15 am Discussion in Small Groups

10:35 am Status Post Dental Work

10:55 am MVA

11:10 am Feet

11:35 am Lab: Feet

12:00 am Group Photo

12:10 pm Lunch

12:30 pm Lab: Treating the health, treating the whole

1:20 pm Faculty round table

2:00 pm Balancing Lab, Faculty Q&A

2:20 pm Adjourn

Next Step Brochure

Next Step Brochure.pages.pdf

Making Conscious the Process of Mastery: Orofacial and Dental Considerations in Osteopathy (Online)

Tuition: $395 OCA Members

$535 Non-members

Course Director Annette Hulse DO

This course focuses on diagnosis and assessment – the “finding” part of “treat what you find”.  It is a complement to the in-depth anatomy and theory training of other facial/dental courses offered in the osteopathic community and is designed to help answer the question “What do I actually do with this patient?”.  Using common findings in dental patients, we will explore the subtleties of osteopathic findings in this population.   Because these subtle findings are the key to good diagnosis and assessment, there is an emphasis on learning to perceive ever-more-subtle nuances in the PRM and movement of “the face and the base”. 

The emphasis is on extending perceptive skills and self-learning that will be useful to any osteopathic practitioner. While several dental appliances will be discussed in several different contexts, much of the course work is based on the instructor’s experiences specifically treating with the ALF appliance.  

This is an active learning course with required homework to assess several different patients for the findings outlined in the teachings, and write up those encounters comparing and contrasting the findings.  Homework submission will be required for granting of CME.

Prerequisites

Successful completion of one Osteopathic Cranial Academy Approved 40-hour Course.

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.

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 up to 8 AOA Category 1-A credits, commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity and submission of required homework.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations before Nov 1 are subject to administrative fee of $50.  No refunds will be given after the course starts.

Online Course Schedule 

Nov 2 Online Live Session 1: 7:30pm EST / 4:30pm PST (2 hours)

• Course Intro
• Perception
• Osteopathic Findings and Review of Homework Assignment

Nov 2-Dec 5: Online Self-Study (3 hours)

• Dental Appliances and Osteopathic Influences
• Myofunctional Therapy
• Sleep Apnea
• TMJ

Nov 23 Optional Q&A Session:  8pm EST / 5pm PST (1 hour)

Dec 5 Homework due

Dec 7 Online Live Session 2: 7:30pm EST / 4:30pm PST (2 hours)

• Review of Student Findings and Perceptions
• Common Findings and Assessment in Complicated ALF Patients
• Clinical Considerations
• Q&A

Feedback from Previous Course Participants

"Thank you for such an educational course- it synthesized a lot of topics that are hard to find information about and bring it all together - this really helped - I appreciate it!"

"Thanks so much this was a wonderful course with lots of amazing information! Definitely learned a lot!"

"I enjoyed doing the homework."

"Thank you for putting this course together. Being virtual has helped me to learn at my own pace and time."

"It was challenging but I am learning a lot.  Definitely improving my cranial skills."

"Thanks so much for pushing us to do homework.  This was a helpful exercise."

"I have really loved this course"

"Thanks so much, everything I've gotten through so far has really helped me."

"Thank you Dr Hulse for a great course that I will use to help my patients!"

Optional Lab Day

For a limited number of participants, there will the option of an in-person day of lab experience in Northern California in Jan 2026 (separate registration, which will open in October). Completion of the online course is a prerequisite for participation in the in-person lab.