Careers Database
Use the WoWMyCV.co.uk Job Profiles Database to check out exactly what you need to know for the job you want.
FREE CV Review
Send us your CV and we'll send you back a report within 24 hours.
Jobsearch Advice Pack
Get your copy of our specially designed Jobsearch advice pack.
Get Your CV on the Web
Let us publish your very own CV website including your own domain name
Get Your Career On Track
Career coaching helps individuals discover what they really want to do with their lives and then develop a strategy to achieve it.
5 Days To A New You
WoW Careers Services brings you a wonderful trip to the Isle of Skye with our Life Coaching Course specially designed for you.
osteopath
The work
Osteopaths suggest that all aspects of the body need to be in balance and harmony for there to be good health and well-being. Osteopaths use hands-on techniques including:
- joint mobilisation
- manipulation
- massage
- deep pressure.
They also advise people on their diet and lifestyle.
Before treatment they begin by discussing with the client their current and past health problems. They assess the client’s posture and gait using their hands to examine muscles, ligaments and vertebrae, sometimes using X-rays or other orthodox tests.
Once diagnosis has been made they carry out a course of treatment. This usually includes working on the body and adjusting the joints through swift but gentle pressure followed by massage. After treatment they may give advice on exercise.
An osteopath may refer a client on to a doctor or another complementary therapist if they are unable to solve the problem.
Hours and Environment
Osteopaths are usually self-employed, therefore flexible hours may be possible. Some osteopaths work some unsocial hours to fit in with clients.
Osteopaths work mostly in a consulting room, although they may treat patients in their own homes. Being able to drive would be useful.
The work involves standing and bending, and can be physically demanding.
Skills and Interests
To become an osteopath you will need:
- a genuine desire to help people
- the ability to develop empathy with patients
- to have good co-ordination and manual dexterity
- good listening skills, able to understand a client's needs
- to be logical, have good problem solving skills, and strong powers of observation
- an interest in science, particularly human biology and chemistry
- to know when to refer clients to a qualified medical doctor
- the commercial skills needed to run a business.
Entry
Practising osteopaths are legally required to register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC); to do this you must complete an accredited degree course.
To gain entry onto a degree in osteopathy or osteopathic medicine, you are likely to need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including science based subjects, plus two or three A levels/H grades or equivalent, preferably including biology, human biology, physics or chemistry.
An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.
Before you can register with the GOsC you will need to provide both health and character references. You will also need appropriate liability insurance and a criminal records bureau check.
Mature entrants are welcomed. Life experience and the ability to relate well to other people are taken into consideration when you apply for a course. Osteopathy is often a second career.
Training
The GOsC accredit degree courses which take four years full-time or five years part-time. If you are already medically qualified you may be able to take a shorter, postgraduate programme. Contact the GOsC for a list of approved course providers (see Further Information).
Degree courses in osteopathy or osteopathic science combine academic study with practical skills and clinical work. You will also have a substantial amount of direct client contact.
Subjects covered on an approved course include:
- basic medical sciences (anatomy and physiology)
- patient skills (psychology, communication skills)
- clinical medicine, pathology, diagnosis and treatment planning
- osteopathic techniques, concepts and philosophy are taught and integrated into all subject areas.
The GOsC have a mandatory scheme of continuing professional development (CPD) for members. Practitioners must undertake 30 hours of learning each year; this can be through lectures, seminars, courses or individual study.
Opportunities
Osteopathy is expanding due to an increase in posture-related ailments in car drivers and computer users. Currently over 3500 osteopaths are registered with the GOsC in the UK.
Most osteopaths are self-employed, working either in their own practice or in a private health care centre or sports clinic. Frequently osteopaths treat clients in the NHS who have been referred to them by their GP.
There are a few opportunities for employment within the NHS.
Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
Most osteopaths are self-employed and can charge an hourly rate of between £25 and £50.
A newly qualified osteopath can earn from £15,000 to £20,000 a year.
With experience this can rise to between £20,000 and £40,000 a year.
Salaries in private practice can reach around £50,000 a year.
Further information
Osteopathy House176 Tower Bridge Road
London
SE1 3LU
Tel: 020 7357 6655
WoW Careers Services Can Help You Prepare The Perfect CV or Provide Further Advice On This Career Path For More Information Call Us On 0845 224-2613 or Claim Your FREE CV Review Today.
