Doctors of Osteopathy

Policy Category: Registration
College Contact: Registration Inquiries

The College formerly recognized the Doctor of Osteopathy degree from an osteopathic school accredited by the American Osteopathic Association as equivalent to a medical degree from an accredited medical school.

In an effort to reach a national standard among the provinces and territories of Canada, the College has agreed to adapt its policy.

Part 1 – Applications for academic or postgraduate education certificates of registration

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario will recognize a Doctor of Osteopathy degree granted by an osteopathic medical school in the U.S. that was, at the time the degree was granted, accredited by the American Osteopathic Association as equivalent to a degree in medicine granted by a medical school that was, at the time the degree was granted, an accredited medical school as described for the purpose of clause (a) of “degree of medicine” in Section 1 of Ontario Regulation 865/93 for the purposes of applications for an academic or postgraduate education certificates of registration.

Part 2 – Applications for certificates of registration (other than academic or postgraduate education certificates)

The Registration Committee may direct the Registrar to issue a certificate of registration to an applicant who has a Doctor of Osteopathy Degree granted by an osteopathic medical school in the U.S. that was, at the time the degree was granted, accredited by the American Osteopathic Association, if the applicant has:

  1. successfully completed the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examinations or an acceptable qualifying examination; and
  2. obtained certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

The following conditions will be placed on the certificate of registration:

  1. The physician must practice with a mentor and/or supervisor until he or she has successfully completed an assessment.
  2. The physician must undergo an assessment after completing a minimum of one year of practice in Ontario. The certificate of registration automatically expires 18 months from the date of issuance, but may be renewed by the Registration Committee, with or without additional or other terms, conditions and limitations.

Individuals holding a Doctor of Osteopathy degree with U.S. Postgraduate Training and Certification and who are practicing in the U.S., may wish to apply for registration pursuant to Pathway 3.

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