Osteopath
An osteopath is a medical professional who practises a system of manual preventative medicine that focuses primarily on the musculoskeletal system. Osteopaths recognise that the body, especially the nervous, circulatory and gastro-intestinal systems, can be affected by dysfunction in body structure and tissues.
Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to treat a patient. The aim is to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension and boost the amount of blood supply to tissues. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise in order to help patients recover faster and prevent problems occurring again.
Patients can range from newborns to older adults. Conditions treated may include babies with colic, toddlers with ear infections and teenagers and adults suffering from conditions ranging from back pain to circulatory problems.
Osteopaths aim to help to reduce the symptoms and improve the health and quality of life of the patient by:
Typical work activities include:
Many osteopaths are self-employed. Additional tasks related to running a business include:
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:
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.
As most osteopaths are self-employed, they are responsible for arranging and paying for their own training and development.
The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) has introduced a mandatory scheme of continuing professional development (CPD) for osteopaths. This includes attendance at lectures and seminars, as well as undertaking courses, practical sessions, individual study or other activities. Osteopaths must complete at least 30 hours of CPD a year.
Training schools provide a number of CPD courses for qualified and practising osteopaths. These include postgraduate qualifications and short courses on specialist subjects. The Osteopathic Sports Care Association , for example, offers an MSc in Sports Osteopathy at Leeds Metropolitan University and the Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy , run in collaboration with the British School of Osteopathy, offers an MSc in Paediatric Osteopathy.
The British Osteopathic Association and the GOsC also offer CPD opportunities, such as practical workshops and seminars on specialist areas and new techniques.
It may also be useful for self-employed osteopaths to take short courses in subjects such as marketing, accounts, administration or other business-related subjects that help with running a business.
Career opportunities in osteopathy are increasing and, as public awareness of osteopathy grows, there is an increasing demand for qualified and registered osteopaths.
Most osteopaths are self-employed, which means that there is no structured career path. Career progression usually begins, however, by working as an associate in an osteopathic practice leading to setting up and running your own practice. Alternatively, you might progress from an associate to working within a group osteopathic practice. Self-employed osteopaths with their own practices must be prepared to spend a lot of time building and marketing their businesses. Although most osteopaths work on a self-employed basis in the private sector, there are increasing opportunities to develop your career in a multidisciplinary environment. Developing links between the National Health Service and the osteopathy profession mean that there are opportunities to work within hospitals, with doctors in general practice and in community health centres.
With a number of years' experience, you may discover opportunities to pursue individual specialist interests and to develop work with particular client groups.
Some osteopaths go on to teach at one of the approved osteopathic training schools after gaining experience in the field. Research in osteopathy is also a growing area of the profession, and there is an increasing number of opportunities to undertake research into particular specialist areas.
There are some opportunities to work abroad, subject to the country’s registration requirements.
Most osteopaths are self-employed and work in the private sector. They may work on a consultancy basis in sports clubs or may be based in local health authorities.
Some work in multidisciplinary environments within the NHS at hospitals, GP surgeries and community health centres.
Osteopaths can also work in occupational healthcare in public bodies and private companies, such as sports clubs and city firms with their own medical centre.
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