Osteopath

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course or professional development training.

University

To become an osteopath, you'll need to complete a degree or postgraduate master's degree approved by the General Osteopathic Council .

Courses usually take 4 years full time, or you might be able to study part time over 5 years.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Volunteering

You'll find it helpful to get some work experience in healthcare with an osteopath before you apply for a course.

OtherRoutes

If you're already medically qualified, for example as a doctor or physiotherapist, you might be able to do a shorter postgraduate training programme.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of medicine and how the body works
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• the ability to work well with your hands
• sensitivity and understanding
• to enjoy working with other people
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• analytical thinking skills
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• to be flexible and open to change
• knowledge of psychology
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Osteopaths massage, move and stretch clients' muscles and joints to improve wellbeing or help with a health issue.

As an osteopath you could:

• ask clients about their health and medical history
• look at their posture and how they walk, paying attention to their muscles, bones and joints
• use X-rays to help with your diagnosis and plan a course of treatment
• use gentle techniques like stretching, movement and massage
• give clients advice on exercises to do at home, lifestyle and diet

Location : You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in a therapy clinic, at a client's home or from home.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours variable

Working Pattern is in your own business managing your own hours

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• set up your your own osteopathy practice
• do further training and move into teaching osteopathy students
• move into osteopathic research