Introduction to Osteopathy in the Cranial Field: Fall 2026 Hybrid

Course Director: Elena Timoshkin, DO
Associate Director: Matt Gilmartin, MD | Assistant Director: Lawrence Barnard, DO

Bookmark this page as you will refer to it frequently throughout the course.

Contacts

Course Announcements

Email Communication

Course updates will be sent by Osteopathic Cranial Academy from info@members.cranialacademy.org (do not send to this address). If you are not receiving emails, check your spam folder and add this address to your safe-sender list. If messages are still blocked, send an alternate email address to ed@cranialacademy.org.

Lectures

Online Lecture Videos

Beginning September 5, you will complete four self-paced online lecture modules. Each module includes approximately 3-4 hours of instruction. These modules will be completed on our learning platform, Teachable.

You will receive access to the learning platform by September 2. Watch for that email from Teachable, and test it to make sure you can access the platform. The content will go live September 5.

Weekly Lecture Handouts will be available in Teachable on the Monday after each Mandatory Zoom Discussion Group.

Modules

Week 1: Sept. 5-19
12 lectures
Week 2: Sept. 20-26
9 lectures
Week 3: Sept. 27-Oct. 3
9 lectures
Week 4: Oct. 4-10
7 lectures + Online Assessment

 

  1. WATCH: View each lecture in full, do not skip ahead.
  2. COMPLETE THE QUIZ: Use the open-video quizzes to reinforce key points. Up to five attempts are allowed.
  3. CONTINUE: Answer all questions correctly to unlock the next lecture.

Weekly Deadline

Complete all assigned videos and quizzes by midnight Pacific Time on the Friday before each Discussion Group. Due to the complexity of the material, please give yourself enough time to complete and absorb the information in each module during the week; do not leave it to the last day.

Every Video Matters

Please watch every assigned video in full and in sequence. The lectures establish the anatomy, physiology, terminology, osteopathic principles, and perceptual framework used throughout the course. Thoughtful preparation allows the in-person laboratory to focus on palpation, diagnosis, technique, and guided practice rather than re-teaching foundational material.

Course Guidelines

  • AI use is not permitted on quizzes. AI-generated information may be inaccurate; please learn directly from the OCA faculty and assigned materials.
  • Course videos are copyrighted. Screen recording, screen capture, photographing, or sharing any portion is strictly prohibited.
  • Handouts are for your personal use only and may not be shared or distributed.

Technical Notes

  • Watch on a computer or tablet, at normal speed.
  • Watching on a phone or using fast-forward/accelerated playback may prevent Teachable from properly marking the video as complete.
  • If you accidentally skip ahead and Teachable does not display Continue, return to the beginning and watch the video continuously from start to finish.
  • After completion, you may revisit any portion as needed.
  • Playback speed and subtitle options are available in the video settings.

Email ed@cranialacademy.org if you experience technical issues.

Discussion Groups

Mandatory Zoom Discussion Groups

Participation, with your video on, is mandatory to continue to the next portion of the course. Test your camera in advance and have another video option available.

You must have completed this week’s lectures and quizzes by Friday at midnight Pacific Time to participate in the Saturday discussion group.

These discussions allow you to clarify concepts, integrate the lecture material, and prepare for hands-on application. Each discussion group will last 1 hour. Group sizes are kept small (maximum of 10 participants) to allow for meaningful discussion and participation.

Discussion Groups will be held:

  • Saturday, Sept 19
  • Saturday, Sept 26
  • Saturday, Oct 3
  • Saturday, Oct 10 (includes an online assessment)

Each week, there will be six time options. Participants will sign up for their preferred times using this form: https://form.jotform.com/262043362299055

Upon submission of the time selection form, you will receive an email confirming your selected dates. If you need to change your selected times in the future, refer to the link in that email.

You will also receive a Zoom invitation for EACH session (you should get 4 emails from Zoom). The Zoom invitations will include the connection information and links to add the sessions to your calendar. We strongly recommend adding the Zoom calendar entries to your calendar.

 

Eastern Time Central Time Mountain Time Pacific Time
Option 1 9:00 AM 8:00 AM 7:00 AM 6:00 AM
Option 2 11:00 AM 10:00 AM 9:00 AM 8:00 AM
Option 3 12:30 PM 11:30 AM 10:30 AM 9:30 PM
Option 4 2:00 PM 1:00 PM 12:00 PM 11:00 AM
Option 5 4:00 PM 3:00 PM 2:00 PM 1:00 PM
Option 6 8:00 PM 7:00 PM 6:00 PM 5:00 PM

Make-up discussion group(s) may be scheduled on the Sunday of one or more of these weekends, depending on participant need and faculty availability. Please make every effort to attend the Saturday scheduled sessions, as make-up sessions cannot be guaranteed.

Week 4 Online Assessment

The Week 4 Discussion Group includes an Online Assessment of the foundational material covered in the lectures. Your camera must remain on during both the discussion and assessment. A topic list will be provided at the beginning of Week 4.

You must pass the Online Assessment to advance to the in-person laboratory. If remediation is needed, you will be notified and offered one opportunity to remediate.

Lab Info

To advance to the in-person laboratory, you must attend all four Zoom Discussion Groups with your camera on, pass the weekly quizzes, and pass the Week 4 Online Assessment.

Before You Travel

  • Health History Form: Complete this form, print it, and bring it with you to your lab.
  • Lab handouts will be in Teachable. Print in advance if you would like paper copies.
  • Full attendance AND passing the lab exam at the end of Day 3 is REQUIRED to pass the course and to qualify for your tuition assistance (if applicable).

Lab Schedule

Day 1: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Day 2: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Day 3: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

In-Person Lab Dress Code

Comfortable loose-fitting clothes appropriate for OMM (no jeans); scrubs are OK. Bring a sweatshirt or layers since HVAC can vary.

OCA Labs are a Fragrance-Free Environment. Please do not wear perfume, cologne, or other fragranced products.

Travel Information for In-Person Lab Sites

October 23-25, 2026

University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas COM
Medical Education & Training (MET) Building
1000 Montgomery Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76107

Airport: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Hotel Recommendation:
Home2 Suites by Hilton Fort Worth Cultural District
1145 University Dr., Fort Worth, Texas, 76107

November 6-8, 2026

California Health Sciences University (CHSU)
2500 Alluvial Ave
Clovis, CA 93611

Airport: Fresno Airport (FAT)

Hotel Recommendations:

  • Fairfield Inn, 50 N Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA 93612
  • Comfort Suites, 143 Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA 93612
  • Best Western, 415 Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA 93612

November 13-15, 2026

University of Kentucky
Cardinal Hill Rehab Hospital, Entrance C
2050 Versailles Road
Lexington, KY 40504

Airport: Blue Grass Airport (LEX)

Hotel Recommendation:
Hyatt Regency Lexington
401 West High Street, Lexington, KY 40507

  • OCA Room Rate $199/night + tax: A limited number of special rate rooms are available; book before October 14.

Policies & Expectations

Passing Criteria

  • Complete all online modules, including watching all lectures and passing all quizzes.
  • Participate with video on in all four (4) mandatory discussion groups via Zoom.
  • Pass the Online Assessment during the Week 4 Discussion Group.
  • Attend the full 3-day in-person lab and pass the lab exam at the end of Day 3.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be received in writing at the office of The Osteopathic Cranial Academy by August 31, 2026 and are subject to a $50 administrative processing fee. Participants who cannot complete the course due to illness, family emergencies, or work-related restrictions will be offered the option to repeat the course at its next offering.

Participants who cannot complete the course due to illness, family emergencies, or work-related restrictions may (or may not) be offered the option to repeat the Hybrid course at its next offering.

No discount will be provided for individuals not participating in food functions at the in-person labs.

You must pass the lecture portion of the course to participate in the lab portion. No refunds will be given if you do not pass the course.

Participants who received a tuition assistance grant from the OCAF and 1) cancel or drop out after the course starts (9/5/26), OR 2) fail the lecture or lab portion of the course, will be responsible for paying for the tuition grant portion and will not be eligible to apply for future tuition assistance grants.

You may change your lab date/location, subject to availability, through August 31, 2026, at no charge. Please note that we anticipate this course reaching capacity, so there may not be availability at other sites.

Academic Integrity

  • Quizzes in this course are open-video and are designed to help you focus on the key points from each lecture. Completing them thoughtfully will better prepare you for success in the in-person lab sessions.
  • AI use is not permitted on quizzes. We strongly discourage using AI tools, as they often contain misinformation. The Osteopathic Cranial Academy wants you to learn accurate, high-quality information directly from our faculty.
  • All lecture videos are copyrighted material belonging to the faculty. Screen recording, screen capturing, photographing, or sharing any portion of the videos is strictly prohibited.
  • Handouts are provided for your personal use only and may not be shared or distributed.

Waiver, Release, and Indemnity Agreement

The participant acknowledges that they are voluntarily participating in the laboratory sessions, and that there are risks of physical injury associated with such participation. The participant agrees to waive any and all claims it may have against The Osteopathic Cranial Academy (hereinafter “The OCA”), and to release The OCA from any and all liability it may have for such claims, including but not limited to claims for personal injury or damages relating to the applicant’s participation in the program sessions. The applicant agrees not to sue The OCA, and to defend and indemnify The OCA and to hold it harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, and liabilities relating to or arising out of the particpant’s participation in the program sessions.

OCA Photography

Photographs may be taken by the Osteopathic Cranial Academy (OCA) or its agents. By participating in this event, you hereby grant the OCA the right to photograph you and use those photographs for any legitimate purpose. If you do not wish to have your photograph used by OCA, please notify staff at office@cranialacademy.org.

Code of Conduct

The Osteopathic Cranial Academy is dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive experience for everyone. We strive to create an environment where all attendees can learn, network, and enjoy the event without fear of harassment or discrimination.

Expected Behavior
We expect all participants, including attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and staff, to:

  • Be respectful and considerate: Treat all individuals with kindness, courtesy, and respect.
  • Communicate constructively: Engage in open and honest dialogue while being mindful of others’ perspectives.
  • Be inclusive: Embrace diversity and ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings: Be aware of your physical space and how your behavior may affect others.
  • Respect boundaries: Understand and respect personal boundaries and refrain from any unwanted advances or attention.

Unacceptable Behavior
The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated:

  • Harassment: Any form of verbal, written, or physical conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating environment. This includes but is not limited to offensive comments, sexual harassment, deliberate intimidation, stalking, or unwelcome physical contact.
  • Discrimination: Any form of discrimination based on gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, age, religion, nationality, or experience level.
  • Hate speech: Any language that promotes or incites violence, hatred, or discrimination against any individual or group.
  • Disruption: Any behavior that disrupts the flow of the conference, including but not limited to interrupting speakers, blocking access, or creating excessive noise.
  • Illegal activity: Any activity that violates local, state, or federal laws.

CME & Evals

Evaluations

Your input is important and helps us improve future courses. Each course segment will have a short evaluation.

CME Attestation

The Osteopathic Cranial Academy designates this educational activity for a maximum of 43.25 hours in Category 1-A AOA CME. Each physician should claim only the hours of credit that he/she participates in an educational activity. Complete the Attestation to receive your CME Certificate of Participation. Your certificate will be downloadable from the submission confirmation page and will be sent via email immediately upon submission of this form.

For AOA members, CME credits will be reported to AOA on December 1, 2026. If you are submitting this attestation after that date, credits will be reported within 30 days of your submission.