How to become an Osteopath

Osteopathy is an extremely fulfilling career. BSO-trained osteopaths work with a variety of patients, including sportspeople, actors and dancers, children, older people and expectant mothers. By working in this industry you will have the ability to work flexibly and help a variety of people.

What does an Osteopath do?

Osteopaths treat the individual rather than specific conditions - for example, an injury to your knee might also affect the foot, hip and spine. Osteopath’s general work includes treating the following:

-Aches and pains

-Muscle spasms

-Headache arising from the neck

-Sports injuries and tensions

-Arthritic pain

-General, acute and chronic backache and back pain

-Neck pain

-Shoulder and elbow pain

-Joint pains and lumbago

-Sciatica

What qualifications/ experience do I need to become an Osteopath?

Up to date DBS

A degree in Osteopathy is advised

Professional Indemnity Insurance is needed

Work experience in the field is also advised

What Salary Can I expect?

Usually work on a half hourly/ hourly rate. Osteopaths are known to charge between £35-50 for a half hour session.

Who might employ an Osteopath?

NHS

Health Centres

Hospitals

General Practices

Self Employeed

Sport Clubs

What is the Career Progression?

Career progression normally starts by working in a osteopathic practice and then leads to forming your own business.

What are the best things about becoming an Osteopath?

There are always opportunities to work within the sport industry and it is very fulfilling to see how patients progress under your supervision. As well as this you may have the opportunity to work for yourself at some stage in your career which you may see as a brilliant alternative.

What are the Drawbacks?

The hours are often unsociable; you may have to work at weekends to accommodate working for a sports club. If running a self-employed business, the customer base will not always be the same so you will always have to be advertising your services to gain clients.

More information:

For more information, advice and guidance about careers in PE, Sport, Training and Fitness and Activity Holiday Jobs, visit our careers advice centre; including job hunting tips,  CV guide and much more.