Osteopaths are registered healthcare professionals who treat a wide range of medical conditions. They are highly trained in the evaluation and management of the musculoskeletal system and its relationship with other systems in the body. Osteopathy is a patient-centred system of healthcare and an osteopath assesses each patient as an individual with specific needs.

The title ‘osteopath’ is protected by law (Protection of title) and you have to be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) to practise in the UK, Isle of Man and Gibraltar.
It is a criminal offence, liable to prosecution, for anyone to claim explicitly or by implication to be any kind of osteopath unless they are on the GOsC Register. In order to be registered, you must have completed a course of training that is recognised by the GOsC.

Training to become an osteopath generally leads to a degree in osteopathy (a BSc Hons, BOst or BOstMed) or an integrated masters degree (MOst). Courses usually consist of up to four years of full-time training, five years part-time or a mixture of full or part-time. There are also courses with accelerated pathways for those with a relevant health based science qualification.

As well as a detailed study of osteopathic concepts, approaches and techniques, a degree course includes a broad range of subjects including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology and biomechanics, plus at least 1,000 hours of supervised clinical training.

The professional body for osteopaths – The Institute of Osteopathy, produce resources for those interested in becoming an osteopath on their website.

Osteopathy is a flexible and rewarding health care profession that enables you to make a real contribution to the health and wellbeing of the community. It’s worth taking the time to explore the opportunities available to osteopaths, and to see how they work. The Education providers will run open days to enable you to experience the institution, meet students and see their clinical provision.