Five-year part-time study
in Traditional Osteopathy
For over 20 years, the Swiss International College of Osteopathy (SICO) has been offering a 5-year part-time education program in osteopathy. This curriculum encompasses both theoretical knowledge and palpation skills in parietal, cranial, and visceral osteopathy.
Our program has received accreditation from the Accademia Italiana Medicina Osteopatica (AIMO) in Milan and the University College of Osteopathy (UCO) in London. As a result, starting from the fourth academic year, students have the opportunity to pursue a university pathway leading to the attainment of a Bachelor of Science in Osteopathy, followed by a Master of Science in Osteopathy.
Both of these university degrees are conferred by the University College of Osteopathy in London, one of the most highly regarded osteopathic institutions in Europe.
It's important to note that obtaining recognition as an osteopath in Switzerland requires special considerations. Since our degree is obtained from an international source, it must be recognized by the Swiss Red Cross (SRK) in Switzerland. This recognition process is individualized and may necessitate additional measures to align with Swiss standards, depending on the candidate's prior education and qualifications.
Additionally, from the third year of study, it is possible to specialize in the field of complementary therapy, including a focus on biodynamic craniosacral therapy and the salutogenetic treatment approach within complementary therapy.
Programm Overview
Start
Annual autumn start (Sept/Oct)
Deadline Application
due by end of june (30.06.)
Duration
Osteopathic Study on
university pathway 5 1/2 years
Part-Time Structure
Modules format with 5-day-courses
(6-8 per year)
Clinical days training
Entry Criteria
Requires recognized medical background
(600 hours training)
BSc/MSc training requires English level
(IELTS 6.5 or higher)
Title
Osteopath C.O. SICO (Certificate of Osteopathy)
Bachelor of Sciene in Osteopathy UCO (BSc. hons.)
Master of Science in Osteopathy UCO (MSc. hons.)
Certificate in Craniosacral Therapy SICO
„An osteopath is only a human engineer, who should understand all the laws governing his engine and thereby master disease.”
Andrew Taylor Still
Study-Process
In the SICO curriculum, the first three years are dedicated to imparting the foundational knowledge and skills of parietal and cranial osteopathy, along with traditional craniosacral therapy. During the subsequent 4th and 5th years, visceral osteopathy is introduced and intertwined with parietal and cranial osteopathy, providing students with an optimal blend of palpation skills and theoretical understanding. This traditional curriculum culminates in the award of the "Osteopath C.O." diploma.
Starting from the 4th year, in collaboration with AIMO, course modules for the advanced "Bachelor of Science (hons.) in Osteopathy" program are offered. This includes a strong emphasis on developing scientific research skills in the field of osteopathy. Upon completion of the Bachelor's program, students earn 180 ECTS credits recognized at the university level.
Subsequently, beginning in the 5th year, students have the option to enroll in course modules for the "Master of Science in Osteopathy," where osteopathic practice and scientific research are further intertwined and deepened.
Curriculum Details
Traditional Osteopathic Curriculum SICO
Concepts and philosophy of Osteopathy
General Osteopathic Treatment (G.O.T.)
Osteopathy applied to the cranial sphere and the functional unit of the craniosacral system.
Primary Respiratory Mechanism (PRM)
The pelvis and lumbo-sacral junction
The lower extremities
Gait and posture analysis
Strain counterstrain. Myofascial release
Clinical methodology for evaluation and treatments
Traditional Osteopathic Curriculum SICO
Concepts of somato-visceral and viscero-somatic dysfunction
The lumbar spine, thoracic spine, thorax, cervical spine and pivot points ‣Second Degree lesions
Cranial Osteopathy
The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Muscle Energy techniques
Intra-osseous lesions
Clinical methodology for evaluation and treatment
Traditional Osteopathic Curriculum SICO
Osteopathic concepts in relation to postural equilibrium, the dural craniosacral mechanism and myofascial chains
The occiput-atlas-axis
Occlusion and the TMJ
The upper extremity
Neuromotor development
Treatment of infants and young children
Functional emergency techniques
Bones of the face
Cranial Osteopathy
Clinical methodology for evaluation and treatment
Research methodology courses
Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy / Swiss complementary therapy (OdA-KT):
The Swiss profession of complementary therapy (KT)
Internalization of the KT-view of the human being and the KT-attitude towards therapeutic interaction
Integration of the METID (official Swiss method identification) in Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
Craniosacral biodynamics
Traditional Osteopathic Curriculum SICO
Osteopathic concepts concerning interrelations between musculoskeletal and organ systems
Complex osteo-articular lesions
Movements of the viscera and organs
The digestive system
The respiratory system
Evaluation and treatment of post-traumatic visceral and organic lesions ‣The lymphatic system
Clinical methodology for evaluation and treatment
Bachelor of Science in Osteopathy Curriculum (UCO/AIMO)
Research Methods and Evidence Informed Practice
Research Development in Osteopathy
Developing Reflective and Specialist Practice
Independent Research Study
Traditional Osteopathic Curriculum SICO
Osteopathic concepts and integration of various elements to assist you in establishing a differential diagnosis between lesions of a traumatic, visceral and/or emotional origin
The circulatory system and cardiac vascularisation
The elimination and reproductive systems
Osteopathic treatment of multiple trauma patients ‣The para-sympathetic and sympathetic systems
The auto-regulation and immune systems
General methodology for evaluation and treatment
Master of Science in Osteopathy Curriculum (UCO/AIMO)
Integrated Osteopathic Approach
Clinical Reasoning
Life Style
Research
Pediatrics
Pain Managment
Master of Science in Osteopathy Curriculum (UCO/AIMO)
Integrated Osteopathic Approach
Clinical Reasoning
Life Style
Research
Pediatrics
Pain Managment
1st academic year
Concepts and philosophy of Osteopathy
General Osteopathic Treatment (G.O.T.)
Osteopathy applied to the cranial sphere and the functional unit of the craniosacral system.
Primary Respiratory Mechanism (PRM)
The pelvis and lumbo-sacral junction
The lower extremities
Gait and posture analysis
Strain counterstrain. Myofascial release
Clinical methodology for evaluation and treatments
2nd academic year
Concepts of somato-visceral and viscero-somatic dysfunction
The lumbar spine, thoracic spine, thorax, cervical spine and pivot points ‣Second Degree lesions
Cranial Osteopathy
The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Muscle Energy techniques
Intra-osseous lesions
Clinical methodology for evaluation and treatment
3rd academic year
Osteopathic concepts in relation to postural equilibrium, the dural craniosacral mechanism and myofascial chains
The occiput-atlas-axis
Occlusion and the TMJ
The upper extremity
Neuromotor development
Treatment of infants and young children
Functional emergency techniques
Bones of the face
Cranial Osteopathy
Clinical methodology for evaluation and treatment
Research methodology courses
Craniosacral therapy / Swiss complementary therapy (OdA-KT)
The Swiss profession of complementary therapy (KT)
Internalization of the KT-view of the human being and the KT-attitude towards therapeutic interaction
Integration of the METID (official Swiss method identification) in Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
Craniosacral biodynamics
4th academic year
Osteopathic concepts concerning interrelations between musculoskeletal and organ systems
Complex osteo-articular lesions
Movements of the viscera and organs
The digestive system
The respiratory system
Evaluation and treatment of post-traumatic visceral and organic lesions ‣The lymphatic system
Clinical methodology for evaluation and treatment
Bachelor
Research Methods and Evidence Informed Practice
Research Development in Osteopathy
Developing Reflective and Specialist Practice
Independent Research Study
5st academie year
Osteopathic concepts and integration of various elements to assist you in establishing a differential diagnosis between lesions of a traumatic, visceral and/or emotional origin
The circulatory system and cardiac vascularisation
The elimination and reproductive systems
Osteopathic treatment of multiple trauma patients ‣The para-sympathetic and sympathetic systems
The auto-regulation and immune systems
General methodology for evaluation and treatment
Master
Integrated Osteopathic Approach
Clinical Reasoning
Life Style
Research
Pediatrics
Pain Managment
Costs
SICO's osteopathic program has an annual tuition fee.
The modules for the university or complementary therapy pathways are separately billed, as they can be booked individually.
Accommodation costs are not included.
Course for traditional Osteopathy SICO
- Per academic year CHF 8'940.-
- Registration feeCHF 500.-
Individual additional cost
- Additional books/anatomical models
- Accommodation
- Costs for the bachelor and master program
- BSc (hons.) CHF 2'500.-
MSc (hons.) CHF 6'900.- - Costs for the Craniosacral Therapy / Complementary Therapist OdA-KT
- Extra Course 100 hours CHF 2'900.-
Details
University pathway
Bachelor of Science in Osteopathy
BSc. (hons.) UCO
1 year
+
Master of Science in Osteopathy
MSc. (hons.) UCO
1.5 year
Osteopathic study SICO
Traditional Osteopathic training
5 year program
Parietal Osteopathy
Cranial Osteopathy
Visceral Osteopathy
Traditional Craniosacral Therapy