Could osteopathy be the career for you?

Osteopaths are allied health professionals who assess, diagnose and manage conditions affecting the muscles, joints and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.

They take the time to understand what is happening for each patient, including their symptoms, health, lifestyle, and how their body functions.

Depending on the individual and their needs, an osteopath may use hands-on treatment, exercise and movement advice, education and other approaches as part of a management plan.

Osteopaths can also work alongside GPs, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and other health professionals as part of a patient’s broader healthcare team.

Image care of: Whole Health Osteopathy Photography credit: Michelle Jarni Photography

You don’t need to have your entire career mapped out while you’re at school.

But osteopathy might be worth exploring if you:

• Are interested in science and health: You’d like to understand more about anatomy, physiology and how the human body works.
• Enjoy working with people: Being an osteopath involves listening, communicating and building relationships with people from many different backgrounds.
• Like solving problems: Every patient is different. Osteopaths gather information, assess what’s happening and use clinical reasoning to decide how best to manage each person.
• Enjoy practical learning: Osteopathy combines academic study with practical clinical skills and hands-on learning.
• Are a good communicator: Understanding someone’s concerns – and explaining health information clearly – is an important part of the job.
• Want to keep learning: Healthcare doesn’t stand still. Osteopaths continue developing their knowledge and skills throughout their careers.

1. Finish secondary school
2. Study an accredited osteopathy program at university
3. Develop your practical skills through supervised clinical training
4. Graduate with your osteopathy qualification
5. Apply for registration to practise as an osteopath in Australia
6. Start your career

Osteopathy is a regulated health profession in Australia. To practise as an osteopath, you must meet the registration requirements of the Osteopathy Board of Australia.

Studying osteopathy isn’t just about learning hands-on techniques.

Your university studies will build your understanding of the human body, health and clinical care and develop the practical and professional skills you’ll need to work with patients.

Your course may cover areas including:

• anatomy and physiology
• biomechanics and human movement
• pathology and health conditions
• clinical assessment and diagnosis
• osteopathic clinical skills
• pain and musculoskeletal health
• exercise and rehabilitation
• communication and patient care
• evidence-informed healthcare
• professional practice

You’ll also undertake supervised clinical training, giving you the opportunity to put what you’ve learned into practice.