TERM 2 - The MSK Essentials: Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Certificate Program

Unlock Your Potential with the Musculoskeletal Essentials Mastery Certification

December 15, 2025 - April 6, 2026

Program Overview:

Dive into a transformative journey that equips clinicians with specialized knowledge and skills to prevent, evaluate and manage musculoskeletal conditions across the lifespan.

Musculoskeletal issues are prevalent, with 15-30% of primary care visits and 20% of emergency room visits in the USA attributed to these conditions. They are also a leading cause of long-term disability, highlighting the critical need for effective management and treatment.

Our comprehensive program offers a holistic approach to musculoskeletal health and orthopedic to bridge the gap in medical training and address unmet educational needs.

Onsite Workshop:

Students will come together in Boston for an enriching onsite workshop, where students will immerse themselves in a dynamic event featuring renowned clinicians in orthopedics and sports medicine. This hands-on experience offers attendees the chance to refine their expertise in physical examination techniques, advanced diagnostics, casting, splinting, and the administration of joint and bursal injections and aspirations.

Discussion Board:

Purpose: To assist students in mastering orthopedic and sports medicine concepts, and to provide feedback on performance in mastery.

Assignment Guidelines: Discussion prompts will be posed each week that there is no exam. You should enter the discussion a minimum of 2 days each week. Post one initial and individual response to the discussion per module. Try to respond to different individuals during the course. You must comment about what you found surprising, new, provocative, confusing, etc. It is not sufficient to say “good job”, or “interesting” without further explanation.” The initial post is due Wednesday and the response is due by Friday.

Illustrate your point with examples and relate personal experiences. Link to articles and your resources that support the information you put forth. Be concise and develop your idea in 200 words or less.

Weekly Case Study Calls:

Case studies will be posted each week that there is no exam. Provide your response to the prompts in the case study and support your work with citations. References should be in APA format and robust. Provide links to articles and resources that support your work. Case study responses should be between 200 and 800 words.

Why Choose Us:

• Learn from experienced faculty members renowned in the field of musculoskeletal health and orthopedics.
• Rigorous curriculum designed to meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals.
• Flexible online format allows you to balance your education with your professional commitments.
• Engage in hands-on workshops and interactive discussions for practical, real-world insights.
• Join a supportive community of clinicians dedicated to advancing musculoskeletal care.

Criteria & Pre-Requisites:

Graduate of an accredited APRN or PA program.

Alternatively: While still enrolled in an NP or PA program: Advanced Health Assessment completed.

Tuition:

Tuition Cost: $9,500

Please contact InstituteForOrthoEducation@mgh.harvard.edu if you have questions regarding tuition.

Cancellation Policy (prior to course start date):

A refund minus a $100.00 administrative fee will be issued for refund requests received by August 25, 2025.

Below is the refund schedule for FULL TERMS once the program begins:

• Week one of a semester - 100% (9/8-9/14) minus a $100.00 administrative fee
• Week two of a semester - 80% (9/15–9/21)
• Week three of a semester - 60% (9/22-9/28)
• Week four of a semester - 40% (9/29-10/5)
• Week five of a semester - 20% (10/6-10/12)
• After week five - NO REFUNDS (10/13)

There are no exceptions to these policies.

All requests must be made in writing prior to the end of the week of cancellation. Please contact institutefororthoeducation@mgb.org  for any questions.

Target Audience:

The target audience for a specialty certificate in orthopedics and sports medicine for advanced practice providers (NPs and PAs) includes individuals who possess a strong interest and commitment to advancing their skills and knowledge in the specialized areas of orthopedics and sports medicine.

• Advanced Practice Providers (NPs and PAs): The primary audience consists of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) who have already completed their basic training or are in an NP or PA program and are actively practicing in the field of healthcare. They are looking to further specialize in orthopedics and sports medicine to enhance their clinical expertise and provide more comprehensive care to their patients.
• Healthcare Professionals Seeking Specialization: This certificate program would attract NPs and PAs who are passionate about orthopedic and sports medicine and are seeking opportunities to specialize in these areas. They may already be working in orthopedic clinics, sports medicine practices, primary care settings, or other relevant healthcare environments.
• Career Advancers: Individuals who aim to advance their careers in orthopedics and sports medicine would be drawn to this certificate program. They may see it as a pathway to career advancement, increased job opportunities, higher earning potential, and greater professional recognition within the healthcare industry.
• Continuing Education Participants: Healthcare professionals committed to lifelong learning and staying current with the latest advancements in their field would find value in this certificate program. They seek opportunities to expand their knowledge base, learn new techniques, and integrate evidence-based practices into their clinical work.
• Passionate about Orthopedics and Sports Medicine: The target audience includes individuals who have a genuine passion for orthopedic conditions, musculoskeletal health, and sports-related injuries. They are motivated to deepen their understanding of these specialized areas and develop the skills necessary to provide effective, patient-centered care.
• Diverse Backgrounds and Experience Levels: The audience may include NPs and PAs with varying levels of experience in orthopedics and sports medicine, ranging from those who are relatively new to the field to seasoned practitioners looking to refine their expertise.
• Commitment to Patient Care Excellence: Above all, the target audience is characterized by its dedication to delivering high-quality care to patients with orthopedic injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, and sports-related ailments. They prioritize patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction in their professional practice.

Overall, the target audience for a specialty certificate in orthopedics and sports medicine for NPs and PAs encompasses individuals who are driven, passionate, and committed to advancing their careers and delivering exceptional care in these specialized areas of healthcare.

Program Outcomes & Learning Objectives:

• Prepare the graduate to work in a wide variety of settings, from primary care, to orthopedic and sports medicine in and outpatient settings.
• Learn advanced assessment of the musculoskeletal system, including special tests.
• Prepare clinicians to diagnose a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries across the life span.
• Prepare clinicians to manage a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries across the life span.
• Prepare clinicians to provide health maintenance and prevention of injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system.
• Educate the clinician to perform skills necessary for clinical practice in orthopedics and sports medicine, such as splinting and casting, joint and bursal injections and aspirations, suturing and reduction of dislocations and fractures.
• Identify practice models for advanced practice clinicians within orthopedics and sports medicine.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS:

AAOS Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care: Enhanced 5th Edition (Textbook)

AAOS, April Armstrong, Mark C. Hubbard ISBN 10: 1284166856 / ISBN 13: 9781284166859

Cost $183.95

Textbook Purchase Here

Application Process:

This is a 38-week specialty certificate program.

Requirements for admission include graduation from, or current enrollment in an NP or PA program.

If currently enrolled in an AGNP, FNP or PA program, you must have completed Advanced Physical Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology and Advanced Pathophysiology prior to the fall start date. Transcripts need to be uploaded for review.

There are no clinical hours included with this certificate.

Two letters of recommendation and a personal statement that describes your motivation to complete the program and your professional aspirations with the specialty certificate are required.

Ready to Advance Your Career?

Enroll today and embark on your journey to becoming a certified expert in musculoskeletal health and orthopedics!

Elevate your expertise in musculoskeletal health!