Certification in Functional Manual Medicine

As an experienced healthcare provider, you know how to help your patients achieve optimal musculoskeletal health and recovery from an injury. Through the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Continuing Medical Education program, you now have the opportunity to obtain a certifi cation in manipulative techniques, which will take your credentials to a new level and verify a high-level of profi ciency as determined by faculty accomplished in this fi eld. By taking the courses required for certifi cation, you will learn more about the principles involved in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders amenable to manual medicine methods. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of manual medicine into total care. You’ll receive personalized attention and learn from caring, committed and experienced instructors. You’ll emerge with new skills that will help you optimize your clinical outcomes and a certifi cate that may advance your career.

To sit for the certification exam, you must be a licensed clinician who has taken all of the required courses through the College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Benefits of Certification

Elevated Patient Care: Master advanced manipulative techniques that enhance your ability to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders, leading to improved patient outcomes. 

Exclusive Referral Network: Join a certified community recognized for expertise in manual medicine, opening doors to professional referrals and collaborative opportunities. 

Industry Recognition: Earn a respected certification that highlights your proficiency and commitment to excellence in the field of manual medicine. 

Career Advancement: Strengthen your credentials, positioning yourself for leadership roles and increased opportunities within your practice and beyond. 

Expanded Teaching Opportunities: Gain access to pathways for becoming a CME instructor at MSUCOM, allowing you to share your knowledge and mentor future practitioners. 

Broadened Skill Set: Deepen your understanding of manual medicine principles and integrate new, evidence-based techniques into your practice, ultimately boosting your clinical success.

Requirements

To sit for the certification exam, you must be a licensed physical therapist or physician who has taken all of the following courses through the College of Osteopathic Medicine:

  • Principles of Manual Medicine
  • Muscle Energy Technique Part I
  • Advanced Muscle Energy with Clinical Correlation
  • Cranial Technique: Philosophy & Practice
  • Exercise Prescription as a Complement to Manual Medicine
  • Integrated Neuromuscular & Myofascial Release
  • Manual Medicine Related to Sports & Occupational Injuries to the Extremities

Testing Format

The exam is divided into two sections: ​ 

  1. Written exam: True/False and multiple-choice questions for a total of 100 points (1 point each). 
  2. Practical and Oral exams: Five testing stations where you will be asked to set up a patient for treatment, demonstrate a treatment, perform a screening sequence, etc. The written exam will be graded separately from the oral and the practical exams. You will need to pass the written exam and each station of the practical with 75% to receive a certificate of completion. If one section is failed and you pass the others, we will offer a retake in the future. 

    NOTE: This certification is not for the purpose of licensure or accreditation. It does not change board certification status, guarantee professional state licensure, or guarantee insurance reimbursement for OMT procedures.

Updated 6/10/2025