NAIOMT OVERVIEW

Accreditation and Affiliations

APTA Credentialed Fellowship Program

The North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Inc (NAIOMT) Fellowship Program is credentialed by the American Physical Therapy Association as a postprofessional clinical fellowship program for physical therapists in orthopaedic manual physical therapy. NAIOMT's Residency program received APTA credentialing in June 2001. In November 2001, the program was recognized as meeting the criteria of a Clinical Fellowship Program. The NAIOMT Fellowship program was re-credentialed in April 2004 effective through April 2009.

AAOMPT Approved Program

The American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT) recognized The NAIOMT Residency program in 1998. Physical therapists who have completed the Fellowship program may apply for fellowship with the Academy.

 

State Approved Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Provider

NAIOMT is an approved provider of general education credits in Oregon and many other states. Call your State Licensing Board or NAIOMT site coordinator for information.

Course Participation Qualifications

NAlOMT courses are principally designed for physical therapists interested in the study of orthopaedic manual and manipulative physical therapy. Other health professionals may be eligible for participation in basic level or specialty courses on approval of the NAIOMT Board of Directors and the faculty teaching the course.

Education Format

Instruction is provided by a variety of methods that include: two, three or six day workshops with course manuals, supervised clinical instruction as continuing education or part of the fellowship program, web site discussions and by directed home study utilizing videotape, on line communication and written materials. Testing and examination opportunities are offered to those wishing to demonstrate their attainment of a level of proficiency in the theory and practice of the basic, intermediate and advanced levels in manual and manipulative therapy.

Emphasis

In order to maximize safety, the student will be taught a comprehensive clinical examination and basic medical screening. This will attempt to preclude the treatment of patients with serious or acute pathology that is contraindicated for orthopaedic manual therapy. The need to continuously reevaluate the patient's health is emphasized. Clinical effectiveness is maximized by presenting material and reference resources that enable the student to develop a profound understanding of the underlying scientific principles of manual therapy assessment and intervention, to advance their practical hands-on skills. NAIOMT encourages inquiring minds to continuously critique and analyze the current and changing data. Efficiency is taught through scanning examinations, biomechanical hypotheses and algorithms evolved from the Canadian manual therapy system and the faculty's many decades of clinical experience.

Curriculum

The curriculum follows the guidelines of the American Physical Therapy Association Guide to Physical Therapy Practice (2001) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Description of Advanced Clinical Practice (DACP-OMT, 1999). Instruction will incorporate the six elements of patient/client management (examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and outcome assessment) that leads to optimal outcomes. The manual therapy techniques taught by NAIOMT instructors will be based on sound scientific principles, relevant, applicable and evidenced-based research, personal clinical experience and judgment and will manifest the Institute's concern for safety, effectiveness and efficiency.