Canada’s Principles-Based Osteopathy School

Canada’s Leading Osteopathy School in Ontario & Alberta

4,200-hours, principles-based program with 1,500+ hours of supervised hands-on training.

Train to become a clinical osteopath capable of analyzing complex structural dysfunction.

Book a personal call → Explore the program

Now enrolling for May 2027 & September 2027

years of leadershiptraining osteopaths in Canada

Curriculum Hours

Supervised Clinical Hours

0 +

Campuses to Study at

Program Options

0 & 4 yr

Why study at the CAO

Everything you need to build a thriving practice

Two decades of refining how osteopaths are trained in Canada — supported, supervised, and ready for entry to practice.

22 years teaching osteopathy

Financial aid & payment plans

4,200 hours curated by PhDs

1,500 supervised training hours

Only school teaching Collective Mechanics™

Faculty of osteopaths, PhDs & MDs

Charity community teaching clinics

Direct entry for KIN, RMT & health sci

Get the Details

★ Hands-on from day one

Why study at the CAO

Everything you need to build a thriving practice

Two decades of refining how osteopaths are trained in Canada — supported, supervised, and ready for entry to practice.

22 years teaching osteopathy

Financial aid & payment plans

4,200 hours curated by PhDs

1,500 supervised training hours

Only school teaching Collective Mechanics™

Faculty of osteopaths, PhDs & MDs

Charity community teaching clinics

Direct entry for KIN, RMT & health sci

Faculty & Team

Taught by working osteopaths who know your name

A faculty of practising osteopaths, PhDs and MDs — invested in the next generation, every step of the way.

Learn by doing

Real patients. Real supervision. From the first year.

Our students don’t just study technique — they practise it in dedicated teaching clinics under the watch of working osteopaths.

Currently Enrolling For

May 2027 & September 2027

Calgary & Hamilton · 4-year and 3-year options available

*3-Year option is only available at our Hamilton Campus

Elite Osteopathy training you can trust.

Professional Skills that last a life time.

At the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy, we offer a comprehensive 48-month Graduate-Level Osteopathy Program (36 month program option available at our Hamilton campus) that prepares you for entry to practice. This program combines in-depth theory, practical skills, professional support, and over 1,500 hours of total hands-on training (including 1000 hours of supervised clinical experience) to become an elite-level Osteopathic Manual Practitioner.

Learn from experienced professionals, gain hands-on practice, and receive the support needed to succeed. Our program is accredited by Osteopathy Canada (OSTCAN), and graduates are eligible to write the OSTCAN Certification Examination (OCE). OSTCAN Certification leads to Insurance recognition and qualifies graduates to practice in Canada.

With over 4,200 curriculum hours, including a deep focus on osteopathic principles, surgical level functional anatomy/physiology and manual techniques, our program equips graduates to treat complex patient issues confidently. Start your journey to becoming an osteopath in Canada with the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy.

Start your Osteopathy Journey

Find the pathway that fits your background

Whatever you’re coming from, there’s a route in. Tell us where you’re starting and we’ll map the rest.

Health-related

Already trained in a manual or health discipline? You likely qualify for direct entry.

KinesiologyRMTPhysiotherapist

Non-health

Coming from another field entirely? Our PREP pathway bridges you into the program.

University gradCollege gradAdult learner

Not sure yet?

Most of our students started exactly here. Book a call and we'll find your starting point together.

Talk to an advisor

Robert Johnston

22 years of leadership

Founder & Principal

Robert Johnston, MOMSC

Originator of Collective Mechanics™

For over two decades, Robert has guided the CAO’s development into a respected institution in graduate osteopathic education — and a major provider of charity care through its public teaching clinics in Hamilton and Calgary.

His leadership spans every dimension of the academy: academic programming, faculty development, clinical service, and institutional governance.

Elite osteopathy training you can trust

Professional skills that last a lifetime

A comprehensive 48-month graduate-level program — with a 36-month option in Hamilton — combining in-depth theory, practical skill, and over 1,500 hours of hands-on training to become an elite Osteopathic Manual Practitioner.

Accredited by Osteopathy Canada (OSTCAN), graduates are eligible to write the OCE — leading to insurance recognition and the right to practice in Canada.

Surgical-level anatomyManual techniquesOsteopathic principlesOSTCAN accredited

months to entry-to-practice

fast-track option

0 mo

supervised clinic hrs

0 +

22+ years of Leadership

The leading provider of osteopathic education in Canada

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Principles-based

The theory and principles, plus the skills and techniques to succeed in practice.

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Flexible schedule

Modified full-time — minimize time away from work, commute without relocating.

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Ethical & transparent

Comprehensive, responsible training that builds a thriving professional practice.

✦

World-class faculty

Industry-experienced osteopaths passionate about the next generation.

✛

Unmatched clinical training

Supervised clinical experience that’s unrivaled anywhere in Canada.

★

Recognized standards

Meets or exceeds standards of osteopathic education in Canada and worldwide.

Reviews & testimonials

Students who became colleagues

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 151 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   AJ P 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am in loving my education here! The instructors are extremely personal and very open. If you like a challenge I highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Connor Dean 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m currently in my third year at the CAO, and it’s truly changed my life. Coming from a trades background, most schools wouldn’t have even given me the chance to attend because I didn’t go to college or university first. The professors and staff here create an environment focused on constant improvement — everyone in the building is kind, supportive, and genuinely invested in each other’s journey. Having Mr. Johnston teach every day is incredible, he has a way of painting a picture in your mind that makes complex concepts easy to grasp. The school emphasizes thinking critically and independently, which has helped me grow not only as a student but as a person. What stands out most is how the education continues to evolve to support our success on the table, not just on paper. The longer I’m here, the more I appreciate the level of depth, care, and professionalism this program offers. I can’t say enough about how high-level and transformative this education is.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cheyenne Burnham 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am a current 2.5 student, and I am loving the education that I receive from this school. I am challenged in ways I never imagined, and every day I am gaining more and more confidence that I need to help others, for years to come. I am excited to continue my education with the CAO and take the principles that I'm learning through to my career.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   running priority 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The educational experience at the CAO has been unlike any other education, Very shaping in the professional and personal sense. As a current student I am enjoying my experience, it is a tough program but it is already feeling rewarding and I am sure it will likely be most rewarding once out in the professional field. I highly recommend the CAO.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Teshay Said 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Throughout my life I’ve looked for opportunities that will allow me to put my goals, intentions and drive in action, in other words ‘to walk the talk’. That is exactly what the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy did for me, they helped me make my aspirations a reality and I am honoured to call myself a graduate. What sets CAO apart is their unwavering commitment to principle based classic osteopathy. If you are looking for true Stillian Osteopathy look no further CAO is for you!. Every day the principles of Dr.Still come to life through hands-on training, where students are encouraged to apply logical reasoning and functional anatomy in the labs and at the student clinics. After all you can’t walk without a foundation to walk on, and CAO prides itself on building a strong foundation for their students to ‘walk their talk’.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Frederic Leclair Pouw 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very unique school with a rewarding career path.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kyle Schuster 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Currently going into my 3rd year at the CAO. This school is the real deal. Very challenging but that makes it seem all the more credible to me. The values, philosophies and principles based education rooted in natural laws resonates with me on a very deep level and just makes rational sense. The Principle, teachers, interns and other faculty members are truly passionate about the profession of Osteopathy and are deeply invested in elevating it's standards. I am truly grateful for this school, and couldn't imagine going anywhere else.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Callan Sinclair 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Much better education than any university. I learned how to study and found my motivation to work hard and succeed thanks to the CAO.