This page tells you about the standards osteopaths must meet during their training, their practice and their continuing professional development. You can also download our information leaflet Standards of osteopathic care.
TrainingAll osteopaths practising in the UK have completed rigorous training. Students of osteopathy follow a four or five-year degree course, during which they study anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, nutrition and biomechanics. In addition they undergo a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical training. Qualification generally takes the form of a bachelor’s degree in osteopathy – a BSc(Hons), BOst or BOstMed – or a masters degree in osteopathy (MOst).
The standards required of osteopaths to ensure quality care for patients and to protect them for harm are currently outlined in two documents: the Standard 2000 – Standard of Proficiency and the Code of Practice.
New Osteopathic Practice Standards, to take effect from 1 September 2012, contain updated versions of both the Code of Practice and Standard of Proficiency. The Osteopathic Practice Standards set out what will be required of osteopaths from
1 September 2012.
Osteopathic Practice Standards consultationIn developing the new Osteopathic Practice Standards, we held a formal consultation canvassing a wide range of views from individual patients, patient representative
groups, osteopaths, osteopathic educational institutions, osteopathy students and the
British Osteopathic Association.
The consultation was carried out by consultants Hewell, Taylor, Freed & Associates,
who have produced a report analysing the responses to the consultation. The GOsC
also commissioned an equality impact assessment from equality and diversity
consultant Agnes Fletcher to identify any equality and diversity issues that might arise
from the introduction of the new standards.
We set the standards of osteopathic education, and require qualified osteopaths to update their training throughout their working lives, a process known as Continuing Professional Development.
We are currently developing a scheme for revalidating our registrants, as all healthcare regulators are required to do by the Government. Revalidation is the process by which osteopaths will have to demonstrate to us that they are up to date and fit to practise, and meet the relevant professional standards. For further information visit our Revalidation page.
As well as completing the necessary training, osteopaths must also prove themselves to be in good health and of good character, and have professional indemnity insurance cover.
There may be occasions when a UK osteopath graduate could have their registration application reconsidered on the grounds of conduct or health. Our statement on the relationship between recognised qualifications and registration outlines the limited circumstances in which this might happen. For further information about this, see How to register - qualified in the UK.
We welcome comments and feedback about this website and the information on it. If you have any comments or if you have not been able to find the information you want in this section or on the website as a whole, please contact us by using the form on the Contact us page or by emailing info@osteopathy.org.uk.