Manual Therapy Fellowship for Physical Therapists – The Ola Grimsby Institute

Fellowship in Manual Therapy

Fellowship Catalog

The Ola Grimsby Institute, with a 50-year legacy of excellence, delivers transformative orthopedic manual therapy education across the U.S., South America, Europe, and Asia. Our 18-month Fellowship empowers practicing physical therapists to achieve clinical mastery, integrating advanced manual techniques, evidence-based practice, and innovative research to elevate patient care.

Mission Statement for the Ola Grimsby Institute Fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Therapy

At the Ola Grimsby Institute, our mission is to advance the profession of orthopaedic manual physical therapy by elevating the level of practice in our Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Fellowship, empowering licensed physical therapists to become autonomous experts in diagnosing and treating neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. Through our 18-month hybrid model, exceptional mentorship, evidence-informed principles, and detailed clinical reasoning, we foster transformative growth that enhances life experiences for both clinicians and their patients, optimizing outcomes and quality of life.

Mastering Manual Therapy

Our Fellowship integrates manual therapy techniques from diverse global traditions, empowering Fellows in Training to select and dose interventions with precision, tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our cutting-edge curriculum evolves with the orthopedic manual therapy profession, ensuring you remain at the forefront of clinical practice. Hands-on courses and personalized mentoring sharpen your skills in mobilization and spinal manipulation, fostering confidence and competence.

Precision in Exercise

A hallmark of our Fellowship is the Scientific Therapeutic Exercise Progressions (STEP) curriculum, rooted in Norwegian Medical Exercise Therapy (MET). Learn to design, dose, and progress exercises with specificity, integrating evaluation and manual techniques for optimal patient outcomes. This evidence-based approach ensures you deliver targeted interventions that enhance recovery and vitality.

Advanced Specialization and Doctoral Opportunities

Elevate your expertise beyond the 18-month Fellowship with our advanced third-year Clinical Specialization in Manual Therapy, designed to refine your clinical mastery and leadership in the field. For those seeking the pinnacle of academic achievement, our optional PhD program offers a pathway to contribute groundbreaking research to orthopedic manual therapy, with opportunities for publication and international recognition.

Impact and Outcomes

Graduates of the OGI Fellowship consistently achieve superior patient outcomes, delivering scientifically informed treatments that reduce treatment duration and enhance patient vitality. Our Fellows in Training have published impactful research, earned FAAOMPT credentials, and assumed leadership roles in orthopedic manual therapy worldwide. Join a global community of elite clinicians transforming lives through evidence-based practice.

Course Dates and Locations

Fellowship in Manual Therapy 2026 – August 20, 2026 – January 30, 2028

Fellowship Components

Our streamlined 18-month Fellowship replaces our previous residency and fellowship structure, offering an intensive, hands-on training experience that immerses participants in real-world clinical scenarios. Delivered through our innovative educational platform, the entire didactic curriculum is accessible electronically, enabling 100% lab-focused sessions during campus visits. With only three weekend campus visits per semester, the flexible structure ensures convenience without compromising educational depth.

Semester 1 (August – December 2026) – Foundations and Upper Quarter focus.
Semester 2 (January – June 2027) – Lower Quarter and Advanced Techniques.
Semester 3 (August 2027 – January 2028) – Advanced Integration, Review, and Final Assessment.

Clinical Mentoring

1:1 Clinical Mentoring Hours: 150
Personalized 1:1 clinical mentoring with OGI faculty or clinical mentors elevates your skills beyond traditional coursework. These 150 hours of direct supervision ensure tailored guidance for clinical excellence.
Supervised Clinical Hours: 440
Complete 440 hours of clinical supervision (including the 150 1:1 mentoring hours) in your routine work environment, with ongoing support from OGI faculty via phone, email, or other communication methods.
Required Research

Fellows in Training undertake a research project, approved by the Ola Grimsby Institute, such as an intensive literature review or formal case study. This opportunity fosters contributions to the field and prepares you for potential publication or further academic pursuits, including the optional PhD.
Examinations
Before completion, Fellows must pass rigorous written, oral, and practical/clinical examinations to demonstrate competency. Successful graduates receive a certificate of completion. For details, see the OGI Examination Policy.

Applications

Ready to begin your journey toward clinical mastery?

Prerequisites:

• Active physical therapy license
• Practice in an orthopedic manual therapy outpatient clinic
• Two letters of recommendation
• Active APTA membership

Apply Now:

Visit our Student Registration Portal to start the application process.

Apply Now

Program Costs

Tuition (including all seminars and examinations): $12,900
Payable in 3 equal installments of $4,300.

Payment Options:
ACH / Bank Transfer: No additional fee
Credit Card: +3% processing fee

Benefits of Fellowship Completion

FAAOMPT Credential: Apply for Fellow status with the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT). Graduates are responsible for obtaining and submitting AAOMPT paperwork.
International Recognition: Gain membership with IFOMPT, a globally recognized standard in manual therapy.
Advanced Academic Pathways: The Fellowship is a prerequisite for our third-year Clinical Specialization in Manual Therapy and optional PhD program.
Research Opportunities: Contribute to the field through research, with potential for publication and progression toward a PhD.

AAOMPT Approved

As a Founding Fellow of the AAOMPT, the Ola Grimsby Institute’s Fellowship meets the international standards of IFOMPT. Graduates may apply for the prestigious FAAOMPT credential, marking them as leaders in orthopedic manual therapy.

Program Outcomes

Ola Grimsby Institute Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Fellowship – Program Outcomes
(Updated January 2026)

Since pioneering one of the original 8 founding U.S. fellowship programs in OMPT in 1991, the Ola Grimsby Institute has graduated well over 500 FAAOMPT clinicians — among the highest volumes in the profession’s history. Our alumni have filled leadership roles in AAOMPT and APTA, university faculties, and major clinical organizations worldwide.

Period / Cohort	Enrollment	Graduation Rate	Key Post-Completion Indicators
Legacy (1991–2021 aggregated)	Well over 500 graduated (based on records)	95% (based on records)	Many in leadership roles (AAOMPT, APTA, universities, clinics); contributions to the profession at international events. Not tracked in that period but tracked now.
2022–2024	Strategic transition period – no new enrollment (focus on development of enhanced hybrid model)	N/A	N/A
2025–2027 (Current hybrid cohort, launched January 2025)	9 admitted (7 active after early withdrawals)	Projected 100% of active participants	Projected high engagement in mentoring and professional development; anticipated contributions to research and clinical innovation in the field.

We are proud of our unmatched historical contribution to the profession and even prouder of the enhanced hybrid fellowship we now offer – designed to produce the most clinically excellent and professionally prepared manual therapists in the world.