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nursing students practicing an exam on each other, Orthpoalooza workshop, MSK fundamentals

Orthopalooza: Musculoskeletal Fundamentals

  • CE Value: 16 hours (10 hours online + one-day workshop), valid in any state 
  • $250
  • Next workshop: 2027, date to be announced
Register your interest

Build practical confidence in managing common musculoskeletal conditions in primary care — with a blended online and hands-on learning experience designed for real-world clinical practice.

Orthopalooza – MSK Fundamentals combines focused online preparation with an intensive, one-day, in-person workshop to help you strengthen diagnostic reasoning, refine physical exam skills, and develop procedural confidence in evaluating and managing stable, non-surgical MSK conditions.

Grounded in evidence and aligned with how musculoskeletal complaints actually present in primary care, this program is designed to help you return to clinic on Monday with skills you can apply immediately.

Who this program is for
Orthopalooza is ideal for:
  • Nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and APRNs
  • Physicians and other advanced practice providers
  • Clinicians in primary care, urgent care, and outpatient settings
  • Providers early in their MSK journey or looking to refresh and refine existing skills

How the hybrid model works
Orthopalooza integrates two components designed to work together:
  • 10 Hours of online self-study
  • Build shared clinical language and foundational knowledge before the workshop.
  • 1-Day In-Person Skills Workshop (Saturday)
  • Practice hands-on techniques in a small-group setting focused on application, safety, and real-world decision-making.
  • Participants must complete the online coursework before attending the in-person workshop to maximize hands-on time 

Total CE Credit: 16 hours
  • 10 CE (online)
  • 6 CE (in-person) 

What you'll learn

Foundational MSK Knowledge (Online)
  • Core MSK terminology and principles for primary care
  • The role of APPs in evaluating and managing common MSK conditions
  • General MSK anatomy and function
  • The ten most common pathological processes underlying MSK disorders
  • Focused MSK history-taking
  • Systematic physical examination techniques
  • The GALS screening exam
  • Indications for imaging and diagnostic tools 
  • This preparation ensures all participants arrive ready to practice skills with shared clinical context

Hands-On Clinical Skills (In-Person Workshop)
  • Focused physical examination techniques
  • Diagnostic reasoning using case-based learning
  • Interpretation and application of imaging
  • Corticosteroid injection principles and technique
  • Step-by-step instruction with supervised practice
  • Safe, scope-appropriate procedural decision-making 
  • The emphasis is on practical repetition, feedback, and confidence-building

What makes Orthopalooza different
Orthopalooza is developed and taught by experienced orthopedic nurse practitioners and educators who understand how MSK complaints present in primary care — not in isolated academic silos.

This is not passive lecture content. It is structured to:
  • Reinforce efficient exam technique
  • Improve clinical clarity and diagnostic reasoning
  • Support safe procedural confidence
  • Reduce unnecessary referrals
  • Strengthen your value within your practice

Practical impact
Clinicians who complete Orthopalooza report:
  • Greater confidence evaluating MSK complaints
  • Clearer clinical decision-making
  • More effective patient education
  • Improved care pathways
  • Stronger integration of MSK skills into daily practice

Accreditation
CE credits are nationally recognized. Jackson Orthopedic Foundation is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.

Workshop location
Workshops are held at Creekside Commons in Lafayette, California, on Saturdays to minimize disruption to clinical schedules. Additional cities are planned and will be announced.

Traveling to join us?
Please note: While we are excited to welcome you to Orthopalooza, we kindly recommend waiting until one month prior to the event to finalize travel arrangements - and/or booking refundable/flexible arrangements if possible. 

This is to account for any unforeseen circumstances or emergencies that may require changes or cancellation of a workshop. Please be aware that Jackson Orthopedic Foundation cannot be liable for any travel or accommodation costs incurred should the event be postponed or cancelled. 

Course format and access
  • 10 hours of self-paced online learning followed by 1-day Saturday skills workshop
  • Readings, videos, assignments, and clinical evaluation
  • Create log-in on our learning platform (on purchase)
  • CE credits nationally recognized and ANCC-accredited
join the waitlist
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Frequently asked questions

  • Who teaches OPC?
    OPC is taught by experienced clinicians who share a commitment to improving patient lives through helping their colleagues acquire new skills and confidence managing MSK conditions.

  • What continuing education credits will I earn?
    CEs earned with us are valid nationwide. Jackson Orthopedic Foundation is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a provider of nursing continuing professional development. CE credits earned through OPC courses are valid in every U.S. state. 

  • How is learning evaluated?
    Learning is assessed through completion of course assignments and, for in-person components, demonstration of clinical skills. There are no letter grades. Successful completion earns CE credit and a Certificate of Completion.
  • What if I have another question?
    Please contact us at [email protected]

  • What if I'm unhappy with the course?
    Please contact us at [email protected]
Read our full FAQ

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Jackson Orthopedic Foundation (JOF) is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 17398, to provide continuing education, and is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

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  • Home
  • About
    • History
    • Team
    • Mission and impact
  • Get CEs
    • Our courses
    • Orthopedic Primary Care
    • Orthopalooza
    • FAQs
    • Scholarships
  • Support Us
    • Ways to support us
    • Meet our donors
    • Canes Annual Gala
  • Students
    • Healthcare Immersion Program >
      • HIP Application
      • HIP Scholarship
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Student Login