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Master the Art of Manual Therapy with Our
Hands-On COMT Certification
Are you a physical therapist who believes in the power of manual therapy? Do you strive for mastery in your field and seek innovative solutions for your patients? Our COMT Certification is designed for practitioners like you who are committed to excellence and patient-focused outcomes.
Cutting Edge Manual Therapy Certification With ASPIRE OMT
Transform Your Skills and Patient Outcomes with Advanced Manual Therapy
Discover how our COMT Certification can transform your practice and patient outcomes. Experience the comprehensive benefits of advanced manual therapy training, hands-on mentorship, and a supportive community of elite physical therapists
Intensive Hands-On Training
Receive direct feedback from experienced instructors through practical, hands-on sessions.
Enhanced Clinical Reasoning and Assessment Skills
Develop advanced skills in clinical reasoning and patient assessment to improve treatment outcomes.
Personalized Mentorship
Benefit from small class sizes that allow for personalized mentorship and guidance
Access to a High-Performing Community
Join a network of like-minded professionals dedicated to excellence in manual therapy.
Integration of Latest Research
Stay updated with the latest research in manual therapy, biomechanics, and pain science.
Flexible Learning Structure
Enjoy a blend of online and in-person components that fit into your busy schedule.
the power of manual therapy
Why Physical Therapists Should Master Manual Therapy
At ASPIRE OMT, we believe that manual therapy is more than just a skill—it’s a game-changer in patient care.
Hands-on techniques have the power to accelerate recovery, improve function, and provide immediate relief in ways that exercise alone cannot. By integrating manual therapy into practice, physical therapists can unlock a deeper level of patient healing, helping individuals move better, feel stronger, and regain their quality of life faster.
One of the key advantages of manual therapy is its ability to enhance clinical outcomes. Research consistently shows that targeted hands-on interventions improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function more effectively than passive modalities. Patients notice the difference, leading to higher satisfaction, increased adherence to treatment plans, and more word-of-mouth referrals.
In today’s competitive healthcare environment, therapists with specialized manual therapy skills stand out—not only in their ability to produce superior patient results but also in career advancement opportunities.
Beyond clinical impact, mastering manual therapy expands a therapist’s treatment toolbox, allowing them to confidently address a wider range of musculoskeletal conditions. From spinal dysfunctions to joint restrictions and soft tissue limitations, these techniques provide an edge in delivering comprehensive, evidence-based care. In addition, as healthcare continues shifting toward non-invasive pain management, manual therapy plays a crucial role in reducing reliance on medication and unnecessary surgeries—offering a natural, effective alternative that prioritizes patient well-being.
Ready to Take Your Manual Therapy Skills to the Next Level?
Transform Your Skills and Patient Outcomes with Advanced Manual Therapy
Research-backed techniques can significantly reduce pain, improve mobility, and even decrease reliance on medications. By mastering manual therapy, you’ll enhance your clinical effectiveness, provide faster relief for your patients, and set yourself apart in the field of physical therapy.
Consider these powerful findings:
Reduce Pain and Restore Function in Osteoarthritis Patients
80%
Research shows that joint mobilization reduces pain and improves function in 80% of patients with osteoarthritis.*
*Fritz, J.M., et al. (2020). Does manual therapy improve pain and function in patients with osteoarthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32731750/
Reduce Opioid Dependence with Manual Therapy
40%
A 2021 study found that manual therapy reduced opioid dependence by 40% in patients with musculoskeletal pain.**
**Kline, J.T., et al. (2021). The impact of manual therapy on opioid use in patients with musculoskeletal pain: A retrospective cohort study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Hands-on Treatment: Preferred by Patients
70%
70% of patients seeking physical therapy state that they prefer hands-on treatment approaches over passive modalities alone.***
***Bishop, M.D., et al. (2017). Patient preferences for hands-on physical therapy: A national survey of physical therapy users. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28590787/
Learn Today, Apply Tomorrow!
Elevate Your Practice with Manual Therapy Mastery
At ASPIRE OMT, our courses are designed for immediate clinical application, meaning that therapists can take what they learn and start using it with patients the very next day. With expert instruction from experienced clinicians, we provide the tools, techniques, and real-world training needed to master the art of manual therapy—helping therapists elevate their practice, set themselves apart, and ultimately deliver better patient care.
Ready to Take Your Manual Therapy Skills to the Next Level?
“I just graduated from DPT school, so I’m just trying to make my skills better and become a better physical therapist. Aspire courses are a wonderful resource and pathway to get there. If you are passionate about what you do, and want to be a practitioner at another level I highly recommend it!”
-Yifan
PT
Explore Our Comprehensive COMT Courses
At ASPIRE, we offer a meticulously designed curriculum to guide you through every step of your journey to becoming a master clinician. Our institute is formatted to allow flexibility for professionals to advance at their own pace, as time, finances, and experience allow. The structured programming is designed to take clinicians from new graduates to skilled professionals, with a steady progression of skills. Our core curriculum consists of 11 courses, offered in 3-day sessions (1 online and 2 on-site), ensuring a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice.
COMT-1 Lumbar Gateway To Musculoskeletal Therapy
Course Number: PTH 841
Credits / CEU's: 1.5 credits / 2.1 CEU’s
Format: 1 day online (7 hours) with 2 assessments + 2 days onsite (14 hours)= 21 hours
Accelerated Format Option: Andrews University: 4 days back to back. Sun-Wed. Register for Gateway Lumbar and Gateway Cervical together=42 hours
Overview: This lab intensive course applies clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis through formulating illness scripts based upon a thorough subjective history and a hands-on musculoskeletal assessment of the lumbar spine. This course is designed to equip the clinician with the proper subjective and objective evaluation to determine the appropriateness of physical therapy, recognize the need for a referral for signs and symptoms of serious pathology and generate a provisional differential diagnosis of lumbar spinal dysfunction. Pain science, including acute and chronic nociceptive mechanisms are discussed and applied through clinical scenarios. Furthermore, intervention techniques and management of common spinal pathologies are demonstrated, including soft tissue techniques and joint articulation techniques. Neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercises are introduced to reinforce each manual treatment. Courses can be taken in any order as each course covers different bodily regions.
COMT-2 Cervical Gateway To Musculoskeletal Therapy
Course Number: PTH 841
Credits / CEU's: 1.5 credits / 2.1 CEU’s
Format: 1 day online (7 hours) with 2 assessments + 2 days onsite (14 hours)= 21 hours
Accelerated Format Option: Andrews University: 4 days back to back. Sun-Wed. Register for Gateway Lumbar and Gateway Cervical together=42 hours
Overview: This lab intensive course applies clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis through formulating illness scripts based upon a thorough subjective history and a hands-on musculoskeletal assessment of the lumbar and cervical spines. This course is designed to equip the clinician with the proper subjective and objective evaluation to determine the appropriateness of physical therapy, recognize the need for a referral for signs and symptoms of serious pathology and generate a provisional differential diagnosis of lumbar and cervical spinal dysfunction. Pain science, including acute and chronic nociceptive mechanisms are discussed and applied through clinical scenarios. Furthermore, intervention techniques and management of common spinal pathologies are demonstrated, including soft tissue techniques and joint articulation techniques. Neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercises are introduced to reinforce each manual treatment. Dr. James Cyriax principles are presented, including the application of the selective tissue tensioning examination. Courses can be taken in any order as each course covers different bodily regions.
COMT-3 Upper Extremity Evaluation And Management
Course Number: PTH 842
Credits / CEU's: 1.5 credits / 2.1 CEU’s
Format: 1 day online (7 hours) with 2 assessments + 2 days onsite (14 hours)= 21 hours
Accelerated Format Option: Andrews University: 4 days back to back. Sun-Wed. Register for both Upper Extremity Assessment, Management & Manipulation and Cervico-Thoracic Spine Assessment and Management together
Overview: This lab intensive course applies clinical reasoning and a hands-on musculoskeletal assessment of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, while focusing heavily on biomechanics, introduced by Michael MacConnail and functional anatomy. Based on the recognition of signs and symptoms of upper extremity pathology, the participant will formulate a provisional differential diagnosis while demonstrating how to rule out serious pathology, which may mimic upper extremity musculoskeletal dysfunction. Additionally, the participants will demonstrate appropriate treatment and management skills of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting management including joint articulation stability and mobility techniques, including manipulation, as well as neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercises to reinforce all manual therapy techniques. Courses can be taken in any order as each course covers different bodily regions.
COMT-4 Cervico-Thoracic Evaluation And Management
Course Number: PTH 842
Credits / CEU's: 1.5 credits / 2.1 CEU’s
Format: 1 day online (7 hours) with 2 assessments + 2 days onsite (14 hours)= 21 hours
Accelerated Format Option: Andrews University: 4 days back to back. Sun-Wed. Register for both Upper Extremity Assessment, Management & Manipulation and Cervico-Thoracic Spine Assessment and Management together.
Overview: This lab intensive course applies clinical reasoning and a comprehensive biomechanical musculoskeletal assessment and examination skills of the lower thoracic and cervical spines utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting. This course analyzes the importance of safely assessing and treating the cervical and thoracic spine by discussing various clinical scenarios which require immediate clinical reasoning and differential diagnostic skills, in order to act efficiently. This course will solidify the importance of a thorough subjective examination and specific objective assessment in order for the participant to formulate a provisional differential diagnosis while demonstrating how to rule out serious pathology. Additionally, the participants will demonstrate appropriate treatment and management skills of the cervical and upper thoracic spine utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting management including joint articulation stability and mobility techniques, as well as neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercises to reinforce all manual therapy techniques. Courses can be taken in any order as each course covers different bodily regions.
COMT-5 Lumbo-Pelvic Evaluation And Management
Course Number: PTH 843
Credits / CEU's: 1.5 credits / 2.1 CEU’s
Format: 1 day online (7 hours) with 2 assessments + 2 days onsite (14 hours)= 21 hours
Accelerated Format Option: Andrews University: 4 days back to back. Sun-Wed. Register for both Lower Extremity Assessment, Management & Manipulation and Lumbar Spine Assessment and Management together.
Overview: This lab intensive course applies clinical reasoning and a comprehensive biomechanical musculoskeletal assessment and examination skills of the lower thoracic and lumbar spines utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting. This course will solidify the importance of a thorough subjective examination and specific objective assessment in order for the participant to formulate a provisional differential diagnosis while demonstrating how to rule out serious pathology. Additionally, the participants will demonstrate appropriate treatment and management skills of the lumbar and lower thoracic spine utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting management. The course will introduce lumbar spine locking techniques in order to navigate complex lumbar pathologies. This course will demonstrate specific lumbopelvic stabilization and graded mobilization techniques, as well as neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercises to reinforce all manual therapy techniques. Courses can be taken in any order as each course covers different bodily regions.
COMT-6 Lower Extremity Evaluation And Management
Course Number: PTH 843
Credits / CEU's: 1.5 credits / 2.1 CEU’s
Format: 1 day online (7 hours) with 2 assessments + 2 days onsite (14 hours)= 21 hours
Accelerated Format Option: Andrews University: 4 days back to back. Sun-Wed. Register for both Lower Extremity Assessment, Management & Manipulation and Lumbar Spine Assessment and Management together.
Overview: Lower Extremity: This lab intensive course applies clinical reasoning and a comprehensive biomechanical musculoskeletal assessment and examination skills of the hip, knee, ankle and subtalar joint utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting. Based on the recognition of signs and symptoms of lower extremity pathology, the participant will formulate a provisional differential diagnosis while demonstrating how to rule out serious pathology, which may mimic lower extremity musculoskeletal dysfunction. Additionally, the participants will demonstrate appropriate treatment and management skills utilized by the physical therapist in the clinical setting management including joint articulation stability and mobility techniques, including manipulation, as well as neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercises to reinforce all manual therapy techniques.
Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT) Exam
Course Number: PTH 845
Credits / CEU's: 0 Credits
Format: 1 review day prior to 1 day on-site
Description: This oral practical examination allows the participant to demonstrate proficiency in clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis, including properly screening for serious pathology. Testing content will include assessment and management techniques including: cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacroiliac scanning examinations, Cyriax’s STTT principles, localized spinal stability testing and appropriately graded mobilizations followed by neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercise techniques for all spinal involvement. Additionally, surface anatomy and deep friction massage techniques to localized structures may be assessed, as well as peripheral joint stability and specific graded mobilizations and manipulations followed with the proper instruction of neuromuscular and therapeutic exercise prescription.
Our faculty and lab assistants provide courses that are heavy in the lab portion, giving ample time for guidance to help our clinicians excel in competency. Upon completing the first 6 courses, clinicians may take oral examinations to earn a Certificate of Manual Therapy (COMT). After completing the final 5 courses and examination, they will earn a Certification in Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT).
These courses can also be taken as Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for 21 hours per course. We are committed to your success and believe in the power of continuous learning and mentorship.
Join us at ASPIRE and unlock your full potential in manual therapy.
Ready to Take Your Manual Therapy Skills to the Next Level?
"ASPIRE gave me the tools to make me a better practitioner."
"I actually had a patient that came into the clinic that I was seeing for the day, he was another therapist’s patient and he had multiple rounds of physical therapy in the nearly full year that he had been working through a work injury, with multiple specialists seen, and it was the strategies and education that I learned through Aspire’s COMT program that helped me actually find the underlying cause for this patient and it was the first time in almost that full year that he was able to achieve a painfree moment in time that we were then able to build on.”
Kelly
Meet Your COMT Instructors
Hands-on instruction is at the core of mastering manual therapy. At ASPIRE OMT, we believe that true expertise comes from practice, precision, and guided feedback. Our courses go beyond theory, providing in-depth, hands-on training with expert clinicians who help refine technique, build confidence, and ensure that every movement delivers maximum therapeutic benefit. Through live demonstrations, real-time corrections, and personalized mentorship, our instructors bridge the gap between knowledge and skill—so physical therapists can apply what they learn immediately and with precision.
Erl Pettman
PT, DScPT, FCAMPT, FAAOMPT
Founder & Senior Faculty
Dr. Erl Pettman is a renowned clinician, educator, and mentor with over four decades of experience in Orthopedic Manual Therapy. A pioneer in the field, he co-founded NAIOMT, introduced the Quadrant System of education, and played a key role in developing the DScPT program at Andrews University. As the founder of ASPIRE OMT, he continues to advance manual therapy education and mentorship.
Erika Fabian
PT, DScPT, FCAMPT, FAAOMPT
Faculty
Dr. Erika Fabian is a skilled orthopedic manual therapist and educator with over 25 years of experience. A Fellow of both the Canadian and American Academies of Orthopedic Manual Therapy, she mentors and instructs clinicians while running her own practice. When not working, she enjoys surfing in Maui.
Stacy Soappman
PT, DSc, FAAOMPT
Faculty
With over two decades of experience in Orthopedic Manual Therapy, Dr. Stacy Soappman is a distinguished clinician, educator, and mentor. She earned her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Andrews University in 2001 and completed her Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy in 2011. Dr. Soappman is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT) and holds a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT) designation. She serves as a faculty member at ASPIRE OMT, where she is dedicated to advancing the field through expert instruction and hands-on training.
Valerie Coolman
DsCPT, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT
Faculty
Dr. Valerie Coolman is a dedicated clinician, educator, and mentor in orthopedic manual therapy. A Fellow of AAOMPT, she has led post-professional programs and now teaches for ASPIRE OMT while running her private clinic. Outside of work, she enjoys supporting her family’s passion for athletics.
Pam Kikillus
PT, DScPT, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT
Clinical Instructor
Dr. Pam Kikillus is an experienced clinician, educator, and board-certified orthopedic specialist. She practices in Tacoma, WA, teaches at multiple institutions, and contributes to the Orthopedic Specialist Certification exam. She enjoys family time, traveling, and the outdoors.
Amber Bell
DScPT, COMT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Faculty
Dr. Amber Bell is a skilled clinician, educator, and mentor with a passion for orthopedic manual therapy. She has assisted in all levels of ASPIRE OMT’s curriculum and actively mentors students. Amber lives in Maine with her family, enjoying outdoor adventures and community life.
Bruce Franke
DScPT, OCS, COMT, MTC, FAAOMPT
Faculty
Dr. Bruce A. Franke Jr. is a distinguished clinician, educator, and researcher in orthopedic manual therapy. A 1987 graduate of the College of St. Scholastica, Bruce became a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT) in 2002 and earned his DScPT from Andrews University in 2016. He has presented at top international conferences, including the World Congress for Low Back and Pelvic Girdle Pain and the World Congress of Orthopaedics. As an adjunct faculty member at the College of St. Scholastica, Bruce has also taught residency and fellowship courses at his private practice, Desert Palms Physical Therapy, in Tucson, AZ. Bruce is dedicated to mentoring physical therapists in Southeast Asia through his NGO volunteer work, further advancing the field globally.
Laura von Wullerstorff
DScPT, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT
Faculty
Dr. Laura von Wullerstorff, is a highly skilled clinician, educator, and consultant specializing in spine and sports injuries, as well as antenatal and pelvic floor rehabilitation. In 2009, she founded LvW Physiotherapy in Belgium and has since expanded her impact globally through her physiotherapy consulting business. As an instructor and examiner of manual therapy courses, Laura is dedicated to advancing the education of physical therapists worldwide. She is a certified POSE method running instructor and fitness coach, supporting both her patients and students in achieving a balanced approach to health and body. Outside of the clinic, Laura enjoys running and spending quality time with her family outdoors.
"I’m very grateful to be able to be a part of Aspire and come and learn more. I’m out 1 year from school, I’m grateful to be able to come and learn more and be pushed to better be able to treat my patients.”
Loren
PT
We Are ASPIRE
At ASPIRE, we believe in the power of hands-on learning and the transformative impact of mentorship. Our mission is to empower physical therapists to become master clinicians through a nurturing and supportive environment.
We are committed to your success, fostering a community where questions are encouraged, and growth is celebrated. Together, we strive to treat each patient with empathy, compassion, and respect, guiding you to excel in your professional journey.
Ready to Take Your Manual Therapy Skills to the Next Level?
About us
About ASPIRE OMT – Elevate Your Physical Therapy Career
At ASPIRE OMT, we’re redefining orthopaedic manual therapy education. Led by world-class instructors with decades of clinical and teaching experience, we provide evidence-based, hands-on training designed to elevate your practice and help you achieve career growth.
Our Certified Orthopaedic Manual Therapist (COMT) program is built for physical therapists who want to enhance their expertise, improve patient outcomes, and stand out in their field. Whether you're looking to meet CEU requirements or take the next step toward specialization, ASPIRE OMT gives you the tools, mentorship, and real-world skills to succeed.
Join a community of driven professionals who are committed to clinical excellence and lifelong learning.
Ready to Take Your Manual Therapy Skills to the Next Level?
Testimonials
"I’m just starting my DSc through the Andrews University and Aspire Program. I’ve taken COMT-1 through COMT-4 which I’ve highly enjoyed. The instructors have been amazing! Dr. Coolman is very passionate about what she does and she’s highly knowledgable. The material presented, even for a seasoned manual therapist is very enlightening. I feel that this program will benefit me in both the academic side and certainly on the clinical side. The material being covered is very applicable to a wide range of patient populations, and anyone from a novice therapist to an experience therapist could certainly benefit from the courses. It’s been my absolute pleasure to attend and I look forward to finishing the rest of the courses in pursuit of my COMT and SMT and eventually the DSc."
Kevin o'brien
"This is my third class with the COMT series and after my last class I was taught several new tests that I've not been exposed to and directly after I learned those tests I had a patient walk through my doors that I was able to apply the test and pick out a pathology that I wouldn't have been able to pick out before"
Melanie thurman
"This is my second course through [ASPIRE], and I was fortunate to use the information from the first course right away in my daily practice. I've seen it pay dividends with my patients. They've gotten better, faster and I'm finding things that I didn't see before to help them reach their goals."
DAVID
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the COMT Certification program include?
The program includes comprehensive coursework, hands-on lab instruction, and clinical application training. It covers joint mobilization, soft tissue techniques, spinal manipulation, and movement-based interventions essential for effective manual therapy practice.
Is the certification recognized for continuing education (CEU) credits?
Yes! Our COMT Certification courses are approved for CEUs in every state where the program is offered, helping physical therapists fulfill their continuing education requirements while advancing their clinical skills.
What makes ASPIRE OMT’s COMT program different from other certification programs?
ASPIRE OMT provides intensive hands-on training, real-world clinical application, and expert instruction from seasoned manual therapists. Unlike other programs that focus primarily on theory, our courses emphasize practical skills you can use immediately in patient care.
Where are the courses held?
ASPIRE OMT courses are offered in-person at various locations across the U.S. Check our course schedule to find a location near you.
What happens after I complete the certification?
Upon completing the full COMT Certification, you’ll earn the Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT) credential, signifying your advanced expertise in manual therapy. Additionally, after each individual course, you will receive a certificate of completion, documenting your continuing education hours for licensing and professional development requirements.
In what order should I take the COMT Certification courses?
The COMT Certification courses (COMT-1 through COMT-6) are designed to provide flexibility, allowing you to choose the order that best fits your professional goals and personal interests. Whether you prefer to focus on a specific body region, learn from a particular instructor, or select courses based on location, the choice is yours! No matter where you begin, each COMT course builds valuable skills that contribute to your overall expertise. Take control of your certification journey and customize your learning experience today!
Does ASPIRE OMT offer online courses for the COMT Certification?
At ASPIRE OMT, we believe that in-person learning is essential for mastering manual therapy. There’s simply no substitute for feeling exactly what needs to be done and having expert instructors guide your hands to ensure success.
While our COMT Certification courses are delivered in person, every course includes an exclusive online component to enhance your learning experience. This online material provides:
- Theoretical Foundations: Deepen your understanding of key concepts.
- Clinical Reasoning – Sharpen your decision-making skills.
- Case Studies – Apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Summative Assessments – Solidify your learning and track your progress.
This blended approach ensures that you get the hands-on training you need, plus the flexibility to reinforce your knowledge anytime, anywhere.
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