Osteopath
Osteopaths are practitioners in complementary medicine, diagnosing and treating a range of problems such as back pain, migraine, arthritis and sports injuries. Their work is based on the idea that abnormalities in the structure of the body and the way it functions cause many common illnesses. Osteopaths begin a consultation by taking a full medical history of the patient, before using a highly developed sense of touch - called palpation - to examine the body and identify points of weakness and excessive strain. In some cases, they may also require x-rays and blood tests. Once the diagnosis has been made, osteopaths use their hands to carry out a wide variety of treatment techniques, such as massage to relax stiff muscles and stretching to help joint mobility. They may also give patients exercises to work on at home, as well as advice on diet and lifestyle changes.
Entry level
You must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council before you are allowed to practise. To qualify for this, you must have a recognised qualification in osteopathy from an accredited osteopathic school. This could be a degree in osteopathy, for which the minimum entry requirements are usually three A levels/four H grades (at grade C or above) in science subjects, including biology and chemistry, and at least five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), a postgraduate degree, such as an MSc in Osteopathy, or a short course if you are already a qualified medical doctor. Studying for an osteopathy degree lasts around four years full time, or five years part time. A substantial amount of practical clinical experience is an essential part of training.
Making the grade
There is no formal career path for osteopaths. If you are self-employed, you must be prepared to spend a lot of time building and marketing your business.
Once qualified, you might choose to improve your skills by taking a postgraduate qualification, including an MSc or PhD, or to specialise in a particular area of treatment. The Osteopathic Sports Care Association, for example, offers a wide range of short courses for qualified osteopaths, as well as an MSc in Osteopathic Sports Care. This qualification is open to osteopaths registered with the General Osteopathic Council who have been in practice for at least two years.
Personal qualities
You would need a high level of manual dexterity, the ability to put nervous patients at ease, and excellent communication and listening skills.
You must be able to keep an emotional distance from your patients' problems and you must know when to refer a patient to a conventional medical practitioner.
Looking ahead
Most osteopaths are self-employed, working in their own practices or in private therapy centres and sports clinics. An increasing number of osteopaths work with GP practices, sports clubs and teams, or in the occupational health teams of large organisations, and a growing number are working in the NHS.
After several years as a practising osteopath, and with an appropriate teaching qualification, you may decide to teach and to be involved in research.
There could be opportunities to work overseas, but you must check that UK qualifications are recognised in the country where you intend to work.
Alternative suggestions
Other options in complementary medicine include aromatherapist, chiropractor, naturopath or reflexologist. Within conventional medicine, you might consider occupational therapist or physiotherapist.
Take-home pay
Most osteopaths are self-employed, so your income would vary according to the number of patients you treat and the amount you charge for each session. A typical charge for a 30-40 minute treatment session is between £25 and £50, which must cover all your overheads as well as your salary.
As an osteopath with a well-established practice, you could earn around £60,000 a year.
Effects
Your working hours would generally have to be fairly flexible, fitting in with times when patients are available to see you. This could involve evening and weekend appointments.
The work may be physically demanding and can involve standing and bending, although osteopathy requires skill and technique rather than sheer muscle power.
Sources of information
British College of Osteopathic Medicine: www.bcom.ac.uk
British Osteopathic Association: www.osteopathy.org
General Osteopathic Council: www.osteopathy.org.uk
Osteopathic Sports Care Association: www.osca.org.uk
The Prince of Wales's Foundation for Integrated Health: www.fihealth.org.uk
CRCI: JB
Related Links:
Osteopathy - A Cracking Career
