Introduction to Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (Hybrid)

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

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.