Tips for choosing your Osteopathy school in Quebec: How to find the right program for you?

2023/01/17

Choosing an osteopathy program is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your professional career. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for finding the best school, there are several key criteria to consider. In this article, we provide tips on how to select the right osteopathy school in Quebec.

Choose a program that aligns with your career goals

It’s important to choose a program that aligns with your professional goals as a future osteopath. Osteopathy programs may vary slightly between institutions, and some specialties may better match your interests. A program offering partnerships for external clinical internships or exchange opportunities abroad is also a plus. In this regard, the Institut d’Enseignement de l’Ostéopathie du Québec has developed a partnership for recurring internships at La Maison Bleue, a social perinatality center, as well as an international track with the Institut d’Ostéopathie de Rennes-Bretagne in France.

Evaluate the quality and credibility of the teaching

Find out the total number of hours for the program and how many of those hours are dedicated to practical training, the organization of practical sessions, and whether the school has an osteopathy clinic for students. As a reference, the World Health Organization currently recommends a total of 4,200 hours of training for osteopathy education.

The teaching staff should be composed of practicing professionals who stay regularly updated on advancements in their field. Their clinical experience can also influence their ability to teach practical skills effectively.

Check the costs and fees

The cost of the training is a factor to consider when searching for an osteopathy school. Tuition fees vary depending on the length of the program, teaching methods, and the level of education offered. Many schools offer installment payment plans to help students finance their osteopathy education.

Visit Osteopathy schools and ask questions

Once you have identified schools that meet your criteria, visit them in person and ask questions. Some osteopathy schools offer immersion sessions in classes. This will give you a taste of the training and help you assess whether it matches your expectations before committing long-term.