Osteopath

Osteopaths prevent, diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems using manual therapy, exercise and advice. Their aim is to promote the best health, based on the individual needs of the patient.

Working life

You'll work as a self-employed primary care practitioner who's able to diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues. You'll able to spend substantially more time with patients than most professionals in primary care. There are also opportunities to work within the NHS and in secondary care

You'll be an expert in the musculoskeletal system and its relationship to other systems of the body in the promotion of good health.

You'll provide care that includes a range of interventions specific to each patient, including:

  • manual therapy techniques
  • physical therapy (rehabilitation and exercise prescription)
  • health advice
  • self-management guidance

Who would I work with?

You'll be trained to work with patients of all ages and skilled at identifying a wide range of health conditions. You'll refer to other healthcare professionals to achieve the best outcomes for the patient. You may also work in private healthcare with other healthcare specialists.

Most osteopaths are self-employed with increasing opportunities to work in the NHS in multidisciplinary musculoskeletal units, where they may work as part of a team including acupuncturists, physiotherapists, podiatrists and psychotherapists. 

Andrew MacMillan

Osteopath and research lead

Being an osteopath is a very rewarding job. There are opportunities to progress your career as well as flexibility in the hours I work.

Read Andrew's story
Andrew MacMillan

Entry requirements and training 

You'll be trained to degree level gaining either a Bachelor’s (BSc) or Masters of Science (MSc). Courses typically last three to five years and are a combination of academic, research and over 1,000 hours of patient-facing clinical training. This intensive medical training will equip you with an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, psychology and pathology combined with clinical examination techniques.

Following your training, you must register with the General Osteopathic Council to practice in the UK. 

Where the role can lead 

After graduating, you may choose to set up your own private clinic, work in the NHS or in private healthcare. You may then choose to become an advanced clinical practitioner through postgraduate training in a specific area of practice such as sports injuries, care of the elderly or working with children. There are also opportunities for study at MSc and PhD level. Non-clinical career roles also exist in teaching, professional development and research.

In the NHS, you may choose to expand your post by taking on management and leadership responsibilities.

Pay and benefits 

In the NHS, your standard working week will be around 37.5 hours. As an NHS osteopath, you’ll be paid on the Agenda for Change (AFC) pay system, typically starting on band 5. You’ll also have access to our generous pension scheme and health service discounts, as well as 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.

You are more likely to work for yourself, which many osteopaths find an attractive option as it allows for greater flexibility and choice for career progression. 

Displaying 1 - 5 of 18 matches

  • Osteopathy

    Anglia Ruskin University

    Qualification
    Master of Osteopathy - MOst
    Study mode
    Full-time
    Duration of the course
    4 Years
    Leading to a career in
    Osteopathy
    Contact details
    [email protected] 01245 686868
    Region
    London
    Admissions address
    The Grange
    12 Grange Road
    London
    SE1 3BE
    United Kingdom
  • Master of Osteopathy

    British College of Osteopathic Medicine

    Qualification
    Master of Osteopathy - MOst
    Study mode
    Full-time
    Duration of the course
    4 Years
    Leading to a career in
    Osteopathy
    Contact details
    [email protected] +44 (0)20 7443 9917
    Region
    London
    Admissions address
    6 Netherhall Gardens
    London
    NW3 5RR
    United Kingdom
  • Osteopathic Medicine

    NESCOT

    Qualification
    Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
    Study mode
    Full-time
    Duration of the course
    4 Years
    Leading to a career in
    Osteopathy
    Contact details
    020 8394 3038
    Region
    South East
    Admissions address
    Reigate Road
    Epsom
    KT17 3DS
    United Kingdom
  • Osteopathy

    Swansea University

    Qualification
    Master of Osteopathy (with Honours) - MOst (Hon)
    Study mode
    Full-time
    Duration of the course
    4 Years
    Leading to a career in
    Osteopathy
    Contact details
    [email protected] 01792 295111
    Region
    Wales
    Admissions address
    Singleton Park
    Swansea
    SA2 8PP
    United Kingdom
  • Osteopathic Medicine MOst

    NESCOT

    Qualification
    Master of Osteopathy - MOst
    Study mode
    Full-time
    Duration of the course
    4 Years
    Leading to a career in
    Osteopathy
    Contact details
    020 8394 3038
    Region
    South East
    Admissions address
    Reigate Road
    Epsom
    KT17 3DS
    United Kingdom

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