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CONTENTS

1. Routes to becoming an osteopath

2. Skills you’ll need

3. Finding work experience

4. How to get a job as an osteopath

5. What it's like to be an osteopath

Routes to becoming an osteopath

Osteopaths must hold a qualification recognised by the General Osteopathic Council (GOC) to practice as an osteopath in the UK. Several undergraduate and postgraduate options are available involving practical work experience as well as academic study.

Undergraduate degrees

Many students opt for either a bachelor’s (BSc) or masters of science (MSc) qualification in osteopathy. These typically take four to five years and combine academic study with patient-facing clinical training. These specialist courses cover anatomy, physiology, psychology and pathology combined with clinical examination techniques. Entry requirements vary depending on the university but typically range from 104–140 UCAS tariff points.

You can learn more about what to expect from an osteopathy degree in our subject guide, including what topics you’ll cover and how you’ll be assessed.

Degree apprenticeships

At the moment it is not possible to do an osteopathy degree apprenticeship, but you might consider this option if you are interested in a similar subject such as physiotherapy.

Degree apprenticeships are a mix of approx. 80% on the job training and 20% classroom-based study. They are employer-led and will usually take the same length of time to complete as an undergraduate degree. Entry requirements are set by the employer and the course provider. A big advantage of this route is that your employer pays for the course, not you.

You can search for any apprenticeship vacancies via .

Postgraduate degrees

You might consider a postgraduate degree If you're already medically qualified, for example as a doctor or physiotherapist. Postgraduate courses could also appeal if you wanted to specialise in a particular area once qualified as an osteopath e.g., treating children. A postgraduate degree usually takes a year to complete full time or two years part time.

Skills you’ll need

As well as a comprehensive knowledge of the musculoskeletal system you’ll also need:

• Strong observation skills
• Problem solving
• Great communication
• Organisation and time management
• Teamwork
• Understanding and empathy
• Ability to explain complex things simply
• Ability to work under pressure
• Business and admin skills if self-employed
• Commitment to continued professional development (CPD)

Finding work experience

Having some relevant work experience will help you feel confident this highly specialist role is the right fit. You’ll probably get some practical experience during your degree but you could also try:

• Working in a caring role to gain experience working with different people
• Shadowing a qualified osteopath by searching the GOC register near you

How to get a job as an osteopath

Most osteopaths are self-employed, either setting up their own practice or being part of a group practice. If you’d prefer to be employed, osteopath roles occasionally come up in private and public health services such as the National Health Service (NHS). Try looking for jobs at NHS Jobs or specialist publications such as The Osteopath.

What it's like to be an osteopath

As an osteopath, you’ll help people with problems affecting their bones, muscles, ligaments and joints. The pain might be associated with acute situations brought on by an accident or chronic conditions like arthritis.

Depending on your role and specialisation, your tasks could include:

• Asking clients about their health and medical history
• Looking at a client’s posture and movement, paying attention to their muscles, bones and joints
• Using X-rays to help with diagnosis and treatment plan
• Using gentle techniques like stretching, movement and massage 
• Giving clients advice on exercises to do at home, lifestyle and diet

Osteopaths work in a variety of different settings including the NHS, private health service, therapy centre, from their home or at a client’s house. Depending on the setting, you might work alone or with other osteopaths or healthcare professionals.

On qualifying and registering with the GOC, you might want to join a professional organisation such as the Institute of Osteopathy (iO) or a regional osteopath society. These organisations provide CPD opportunities, something that you must show evidence of if you want to remain registered with the GOC.

Earnings for a self-employed osteopath will vary depending on the fees you charge and the scale of your practice. Osteopath salaries for the NHS currently start at around £28,000.

Is a role as an osteopath right for you?

If you want to improve the quality of people’s lives by helping them eradicate or manage pain, this role could be for you. You’ll need to be empathetic, calm and willing to put in the hours particularly if you set up your own practice.