Registration Requirements

The registration requirements for osteopathic manual practitioners who are interested in becoming a member of the College of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners of Ontario are listed below. The requirements are the same for all applicants – whether trained domestically or internationally.

Successful completion of the requirements for registration demonstrates that an applicant has fulfilled the essential competencies to become registered with COMPO.

Prospective members must complete the following before becoming registered with COMPO:

  • graduate from an accredited osteopathic manual practice college (this requirement is non-exemptible);
  • successfully complete the COMPO’s knowledge-based and clinical competency examinations;
  • successfully complete COMPO’s Legislation and Ethics examination;
  • provide evidence of good character;
  • be able to speak and write English or French with reasonable fluency;
  • maintain professional liability protection.


Graduation from an Accredited Osteopathic Manual Practice College

In Ontario, osteopathic manual practitioners work as autonomous health professionals who have the authorization to open their own independently owned clinics, see patients without a referral from medical doctors, communicate an osteopathic diagnosis within the osteopathic manual practice scope of practice and perform osteopathic manual therapy (OMT). It is essential that registered osteopathic manual practitioners have the appropriate level of education required for this level of responsibility. The College of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners of Ontario (COMPO) is committed to defining international educational standards and ensuring their adoption and maintenance by accredited osteopathic manual practice colleges.

Successful Completion of COMPO’s Knowledge-Based and Clinical Competency Examinations

One way in which COMPO ensures that registered osteopathic manual practitioners provide high quality, competent and ethical care to the public of Ontario is by using a consistent, objective and defensible standard for all applicants who wish to become registered in Ontario, no matter where they have completed their education.

Successful Completion of COMPO’s Legislation and Ethics Examination

It is essential for registered osteopathic manual practitioners to be familiar with and understand the legislation, regulations and standards of practice that govern the osteopathic manual practice profession in Ontario. COMPO’s Legislation and Ethics Examination provides a mechanism to help ensure that applicants possess this knowledge when applying for registration.

Provide Evidence of Good Character

Applicants must provide evidence that their past and present conduct must afford reasonable grounds for belief that the applicant is mentally and physically competent to practice osteopathic manual practice, will practice osteopathic manual practice with decency, integrity, honesty and in accordance with the law, has sufficient knowledge, skill and judgment to engage in osteopathic manual practice and will display professional behaviour.

Applicants are required to demonstrate this good conduct and character by disclosing to COMPO all past offences, findings or professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity, and findings of malpractice or professional negligence. Applicants moving from another jurisdiction must provide a letter of good standing from all jurisdictions in which they have practice osteopathic manual practice or been registered as an osteopathic manual practitioner. All applicants sign a declaration that all information provided is true, complete and current.

Be Able to Speak and Write English or French with Reasonable Fluency

Applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum level of communication skill in either English or French as a requirement to providing effective care to the public of Ontario . Fluency in either of these languages is demonstrated by successful completion of COMPO’s Legislation and Ethics Examination.

Professional Liability Protection

The requirement to be personally insured against professional liability applies to all health professionals in Ontario. Osteopathic manual practitioners are required to maintain professional liability protection to protect themselves and patients from any possible acts of malpractice, professional negligence, professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity.

Fees

Candidates are responsible for paying the following fees when applying for a General (ie. active) class of license with COMPO:

  • COMPO Legislation and Ethics Examination Fee: $140
  • COMPO Knowledge-Based and Clinical Competency Examination Fee: $650
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Annual Registration Fee First Year: $225


Documents for Registration

Candidates must supply COMPO with the following documentation:

  • official or notarized copies of all transcripts from an accredited osteopathic manual practice educational institution. If such a transcript is unavailable due to extenuating circumstances, in the opinion of the Registration Committee, the candidate must otherwise satisfy the Registration Committee that he/she graduated from an accredited osteopathic manual practice education program;
  • two notarized photos of the applicant;
  • confirmation of Canadian citizenship, permanent residency or authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) to practice the profession;
  • completed application; and
  • applicant fee of $790 for examinations