Osteopath : Entry requirements

In order to practise as an osteopath, registration with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)  is a statutory requirement. This is achievable through recognised qualifications from one of the ten training schools recognised by the GOsC. Course providers offer different opportunities to study for a Bachelors degree in osteopathy (a BSc, BOst or BOstMed) or a Masters degree (MOst).

The length of training varies as it is 13 months (if you are already medically qualified), four to five years' full-time training or five years' mixed-mode training. Opportunities exist for qualified physiotherapists (as well as medical doctors) to take an accelerated route. Further details of specific providers and courses are available through the GOsC website.

Academic requirements vary between courses. Contact individual institutions for details. The basic requirements are five GCSE passes (Grades A-C or SCE equivalent, including English and maths), with two good pass grades at A-level (or three Highers), preferably in chemistry or physics as well as biology or human biology. For some courses, an additional A-level or Higher may be required. Holders of a degree in physiology, anatomy or a second MB (Bachelor of Medicine) may gain exemptions from basic science courses. Those without science A-levels or a science degree, but who are considered suitable, must complete intensive science courses immediately before starting their training.

Pre-entry experience is not essential, but it may be useful to arrange to spend some time with a practising osteopath. It may also be worthwhile to gain experience working with people in a caring role.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• the ability to work empathetically and sensitively with a range of patients;
• good communication and coordination skills;
• strong observational skills, a logical approach and the ability to problem solve in order to diagnose effectively;
• initiative, independence and business awareness (including some knowledge of accounting, marketing and management of premises).

You should also be physically fit as GOsC registration requirements include a medical certificate of fitness. GOsC require an annual renewal of registration and in the future will introduce a re-validation scheme, which will be linked to re-registration.

Research courses carefully as tuition fees can vary from £3,000 to £7,000 per year. Some training institutions now attract public funding. Refer to their websites for details. The Osteopathic Educational Foundation  provides loans to a number of existing students who have completed their first year at an osteopathic school. To be eligible, students must be referred by the principal of their institution.

Most newly qualified osteopaths find work quickly, though it may initially be part time. There is a steady and sustained growth in demand for qualified and registered osteopaths and clinics, which is due to the recent interest in the techniques and successes of osteopathy.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.