Program Overview
Our Master's in Functional Musculoskeletal (MSK) Medicine combines movement evaluation and a holistic evidence informed approach to assessing and caring for the MSK system. It juxtaposes new function movement assessment systems with more traditional physical examinations.
Our Core and Elective courses focus on identifying and treating the underlying causes of MSK conditions. It also centres on the idea that one condition may have many causes and that one cause can create numerous conditions.
FM-MSK is a 60 credit Masters level health care degree consisting of a mandatory UAHCS course (10 credits), core courses provided by FMS (30 credits), and elective courses provided by PHS (20 credits.) The program focuses on the fundamental concepts of MSK functional assessment and treatment.
All UAHCS Masters programs incorporate Professional Certification courses from the most sought after healthcare educators. Successful completion of the FM-MSK program will include 4 Professional Certifications awarded from FMS (Functional Movement Systems) and up to 4 Professional Certifications from PHS (ProHealth Systems).
Our FM-MSK Master´s also incorporates a LEARN & APPLY methodology requiring students to apply their new skills.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
Eligibility:
• Any healthcare professional (Chiropractor, Physiotherapist, Kinesiologist, Osteopath, Naturopath, Psychologist, Homeopath, Podiatrist, Chiropodist, Medical Doctor, Nurse, or Nurse Practitioner).
• Proof of healthcare designation and a university or college degree is required.
Credit Transfer/Advanced Standing
• Already completed a certification related to your Master's program? You may be eligible for credit transfer. We'll verify this with you during the application process.
• A maximum of 10 credits may be awarded at the discretion of our Admissions Team.
Why UAHCS?
Developed by Healthcare Providers, For Healthcare Providers
• Earning a living as a healthcare professional is never easy, and there is never enough time in the day.
• Our programs are all online and asynchronous - allowing you to learn where and when you want.
• You can also apply for credit transfer if you have taken (and completed) any of our content previously.
Same Time and Effort - Triple the Payoff
• Our innovative online Master’s program is built for efficiency and impact.
You'll simultaneously:
- Complete continuing education (CE) requirements
- Gain industry-recognized professional certifications
- Earn your Master’s degree
No extra time. No separate programs. Just one streamlined path to elevate your expertise and credentials.
Win. Win. Win. It's That Simple
• Enhance your career and practice opportunities.
• Completely customise your program.
• Study on your terms. Start when you want. Work at your pace. Work when and where you want.
Content
OPTION 1
FMS (Functional Movement System).
30 UAHCS Credits.
FMS 1 and FMS 2. SFMA 1 and SFMA 2.
A. FMS 1 - Functional Movement Systems Level 1. (5 Credits)
FMS Professional Certification awarded.
The Functional Movement Screen Level 1 online course teaches the rating and ranking system that captures fundamental movement patterns, motor control, and competency of basic movement patterns. The core focus of the movement screen is to emphasise movement quality over quantity and to identify any movement deficiencies or limitations. Since the body is complex in nature and operates as a system, it is necessary to address movement patterns as a whole, rather than evaluating isolated joint measurements when trying to determine inefficiencies.
B. FMS 2 - Functional Movement Systems Level 2. (5 Credits)
FMS Professional Certification awarded.
Prerequisite - FMS 1
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Level 2 online course dives into vital concepts of movement competency and exercise programming. You will learn how to select the best exercises for your clients based on their Functional Movement Screen results and get them on a customised path for lifelong movement health.
C. SFMA 1 - Selective Functional Movement Assessment Level 1. (10 Credits)
FMS Professional Certification awarded.
Prerequisites - FMS 1 and FMS 2
The Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is designed for the healthcare professional who routinely treats patients with musculoskeletal conditions across the lifespan. Most healthcare professionals tend to be focused on the problem in front of them, however, maintaining or restoring precise movement of specific segments is the key to preventing or correcting musculoskeletal dysfunction.
D. SFMA 2 - Selective Functional Movement Assessment Level 2. (10 Credits)
FMS Professional Certification awarded.
Prerequisites - FMS 1, FMS 2, and SFMA 1
The Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Level 2 Course is designed to assist the healthcare professional with treating the results found using the SFMA. This course focuses on the Reset, Reinforcement and Reloading of dysfunctional movements to restore proper musculoskeletal function at a global level. Most healthcare professionals tend to be focused on the problem in front of them however, maintaining or restoring precise movement of specific segments is the key to preventing or correcting musculoskeletal dysfunction.
I. PHS (Prohealth Systems). 8 certification course modules available to choose from. Choose the Certification Courses you are interested in, to total 20 Credits.
If you are interested in all of them, you may want to consider a Master’s in Physical Medicine.
PHS Professional Certification courses:
1. Head and Neck (10 Credits) 1 PHS Professional Certification.
2. Shoulder (5 Credits) 1 PHS Professional Certification.
3. Elbow and Wrist (5 Credits) 1 PHS Professional Certification.
4. Thoracic Spine (5 Credits) 1 PHS Professional Certification.
5. Lumbar Spine and Pelvis (10 Credits) 1 PHS Professional Certification.
6. Hip and Thigh (5 Credits) 1 PHS Professional Certification.
7. Knee (5 Credits) 1 PHS Professional Certification.
8. Foot and Ankle (5 Credits) 1 PHS Professional Certification.
PHS Professional Certification Courses Overview:
PHS Certification courses are organized by body region and divided into six foundational areas of study:
- Anatomy
- Palpation & Range of Motion (ROM)
- Muscle Testing
- Special Testing (Orthopedic & Neurological)
- Conditions (MSK Pathology)
- Actions (Therapeutic Approaches)
Each course follows an evidence-informed approach and blends multiple learning formats—videos, images, graphs, text, interactive tools, quizzes, and tests—to support and deepen your understanding.
Courses follow a simple two-stage structure:
- Educate and Evaluate — helping you learn and confidently assess your knowledge as you progress.
Each course includes six areas of study:
1. Anatomy Review
A focused review of musculoskeletal (MSK) and neurovascular anatomy relevant to the region of study.
2. Palpation and Range of Motion (ROM)
Palpation covers the evidence-informed application of manual pressure to accurately identify anatomical landmarks and detect abnormalities in bones, soft tissues, and joints. ROM assessment includes active, passive, and resisted testing to evaluate function and identify the anatomical causes of dysfunction.
3. Muscle Testing
Evidence-informed muscle testing evaluates individual muscles and muscle groups to assess function. It is useful for measuring patient outcomes, tracking progress, and supporting continued care with insurers.
4. Special Testing (Orthopedic and Neurological Testing)
Draws on extensive research into the validity of orthopedic and neurological tests. Emphasis is placed on using tests with the highest levels of validity, reproducibility, and interpretive reliability.
5. Orthopedic Conditions
Explores the most common MSK/orthopedic pathologies using current evidence on symptomatology, epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, and recommended care plans.
6. Actions / Therapeutic Approaches
Covers the most evidence-based treatment and management strategies for common conditions affecting the area of study.
Evidence-Based Healthcare and Critical Appraisal
10 Credits
20 Classes
Institution: University of Advanced Health Care Sciences
Master the Gold Standard in Modern Healthcare
This advanced course equips you with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to lead in evidence-based care. Over 20 engaging lectures, you’ll learn to critically evaluate research, integrate clinical expertise with patient values, and apply evidence in real-world, complex healthcare settings.
Course Philosophy and Approach:
- The Evolution of Evidence-Based Practice
Evidence-based healthcare has grown beyond its original definition to include a balanced integration of research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values and preferences. This course embraces that evolution—preparing you to be a critical thinker and responsible steward of knowledge, equipped to navigate complexity, uncertainty, and competing priorities in modern healthcare.
- Learning Through Application
Each lecture blends theory with hands-on practice. You'll actively apply critical appraisal tools to real research studies from your area of interest—ensuring you graduate with practical, immediately usable skills.
- Preparing Healthcare Leaders
This course equips you with the leadership skills needed to guide evidence-based practice, mentor peers, and drive quality improvement—preparing you to lead change across healthcare organizations and systems.
