What does a osteopath do?

As an osteopath, you could: ask clients about their health and medical history look at their posture and how they walk, paying attention to their muscles, bones and joints use X-rays to help with your diagnosis and plan a course of treatment use gentle techniques like stretching, movement and massage give clients…

How do you become a osteopath?

You can get into this job through a university course and volunteering.

How many hours does a osteopath work?

Typically 37 to 39 hours a week.

Osteopath

Osteopaths massage, move and stretch clients' muscles and joints to improve wellbeing or help with a health issue.

Typical hours37 to 39 a week

What you'll do

As an osteopath, you could:

ask clients about their health and medical history
look at their posture and how they walk, paying attention to their muscles, bones and joints
use X-rays to help with your diagnosis and plan a course of treatment
use gentle techniques like stretching, movement and massage
give clients advice on exercises to do at home, lifestyle and diet

Working environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in a therapy clinic, at a client's home or from home.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

knowledge of biology and how the body works
physical skills like balance, flexibility and coordination
the ability to work well with your hands
sensitivity and understanding
to enjoy working with other people
customer service skills
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
analytical thinking skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

How to become a osteopath

You can get into this job through a university course or professional development training.

University

To become an osteopath, you'll need to complete a degree or postgraduate master's degree approved by the General Osteopathic Council .

Courses usually take 4 years full time, or you might be able to study part time over 5 years.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Volunteering

Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.

Other routes

If you're already medically qualified, for example as a doctor or physiotherapist, you might be able to do a shorter postgraduate training programme.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

have insurance
pass enhanced background checks

Before you can register with the General Osteopathic Council, you'll need to give health and personal character references.

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

set up your your own osteopathy practice
do further training and move into teaching osteopathy students
move into osteopathic research

Career tips

You would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would apply in your work.

Registration

you must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council to work as an osteopath

Guides for this industry

Health & Social Care: pay, interviews and getting started →

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