Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Osteopathy School in Hamilton & Calgary
The Canadian Academy of Osteopathy (CAO) has been a leader in osteopathic education since 2003, dedicated to training future osteopathic manual practitioners at the highest international standards. Our 4,200-hour program combines in-depth academic study with 1,500 hours of hands-on clinical training, emphasizing osteopathic principles, surgical-level anatomy, and biomechanics. With campuses in Hamilton, Ontario, and Calgary, Alberta, we offer state-of-the-art facilities and a modified full-time schedule to accommodate working professionals. Our faculty includes world-class osteopaths, PhDs, and MDs who mentor students through foundational labs to advanced clinical practice in our public charity clinic.Accredited by Osteopathy Canada (OSTCAN), our graduates are eligible for certification and insurance recognition. We prioritize principles-based education, fostering critical thinking to address complex patient cases. Our community-focused approach includes a charity clinic providing over 100,000 free treatments valued at $8 million. With 22 years of experience, we offer 3- and 4-year programs, flexible payment plans, and pathways for health and non-health professionals. Our alumni benefit from postgraduate workshops and a robust student council that strengthens professional and community ties.
Services
Osteopathy Education
Clinical Training
Free Student Clinic
Postgraduate Workshops
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- 22 years of specialized osteopathy education experience
- 1,500+ hours of supervised clinical training included
- OSTCAN-accredited programs with insurance recognition
- Charity clinic providing $8M+ in free treatments
- Flexible schedules for working professionals
Associations and certifications
- OSTCAN
What people say
Effective treatments
Knowledgeable students
Gentle and friendly
Significant pain relief
Flexible scheduling
Services
Osteopathy Education
Our 3- to 4-year programs combine 4,200+ hours of academic study with 1,500+ hours of supervised clinical training. Students learn osteopathic principles, surgical-level anatomy, and manual techniques to treat complex cases. Graduates qualify for OSTCAN certification and insurance recognition.
Clinical Training
Supervised clinical experience begins in the final years, with students treating patients in our public charity clinic. This real-world training develops diagnostic skills and treatment proficiency under professional guidance, preparing graduates for independent practice.
Free Student Clinic
Our student clinics in Hamilton and Calgary offer free osteopathic treatments supervised by certified practitioners. This program provides accessible care for musculoskeletal issues while giving students practical experience treating diverse patient conditions.
Postgraduate Workshops
Alumni can attend specialized workshops like the Demystifying Technique Series, focusing on muscle energy and ligamentous tension techniques. These courses enhance clinical skills and maintain professional competency through applied anatomy and physiology.
Community Outreach
Beyond education, we contribute through free clinics and student-led initiatives. Our charity clinic has delivered over 100,000 free treatments, while student council organizes food drives and community-building events to strengthen local ties.
People
Robert Johnston
Principal
With 40 years in manual therapy and 22 in osteopathy, Robert Johnston developed CAO's curriculum. He authored seven osteopathy textbooks used globally and ensures our principles-based approach prepares students for modern practice.
Emily Sandaj
Student Representative
Active student council member who highlights CAO's transformative educational experience. Advocates for student community building and participates in outreach initiatives that strengthen professional networks and charitable engagement.
Questions
What osteopathy programs do you offer?
We offer 3-year (Hamilton only) and 4-year graduate-level programs with 1,500+ hours of clinical training. Both programs prepare students for OSTCAN certification and include principles-based osteopathy education.
Are your programs accredited?
Yes, our programs are accredited by Osteopathy Canada (OSTCAN). Graduates qualify to take the OSTCAN Certification Examination and receive insurance recognition.
Do you offer free osteopathy treatments?
Yes, our student clinics in Hamilton and Calgary provide free supervised treatments. Over 100,000 free sessions have been delivered, focusing on musculoskeletal pain and chronic conditions.
What payment plans are available?
We offer financial aid and flexible payment plans to accommodate students. Contact our admissions team for specific options tailored to your situation.
How does clinical training work?
Students complete 1,500+ hours of supervised clinical experience in our public charity clinic, treating real patients under professional oversight during their final training years.
Reviews (7)
Pascal Bolduc
Feb 03, 2020
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I was there and did first treatment with the student and very good and professional and it free love it
Heather V.
Feb 02, 2019
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The absolute best place to be a student in classical osteopathic teaching. You receive numerous hours in hands on training and thorough and comprehensive anatomy physiology history and osteopathic thinking and more. I am so proud and grateful to be a student at this school.
Ja Barbo
Mar 20, 2018
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Best education I've received hands down! The culture is great, the staff and students are wonderful. If you're looking to learn true Osteopathy, this is the place to be. Very grateful and fortunate to have found the CAO. Thank you Mr. Johnston
Sonya Zakharia
Jan 30, 2018
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The Canadian Academy of Osteopathy provides both high quality education and very thorough practical experience. The Academy ensures students gain a deep understanding of Classicial Osteopathic principles so that the student gains confidence in application by using independent thinking into practice. A well balanced blend of theory and practical training while being surrounded by supportive and excellent staff and students. Thank you for the quality education provided at the CAO - very grateful to have made this decision to be of part of such a wonderful program!
Nicole Hagedorn
Nov 02, 2017
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I was immediately drawn to the program when I attended a visit day in 2013. The professors are the best in their fields and are always happy to assist their students. The best part about this program is that it is principle-based Osteopathy. This means that the students have to use their own knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and Osteopathic principles to provide a totally unique treatment for every patient, as opposed to step-by-step technique treatments. This is the single most important thing that divides this program from any other Osteopathic program. The CAO has equipped me with the tools
Lia Bettencourt
Sep 23, 2017
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I have attended and graduated from this school! It was a very wise decision to attend the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy for my osteopathic education! We learn on an elite level, which provides you with realistic education and experience for the real world! I have graduated in 2015 and I have an absolutely amazing and very busy practice!
Analiisa Rheault
Sep 13, 2017
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Best osteopathic school by far! If you want to be able to learn osteopathic principles, in conjunction with surgical level anatomy, to be able to create custom treatment techniques for patients, the CAO is the right choice of school! The teaching staff is amazing, the student clinic is unlike any other in Canada, and the quality of materials being produced at the school is exceptional.
