Otolaryngology Core Curriculum Now Available to Individual Physicians and Healthcare Team Members

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) is excited to announce the expanded availability of its groundbreaking Otolaryngology Core Curriculum (OCC) program. Originally designed for residency training programs, this comprehensive education platform is now accessible to individual physicians, both domestic and international, and advanced practice providers, marking a significant advancement in otolaryngology education and professional development.

Start Your OCC Program Access

Subscribe today to secure your access to the 2025-2026 OCC program year—available from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. For more information about pricing, go to_______.

A Game-Changing Education Innovation

The OCC represents a paradigm shift in medical education, offering unprecedented flexibility and utility for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in ear, nose, and throat care. This innovative program provides a structured, comprehensive approach to otolaryngology education that adapts to the busy schedules and diverse learning needs of practicing physicians and their teams.

Comprehensive Curriculum Structure

The OCC delivers 100 carefully crafted modules covering all essential topics in otolaryngology. As of July 1, 2025, there are 75 modules available, with the final 25 modules scheduled to be released in January 2026.

Each module is designed for practical application and includes:

• Structured coursework that fits into busy schedules
• Case-based learning scenarios that mirror real-world clinical situations
• Topic-specific assessment questions to reinforce knowledge
• Robust question bank for ongoing knowledge testing and mastery building

Rich Multimedia Learning Experience

The platform goes beyond traditional education materials by offering a searchable multimedia library that includes:

• High-quality otolaryngology images for visual learning
• Surgical video procedures demonstrating best practices
• Topical webcasts featuring expert insights
• Comprehensive educational resources

Exceptional Value for Private Practice

This comprehensive training program offers significant advantages for practice management and patient care:

Staff Development and Retention: The OCC provides an excellent tool for training new staff members and continuing education for existing team members. By investing in professional development, practices can improve job satisfaction and retention rates among healthcare team members at all levels.

Enhanced Care Delivery: With all team members having access to the same high-quality, standardized education, practices can ensure consistent, evidence-based care delivery.

Flexible Learning Environment: The program's online format allows staff to learn at their own pace and schedule.

Investment in Excellence

The OCC represents more than just another otolaryngology education program—it's an investment in excellence that will pay dividends in improved patient outcomes. By providing comprehensive, standardized education that accommodates the unique needs of practicing healthcare providers, the OCC fills a critical gap in continuing medical education.

The Future of Otolaryngology Education

The launch of the OCC for individual physicians and advanced practice providers marks a new era in otolaryngology education. This innovative program combines the rigor of academic training with the flexibility needed for practicing professionals, creating an education experience that is both comprehensive and practical.

Note: The OCC is offered for educational purposes only and does not provide continuing medical education (CME) credit to participants.

Exciting News: Certificate Program for Advanced Practice Providers!

This is more than just a certificate program – it's a pathway to professional excellence and recognition in otolaryngology care.

The AAO-HNSF is thrilled to announce the launch of our new Certificate of Completion program for advanced practice providers (APPs) through the Otolaryngology Core Curriculum platform. For the first time, APPs can earn a professionally recognized certificate specifically designed for otolaryngology continuing education. This program represents a significant investment in professional development and demonstrates a commitment to advancing the otolaryngology expertise and career growth of the APPs in your practice.

How This Program Works

APPs will work with an AAO-HNS sponsoring member who helps identify the most relevant OCC modules for their practice needs and professional goals. Together, the APP and sponsor create a customized learning path by defining specific objectives and selecting appropriate modules. Upon successful completion of the agreed-upon modules, APPs receive an official Certificate of Completion that formally recognizes this advanced study in otolaryngology.

Key Benefits

• Elevates patient care through enhanced clinical knowledge and evidence-based practice skills
• Enhances professional qualifications and expertise through recognized credentialing
• Provides mentorship opportunities with experienced AAO-HNS physicians
• Delivers personalized learning aligned with practice and career goals
• Offers flexible education that adapts to your schedule
• Demonstrates practice investment in staff development and retention

Ready to Advance our Specialty?

This groundbreaking program represents a significant leap forward for the entire otolaryngology community. Start discussing this opportunity with the APPs in your practice so they can begin their certificate journey today.

Questions or need more information? Contact occ@entnet.org.

OCC Module Topics

*Module will be available January 1, 2026.

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Botox and Fillers
Cutaneous Facial Reconstruction
Facial Reanimation
Orbital, Midface, Naso-Orbito-Ethmoid Trauma
Rhytidectomy
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
Otoplasty*
Cutaneous Lesions*
Rhinoplasty
Blepharoplasty/ Brow Lift
Scar Revision/ Resurfacing

Fundamentals
Patient Safety and Quality Improvement (Part 1)
Business of Medicine (Part 1)
Interpersonal and Communication Skills (Part 1)
Peri-Operative Management (Part 2)
Professionalism (Part 2)
Mandibular Trauma*
Patient Safety and Quality Improvement in Otolaryngology (Part 2)*
Business of Medicine (Part 2)*
Interpersonal and Communication Skills (Part 2)*
Perioperative Management
Professionalism
Evidence Based Medicine

General OTO/ Sleep
ABC’s of Trauma Management
Epistaxis
Dental Occlusion and Dentistry
Soft Tissue Trauma
Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment of OSA
Stomatitis and Taste Disorders*
Granulomatous and Systemic Disease Manifestations in the Head and Neck*
Non-OSDB Sleep Disorders*
Headaches and Facial Pain
Deep Neck Space Infections
Diagnostic Evaluation of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Pharyngitis

Head & Neck
Laryngeal Cancer
Principles of Neck Dissection
Oropharyngeal Neoplasms
Thyroid Disease
Oral Cavity Neoplasms
Parathyroid Disease and Neoplasms
Unknown Primary Neck Disease: Considerations and Work Up
Reconstruction of the Head & Neck - Part 1 on Regional Flaps
Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers*
Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms*
Reconstruction of the Head and Neck – Part 2 on Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer*
Adjuvant Therapy for Head & Neck Cancer*
Basics of Head and Neck Cancer
Salivary Gland Pathology

Laryngology
Benign Laryngeal Lesions
Neurologic Voice Disorders
Functional Voice Disorders
Dysphagia
Laryngeal and Airway Trauma
Leukoplakia and Early Glottic Cancer
Laryngotracheal Stenosis
Esophageal Disorders*
Chronic Cough/ Irritable Larynx/ Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction*
Tracheotomy and Acute Airway Management
Vocal Cord Paralysis/Paresis
Pediatric Voice Disorders*

Otology/ Neurotology
Anatomy and Physiology of the Auditory and Vestibular System
Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
Vestibular Schwannoma
Temporal Bone Trauma, Facial Nerve Injury, Facial Nerve Testing
Disorders of the External Ear and Auditory Canal
Conductive Hearing Loss and Otosclerosis
Aural Habilitation*
Dizziness*
Neoplasms of the Ear, Lateral Skull Base and Petrous Apex*
Chronic Otitis Media and Cholesteatoma
Cochlear Implants
Ménière’s Disease

Pediatric OTO
Pediatric Hearing Loss
Pediatric Rhinosinusitis
Pediatric Deep Neck Space Infections
Vascular Anomalies
Foreign Bodies and Caustic Ingestion
Congenital Aural Atresia and Microtia
Pediatric Neck Masses
Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders*
Pediatric Tracheostomy
Adenotonsillar Disease
Pediatric Middle Ear Disease
Pediatric Laryngotracheal Disorders
Cleft Lip and Palate, Velopharyngeal Insufficiency*

Rhinology/ Allergy
Complications of Sinusitis
Olfactory Disorders
Non-Allergic Rhinitis
CSF Rhinorrhea
Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
Fungal Sinus Disease
Anterior Skull Base and Sinonasal Malignancy
Chronic Rhinosinusitis without Polyps*
Immunology and Allergy*
Orbital/ Lacrimal Pathology*
Congenital Nasal Masses and Anomalies*
Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Benign Sinonasal Neoplasms
Allergy Testing