In light of the COVID-19 health crisis, Orthopedic Primary Care can now be completed via distance learning. In-person workshops will resume in 2021 -- but you can register now for our new, online-only courses and start learning without delay.

​Preparing clinicians to diagnose and manage common musculoskeletal conditions in primary care settings

OPC Courses:

Upper extremity & pediatrics (65-80 CEU)
This Course covers upper extremity and pediatric musculoskeletal conditions commonly
seen in primary care settings.

CEU values: 
  • Full, blended course: 80 hours (65 hours online self-study + 15-hour in-person skills weekend Workshop)
  • Online-only (no workshop): 65 hours

Content includes:

Upper extremity
  • Upper extremity anatomy in relation to shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand dysfunction
  • Components of a focused upper extremity history and physical examination (H&P)
  • Presentation of specialized maneuvers for differential diagnosis
  • Indications for diagnostic imaging and other tests for upper extremity conditions
  • Identification of common stable shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand fractures
  • Identification of orthopedic emergencies requiring immediate referral
  • Development of evidence-based treatment plans for common upper extremity conditions
  • Principles for self-management of common shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand conditions
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Pediatrics
  • Details of the pediatric H&P pertinent to evaluating musculoskeletal conditions
  • Formulating differential diagnoses based on findings of the pediatric H&P
  • Recognizing pediatric orthopedic emergencies requiring immediate consultation/referral
  • Developing evidence-based treatment plans for common pediatric MSK conditions

    ​ Register now
lower extremity & inflammatory conditions (65-80 CEU)
This Course covers lower extremity and arthritic/inflammatory conditions commonly seen in primary care settings.

CEU values: 
  • Full, blended course: 80 hours (65 hours online self-study + 15-hour in-person skills weekend Workshop)
  • Online-only (no workshop): 65 hours 

Content includes:
  • Lower extremity anatomy in relation to hip, knee, ankle, and foot dysfunction
  • Components of a focused lower extremity history and systematic physical examination
  • Presentation of specialized maneuvers for differential diagnosis
  • Indications for diagnostic imaging and other tests for lower extremity conditions
  • Identification of common stable hip, knee, ankle and foot fractures
  • Identification of orthopedic emergencies requiring immediate referral
  • Development of evidence-based treatment plans for common lower extremity conditions
  • Principles for self-management of common hip, knee, ankle and foot conditions

Arthritis & inflammatory conditions
  • Details of the H&P pertinent to evaluating arthritic/ inflammatory conditions
  • Formulating differential diagnoses based on findings of the H&P
  • Recognizing arthritic/inflammatory emergencies requiring immediate consultation
  • Developing evidence-based treatment and self-care plans

Register now
Spine & metabolic conditions (65-80 CEU)
​This Course covers common lower extremity and arthritic/inflammatory conditions commonly seen in primary care settings. 

CEU values: 
• Full, blended course: 80 hours (65 hours online self-study + 15-hour in-person skills weekend Workshop)
• Online-only (no workshop): 65 hours 

Content includes:

Spine
  • Spine anatomy in relation to pain and dysfunction
  • Pathologies contributing to spine disorders
  • Components of a focused spine history and systematic physical examination
  • Special tests used to evaluate spine complaints and form differential diagnoses
  • Indications for diagnostic imaging and other tests used to evaluate spine conditions
  • Recognizing “red and yellow flags” associated with spine conditions
  • Identification of spine emergencies requiring immediate referral
  • Development of treatment plans based on etiology and persistence of spine conditions
  • Self-management of common spine conditions based on etiology and persistence

Metabolic conditions
  • Components of a thorough medical history pertinent to metabolic bone conditions
  • Recognizing metabolic bone emergencies requiring immediate consultation or referral
  • Relating physical findings to differential diagnoses in metabolic bone conditions
  • Evidence-based treatment plans for commonly encountered metabolic bone conditions

Imaging
  • Identification of gross musculoskeletal anatomy on imaging studies
  • Identification and description of fractures on X-rays
  • Selection of appropriate imaging for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions
​
Register now
msk skills & procedures (65-80 CEU)
This course content covers the scientific underpinnings and evidence for advanced clinical skills specific to treating stable MSK conditions in primary care settings. 

CEU values: 
  • Full, blended course: 80 hours (65 hours online self-study + 15-hour in-person skills weekend Workshop)
  • Online-only (no workshop): 65 hours 
​
Content includes:

Online study: The scientific underpinnings and evidence for advanced clinical skills specific to treating stable MSK conditions in primary care settings.The Course also discusses the evidence for a wide range of techniques for pain management and functional rehabilitation available to primary care
providers.

In the associated Workshop (full, blended course only): a combination of demonstration and simulation is used to build skills for performing arthrocentesis, joint and trigger point injections, casting and splinting, assistive
devices use, and exercise instruction.

Specifically, the MSK Skills and Procedures Workshop covers:

1. Injections & Arthrocentesis
Evidence-based techniques for corticosteroid injections are presented emphasizing principles of safety and efficacy. Skill lab sessions provide students with time to practice every injection technique on anatomical simulator models that provide audio feedback when needle placement is accurate. Lab sessions
will cover:
  • The scientific foundation for arthrocentesis, joint injections, and trigger point injections
  • Indications for arthrocentesis, joint injections, and trigger point injections
  • Contraindications for arthrocentesis, joint injections, and trigger point injections
  • Indications for orthopedic consultation and referral
  • Review of the evidence for optimal dose and medication selection for MSK injections
  • Simulation of common upper and lower extremity injections using anatomical models

Injection techniques are presented for the following joints:

Upper Extremity
  • Subacromial space: Olecranon bursa
  • Glenohumeral joint: Carpal tunnel
  • Acromioclavicular joint: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
  • Bicipital groove: Trigger finger
  • Medial epicondyle: First carpometacarpal joint
  • Lateral epicondyle: Trigger point injections

Lower Extremity
  • Trochaneric: Bursa
  • Foot & Ankle: Tibiotalar joint
  • First metatarsophalangeal joint
  • Morton’s neuroma
  • Heel spurs
  • Knee injection/aspiration: Tibiofemoral joint space
  • Pes anserine bursa
  • Iliotibial band bu

2. Splinting & casting
The casting and splinting skills lab covers basic musculoskeletal injury immobilization and management in accordance with the National Association of
Orthopaedic Technologists curriculum. Participants practice applying and removing splints and casts with coaching and feedback from experienced clinicians. Lab sessions cover:
  • Evaluation and management of patients with acute musculoskeletal injuries
  • Fundamentals of casting and splinting procedures
  • Complications of casting and splinting
  • Fundamentals of casting and splinting procedures
  • Complications of casting and splinting
  • Common upper extremity immobilization techniques: splint and cast application
  • Short-arm splint and cast
  • Long-arm splint and cast
  • Thumb spica cast
  • Boxers cast/radial/ulnar gutter splints/casts
  • Sugar tong splint
  • Common lower extremity immobilization techniques: splint and cast application
  • Short-leg stirrup splinting/casting
  • Long-leg cast application
  • Cast removal: safety and proper use of the cast saw

3. Maximizing function & managing pain
This lab focuses on interventions aimed at increasing patients’ ability to control MSK pain, maximize function, and prevent further injury through a variety of self-management and lifestyle changes. Participants will learn to discuss, use, demonstrate, and prescribe evidence-based modalities and devices including:
  • Non-narcotic medications, nutriceuticals, and supplements
  • Safe, progressive exercise programs for strength, flexibility, and balance
  • Soft tissue manipulation tools and techniques
  • Canes, walkers, crutches and other mobility supports
  • Adaptive devices
  • Ergonomic modifications
  • Weight management

Register now
OPC full program (4 courses, 260-320 CEU)
​This bundle of four Courses comprises all four of our Orthopedic Primary Care Courses:
  • Upper Extremity & Pediatrics
  • Lower Extremity & Inflammatory Conditions
  • Spine & Metabolic Conditions
  • MSK Skills & Procedures

CEU values: 
  • Full, blended courses: 320 hours ( each course 65 hours online self-study + 15-hour in-person skills weekend Workshop)
  • Online-only (no workshop): 260 hours 


Note: There is only one skills Weekend per Course so you will need to confirm your availability for each. The weekends are held in Oakland, California.

In light of the current COVID-19 health crisis, we have postponed our clinical education Workshops until October 2020. We will publish updates on our blog.

Register now
Each OPC Course includes:
  • Musculoskeletal fundamentals: a brief overview of basic concepts related to musculoskeletal care.

  • Online learning:  readings, videos, assignments, and evaluations covering MSK conditions specific to the Course topic. You can take the online coursework as part of our full, blended course (online + workshop) or on its own as an online-only standalone option.

  • Workshops: hands-on skills coaching in Oakland, Calif. (one weekend per course, after completion of online study) using simulation, case studies, and problem-based learning. Workshops cover specialized exams, X-ray interpretation, treatment plan development, and clinical procedures. 

  • Course content: a focus on non-surgical approaches to managing stable acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions with an emphasis on managing pain, maximizing function, preventing injury, and slowing disease progression.
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More than half of US adults report having a musculoskeletal condition – a rate greater than those with chronic circulatory conditions. However, most primary care clinicians lack adequate preparation to effectively treat common ailments such as neck and low back pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and repetitive stress injuries. 
​
That disparity is why JOF created our Orthopedic Primary Care program (OPC) – four separate self-paced Courses that can be taken in any order and begun at any time.  

​Our blended-learning Courses  (80 CEUs each) combine 65 hours' self-paced online learning with a 15-hour weekend Skills Workshop. Or, you can take just the online portion (65 CEUs). 
Registration and cost
You can register and pay for each course easily here on our website. To get started, fill out our OPC registration form. 
  • Full, blended learning courses (online self-study + weekend Workshops):  $500 per course, or the entire OPC program (four courses)  available in a discounted bundle for $1,750.00. 
    ​​
  • Online-only version (no workshops):  $300 per course, or the entire OPC online-only program (four courses) available in a discounted bundle for $1,000.00

Testimonials

Natalie

Nurse Practitioner
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Primary Care

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I took the course when I was just starting out, working in a primary care practice. The course made me more confident with injections, and with having more structure going from diagnosis to treatment. It’s been really useful.

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Lianna

Nurse Practitioner
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Urgent Care, Primary Care

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OPC helped me narrow down my diagnostics and not order unnecessary imaging. It helped me to really try to focus on what is a good physical exam, which is really key to what we can do with our hands and our abilities.  

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Carol

Nurse Practitioner Student
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Primary Care

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This course corresponded with the last six months of my NP program. I'm more confident in assessing issues with the spine, shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. The course was really valuable for learning what kinds of special tests to identify the problem and to put together a differential diagnosis and treatment.



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Cadelba

Nurse Practitioner
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Family Practice

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This course really helped me with my assessment skills and narrowing down closer ideas for diagnosis. Also, it increased my confidence in treatment options, knowing the steps of each part of treatment and knowing what red flags to watch out for.

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Kathleen

Nurse  Practitioner
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Pain Management

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OPC really helped me with my organization, particularly with different differential diagnoses and physical exams. I can go through the exam quicker and I know what I’m looking for and not just going through the motions. It's also made me more confident with musculoskeletal complaints that I wasn't confident in before, for example hands, wrists, and elbows.

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Your instructors
Course creators AJ Benham, DNP, and Kathleen Geier, DNP, are core faculty for the OPC program, and there are occasional presentations by select content area experts. Between them, Drs. Benham and Geier have more than 60 years of orthopedic practice and teaching experience in a variety of settings including acute care, orthopedic clinics, occupational medicine clinics, and surgery. Drs. Benham and Geier hold certifications as family nurse practitioners and also have been certified by the Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board. 
​​JOF is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing,
Provider Number 17398, to provide continuing education.