Career Information

Osteopathy offers a challenging and rewarding career opportunity as an independent, primary healthcare professional. Growing demand for qualified and registered osteopaths is the result of an increasing public desire for modern, patient-centred care.

In the United Kingdom osteopaths currently carry out an estimated seven million consultations every year. This is a 25% increase in demand since the introduction of statutory self-regulation for osteopaths in the 1990s.

Currently, most osteopaths work on a self-employed basis in the private sector, but there is a growing tendency towards multi-disciplinary environments and integration with the National Health Service (NHS).

Occupational Health within private and public companies is also a key growth area for osteopathic practice.

Careers in training and research are increasingly popular options and qualifications may also equip osteopaths to work abroad.

The law requires a practitioner to be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) if they wish to practise in the UK.

Training

Osteopathy attracts male and female students in equal number. There is also growing interest from mature students, who choose osteopathy as a fulfilling career change.

In the UK there are a number of different opportunities to study for a qualification in osteopathy. These include full-time training over four/five years and mixed-mode training over five years. All osteopathic courses must be accredited by the General Osteopathic Council.

Osteopathic training institutions provide prospectuses that will help you to decide the most suitable mode of training. Visiting the institutions on an open day or prearranged appointment will enable you to experience first-hand the facilities, meet faculty members and talk to students.