Certification Program Information

IAOM-US offers certifications in Non-Operative Orthopedic Medicine and Manual Therapy for physical and occupational therapists (COMT). Certifications are offered in the areas of the Spine, Extremities, and Upper Quadrant.

Please note: To align IAOM-US with the American Physical Therapy Association and American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists' stance regarding physical therapy assistants performing joint mobilization/manipulation, effective January 1, 2006, IAOM-US no longer offers a certification process for physical therapy assistants or occupational therapy assistants.

Individuals certified in the Spine, Extremities or Upper Quadrant and obtaining their COMT (Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy) will be able to differentially diagnose and treat patients with orthopedic problems. Because of increased understanding of pathoanatomy, joint-specific biomechanics, and their inter-relationships, certified clinicians are able to make precise recommendations for conservative treatment and for individualized home programs. Although there can be no guarantee, certified clinicians (and their clinical sites) have reported increased treatment efficiency and decreased number of patient visits secondary to successful restoration of joint function.

IAOM-US Certification for Occupational Therapists

IAOM-US has developed a certification process specifically for occupational therapists and physical therapists specializing in the upper extremity: the Upper Quadrant Certification. Currently, the Upper Quadrant Certification is the only test available through IAOM-US for occupational therapists. It includes information for identification of spinal contributions to upper extremity symptomatology; however, testing and treatment of this area is not included in the practical part of the certification. Based on the practice act of the individual being certified, the practical part of the IAOM-US examination may include manipulation techniques for the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. It is imperative for the individual being tested to notify IAOM-US administration of the practice act of their state in instances where manipulations are forbidden; the test will be modified accordingly.

Application Requirements

To obtain "COMT", individuals are required to submit proof of:

  1. Current membership of the IAOM-US.

  2. PT or OT licensure in the state of practice. Applications for any modular examination should be made to the IAOM-US office no later than 6 weeks prior to the requested date of testing. Applications may be submitted by mail, email, or telephone.

Certifications

To become certified through the IAOM-US in Orthopedic Medicine and Manual Therapy, an individual must successfully complete either of the following examinations:

  1. Upper Extremity Certification (3 courses: Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist & Hand)

  2. Lower Extremity Certification (3 courses: Hip, Knee, Ankle & Foot)

  3. Upper Spine Certification (3 courses: Upper cervical & Headache, Lower Cervical, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Cervico-Thoracic Junction)

  4. Lower Spine Certification (3 courses: LSI-Acute Lumbar & Sacro-iliac Joint, LSII-Recurrent and Chronic Low Back Pain, Thoracic & Ribs)

  5. Upper Quadrant Certification (4 courses: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Cervico-Thoracic Junction, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist & Hand)

Successful completion of certification for a minimum of three courses (67.5 contact hours) results in a "COMT" Certification. The Certification will become official within two months of the examination date. You will then be entitled to use the initials "COMT" following your name and credentials.