Why In-Person Training?

Osteopathy is a profession that involves human contact, which is why we are convinced that training should be conducted in person.

It is also important to note that osteopaths will need to have completed in-person training to join the future Order of Osteopaths of Quebec (“Opinion on the Opportunity to Establish a Professional Order of Osteopaths – Spring 2022,” Office of Professions of Quebec).

1. Adaptability and availability: Strengths of the instructor

Taking a course in person means having direct contact with professors and being able to interact with them. By being physically present, the teacher customizes the course in real-time: answering questions, adjusting language, delving into or re-explaining certain points, and providing personalized follow-up for each student. This can be crucial because we do not all learn at the same pace or with the same words. In contrast, e-learning content, once posted online, cannot adjust to its audience.

The instructor also has various teaching tools to capture students’ attention and energize the learning of theoretical subjects: practical exercises, videos, games, etc. For example, the nervous system models in clay (below) created in Physiology by our first-year students and their teacher, illustrate how to make a rather challenging course enjoyable!

© 2019 Institut d’Enseignement de l’Ostéopathie du Québec

2. A structured environment for becoming an osteopath

In-person learning offers an environment conducive to learning and concentration, whereas a distance learning student must demonstrate self-discipline to find a place (quiet, without children, etc.) and dedicated time slots, and engage in their education. Indeed, “being able to learn at any time” does not necessarily mean “being able to learn at any time.”

Also, be mindful of those who tend to get distracted!

3. Enriching interactions with the group

Student profiles in a class are diverse: some are more expressive and comfortable verbalizing their questions, while others are more discreet. Each also has their own way of reasoning, and one student’s question often proves beneficial for the entire group. In this way, in-person learning facilitates the sharing of knowledge and collective motivation. After all, osteopathy is a profession of human contact!

At the Quebec Osteopathy Teaching Institute, we observe a vibrant dynamic among our students that could hardly exist without in-person interactions.

4. Develop critical thinking in osteopathy

The osteopath profession is not simply about applying acquired knowledge but requires reflection and critical thinking. What better way to build the latter than to challenge one’s options with those of classmates?