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How to become an Osteopath

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Career progression and salary expectations for an Osteopath

Osteopath

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The role of an Osteopath

What does an Osteopath do?

Looking for a job that really touches people? You should be an Osteopath…

Osteopaths detect, treat and prevent a range of health problems using techniques like massage to help stretch and heal people’s muscles.

Potential patients for Osteopaths range from people with ailments like back pain, postural problems or arthritis, through to athletes with sports injuries or women suffering with the effects of pregnancy. For an Osteopath, it’s all about improving their patient’s quality of life.

Typical duties for an Osteopath may include:

Meeting with clients to discuss their medical complaints
Carrying out X-rays and using other traditional methods to diagnose the problem
Administering a range of techniques, such as joint mobilisation, manipulation and deep tissue massages to help alleviate pain
Advising clients on how to improve their quality of life, and providing them with exercises to complete at home as part of the healing process
Referring clients to GPs if their medical problems persist

Is a career as an Osteopath right for me?

You’ll need to be good with your hands, and also have a good level of physical fitness, in order to become an Osteopath.

Even though it’s still considered a form of alternative medicine, it takes a tremendous amount of hard work and discipline to get into Osteopathy, and many choose to work self-employed from their own home or start their own practise. If you’re a practical person that likes the idea of working for yourself, this could be the perfect career for you.

Other key skills for an Osteopath include:

Excellent communication skills
An in-depth knowledge of medicine and biology
Sensitivity
Tact
The ability to build trust and put clients at ease
Observational and diagnostic skills

What's it like to be an Osteopath?

"When I tell people I'm an Osteopath, the majority of them have absolutely no idea what I do. Basically, I'm like a masseuse, but it’s much more than that. I help rehabilitate people after injuries and try and improve their quality of life, but often have to assess the problems and diagnose them myself before I get cracking (not necessarily literally). It takes years of training and hard work, but it’s a great profession to get into if you really like helping people. Also, giving great back rubs doesn't hurt either…"

Get qualified as an Osteopath

You’ll need a to have a degree in order to become an Osteopath, as well as registration to the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) before you start practising.

Recommended Osteopathy courses

Osteopathy Training Course

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