Training Programs
A beginning Ortho-Bionomy® student has many choices: take a few classes; become a Student member of the Society; become an Associate member by completing the required 114 hours of training; or enter the Practitioner Training Program and work toward becoming a Registered Practitioner of Ortho-Bionomy.
The Society has developed and oversees professional training programs for Ortho-Bionomy Practitioners and Instructors. The Registered Practitioner Training Program (505 hours) and the Registered Advanced Practitioner Program (504 hours) are designed to give students a thorough understanding of the principles and philosophy of Ortho-Bionomy in addition to providing extensive hands-on experience in both classes and supervised practice. The Instructor Training Program and Advanced Instructor Training Program offer additional training for those who are drawn to teach Ortho-Bionomy.
Trainees choose an Instructor as an advisor(s) during their training. The advisor(s) assists the student while they complete their curriculum through one-on-one discussions, feedback, and evaluation sessions.
The Practitioner Review Committee (PRC) and the Instructor Review Committee (IRC) meet quarterly to review paperwork submitted by students for appointment as Registered Practitioners, Advanced Practitioners, and Associate Instructors through Advanced Instructors. The dates are:
March 15, June 15th, September 15th, December 15th
Unlike a school setting, trainees choose the pace they wish to complete a program. They can complete the program in a short time, or slowly complete the training over years. They can take their classes in a variety of locations and with a variety of Registered Instructors. A 16-unit or weekend class cost ranges from $250 - $400, depending on the costs to host a class in that location. Visit the Find a Class page for an up-to-date listing of Ortho-Bionomy classes currently scheduled.
The emergence of online classes created a need for SOBI to have an Online Class Policy in place. This allows for a number of online classes to be counted for our training programs in a way that insures Ortho-Bionomy students receive the training they need to be grounded in the principles and practice of Ortho-Bionomy, but flexible enough to allow for virtual training as well.
With input from the Curriculum Review Committee and the SOBI Instructor community, the Board of Directors has approved the policy below.
SOBI Online Class Policy
Only credit from active Registered Ortho-Bionomy Instructors of the Society will be will be recognized when students request evolvement to Associate, Practitioner, Advanced Practitioner or any Instructor level.
Associate Training and Membership
Associate Level Membership is the step between Student and Practitioner Levels.
Associate Training consists of 114 class units/hours as well as receiving an Ortho-Bionomy session and giving a session to an Instructor.
All of the classes taken to become an Associate member count toward the Practitioner Training Program.
Benefits of Completion of Ortho-Bionomy Associate Member Training:
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Limited Trademark Privileges: Associate Members may use the term “Ortho-Bionomy®” in their promotional literature by listing Ortho-Bionomy among the modalities they practice. (However, this cannot give the impression, directly or indirectly, that the user is a Practitioner or Instructor of Ortho-Bionomy.)
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Referral Listings: Online listing in “Find a Practitioner” search and listing in the Members Only directory
- Discounted liability insurance through the American Massage Therapy Associate (AMTA) in the USA
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Discounted membership with Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) in the USA
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Discount on SOBI Membership – $15 off membership by also applying for the Practitioner Training Program
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Voting Privileges: Associate Members are entitled to vote on general matters pertaining to the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International such as electing the Board of Directors
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Newsletter Subscription to “Ortho-Bionomy News,” the Society’s quarterly newsletter and e-newsletters
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Classes taken for Associate Member level transfer directly to Practitioner Training Program
Associate Member Form
Practitioner Training Program
This program is designed to give individuals a thorough understanding of the art and practice of Ortho-Bionomy. The focus is on providing the trainees with an understanding of applying the principles of Ortho-Bionomy to the techniques. The student also learns to present and demonstrate Ortho-Bionomy to use in their own practices and communities. Becoming a Registered Practitioner of Ortho-Bionomy is an on-going process. It is both a personal process and a process of coming to understand the work and how to utilize it.
The Practitioner Training Program is a 505 unit training program consisting of classroom study, residential/intensive study, mentorship and practical experience.
- 330 Curriculum Units of classes and study groups including Philosophy, Principles, Technique, Anatomy & Physiology, Ethics,Body Mechanics and more
- 20 Tutorial Units of sessions received, mentorship with Ortho-Bionomy Instructors, Consultations, and Feedback
- 5 Evaluation Units of sessions for evaluation, lecture demonstration and an essay
- 150 Units of Documented Sessions
Download the Practitioner Training Program handbook below. The handbook includes detailed information of the program, from course requirements to program completion. All forms needed to complete your training are located in the PTP Handbook.
The required classes Anatomy & Physiology, and Elements of a Successful Practice may be waived with qualifying documentation. See the PTP handbook for more info. The Waiver Request form is included in the PTP handbook. If needed, additional Waiver Request forms can be downloaded through the links below.
Waiver Request Form (Fillable PDF)
Waiver Request Form (Fillable Word)
In order to complete registration for the Practitioner Training Program you must be an active member of the Society or become a member after applying to the program.
Please Note: The Handbook has been updated with the new SOBI contact information for submitting your forms. Please do not use any Handbooks that you have downloaded prior to 20 December 2018. Doing so may delay your approval process.
Practitioner Training Handbook PDF
Apply to the Practitioner Training Program
Advanced Instructor Training Program
Many of our instructors continue their training to teach the Advanced Ortho-Bionomy courses above the Phase Four Level. This training is a mentoring program, where the trainees work with experienced Advanced Instructors to prepare and teach the advanced coursework.
Please Note: the Handbook has been updated with the new SOBI contact information for submitting your forms. Please do not use any Handbooks that you have downloaded prior to 20 December 2018. Doing so may delay your approval process.
Advanced Instructor Training Program Handbook
Testimonials for Training Programs
“After successfully recovering from a car accident with Ortho-Bionomy, I knew I needed to know more about Ortho-Bionomy, both for my own self care, and to support my bodywork clients. I began taking classes and was hooked. The blend of demonstration, hands on practice and handouts made the learning process easier for me. I am now an Ortho-Bionomy Practitioner and have transitioned my practice from Massage Therapy to almost exclusively Ortho-Bionomy. By working with my clients instead of “fixing” them, they seem to recover faster and stay well, even from issues that had been chronic. And, in a challenging economy, my client book has remained full.” - D.S.
