Osteopahy - A Cracking Career
With 5 million patients a year, osteopathy is the most popular form of complementary medicine and is growing in prestige. Since the passing of the Osteopathy Act in 1993, the profession has elevated considerably in status and is now recognised to be part of mainstream healthcare, enjoying a closer working relationship with the medical profession.
For those considering a career in osteopathy, there are numerous opportunities available. Not only is it a relatively stable and rewarding profession. It is extremely flexible where hours worked can be suited to your own practice.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy focuses on the complete mechanics of the body. Through manipulation to correct joint and tissue abnormalities, osteopathic treatment restores physical and mental well-being, making it easier for a patient's body to, function normally and use its own recuperative powers more effectively.
Naturopathic, otherwise known as holistic, osteopathy does more than diagnose and treat the structural and mechanical problems of the body. It addresses the whole person, looking carefully at lifestyle, nutrition and psychosomatics.
Qualifications required
Entry requirements for each osteopathic institution/college vary slightly. For example, The British College of Osteopathic Medicine, the first educational establishment in the UK to offer a BSc (Hons) degree in Osteopathic Medicine, which is validated by the University of Westminster, and the only one to focus on naturopathic osteopathy, requires: a minimum of 2 'A' levels in Chemistry and Biology, or a Science Access or Foundation Course. For European and overseas students equivalent qualifications are accepted. Mature students are considered on individual merit.
Questions to ask yourself
Do I have a caring attitude, good social and communication skills and enjoy working with people? Do I have manual dexterity and the ability to cope with a physically demanding as well as a mentally demanding profession? Do I have the ability to put nervous or shy patients at ease? Am I tolerant and tactful?
Salary
An 'average' osteopath can earn up to £60,000 plus per year and there is virtually no unemployment in this field. Treatment rates are in the region of £25 per half hour (some are less; some are more).
Practising Osteopaths
There are currently 2,500 registered osteopaths. Nearly half of osteopaths in the UK are women (45.38%).
Kathy Rooney, Practising Osteopath
Kathy originally studied naturopathy and practised as a naturopath for two years. Having always been interested in 'hands on' work, she decided she wanted to develop her skills. She eventually decided to train in osteopathy, which she felt to be the most complimentary to her existing skills and went on to study at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Kathy graduated in 1995 and now loves working as a naturopath osteopath. She says: 'I love working with people and it is very gratifying knowing I am doing something to help them. I meet all kinds of people and every time I see a new patient there is something new to deal with, so there is no chance of getting stuck in a routine. Being a osteopath can be very physically demanding. The job involves working with your hands and you can be on your feet for hours on end if seeing a lot of patients, which can be very exhausting. However, at the end of the day, I go home feeling happy with what I have achieved.'
Taking advantage of the variety and flexibility of the job, Kathy chooses to work in a clinic for a couple of days a week and teaches prospective osteopaths on other days. She also gives her time free of charge, treating and working with children.
Andrew Patterson, Currently a student at the BCOM
Having obtained a degree in Law Economics and Accounts, Andrew started his career in banking. After some five years working for a branch of the NatWest, Andrew left to travel around the world for a year. Upon his return he completely re-evaluated what he wanted to do.
Andrew's grandfather was an osteopath and the first graduate of the BCOM, and therefore Andrew had heard a lot about the profession while growing up. He decided that banking was not for him and realised that osteopathy was a profession that would really fulfil him. He set about doing a Science Access course in Chemistry, Physics and Biology in order to gain entry to the BCOM to start their BSc (Hons) in Osteopathic Medicine, which is validated by the University of Westminster.
About to enter his third year at the BCOM this September, he is loving every minute of it. Andrew says: "l see this course as an investment of both my time and money. Osteopathy really impressed me as a career because it is a caring profession. The course here at the BCOM in particular offers a holistic approach towards people." He feels the course is extremely challenging, a lot of hard work, but fun.
Contributed by: Birtish College of Osteopathic Medicine: www.bcom.ac.uk/
Related Links:
