Admission requirements for Osteopaths

To become a member of the RITMA Osteopathic Association, the applicant must be 18 years of age or older. He/she must be a graduate in osteopathy from a recognized school that meets the standards of the World Health Organization or be a health professional who has graduated from an internationally recognized university or school and has completed a course of osteopathic training.

Diploma in Osteopathy (D.O.)

The applicant must have completed his/her training in a school recognized by RITMA. These training centers/schools respect the standards of the World Health Organization.

RITMA requires that the applicant have a D.O. degree, which represents, depending on the school, between 3 or 6 years of completed training for a total of 4200 hours (full-time or part-time) or, a completed training in osteopathic studies complementary to an official health training (as indicated in the WHO type 2 training offered to health professionals).

Osteopathic graduate from outside Quebec

All applications will be subject to a thorough analysis and may include an examination.

Graduates (thesis writing or osteopathic intern)

Graduates in osteopathy who meet the WHO standards at this stage of their training are also welcome. In the case of acceptance before thesis, the conditions for renewal are: proof of enrolment in the thesis or clinicat provided by the school.

Insurers vs. students and graduates

It is important to note that it is up to the internal criteria of the insurance companies to reimburse or not the care provided by them. You will also be called upon to show up as such.

Continuing Education

RITMA encourages continuing education. Osteopaths must keep their knowledge and practice up to date. They must keep abreast of new techniques and technological advances. They must also keep up to date with the rules and laws that govern their profession and industry.

All members must take at least 15 hours of continuing education per year. Or 45 hours/3 years. For example, a training of more than 45 hours could cover 3 years.

Osteopath title

Quebec D.O. = Diploma in osteopathy, no doctor title can be delivered outside the university system in Quebec

United States D.O. = Doctor of Osteopathy, part of the health care system

Members must respect all activities reserved for professional orders as described in the Quebec professional code and described in the medical law.

-2022-