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.
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
- 10 CE (online)
- 6 CE (in-person)
What you'll learn
Foundational MSK Knowledge (Online)
Hands-On Clinical Skills (In-Person Workshop)
- 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:
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.
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
- Access details sent within 24–48 hours of purchase
- CE credits nationally recognized and ANCC-accredited