Osteopath
Osteopaths help patients improve their overall health and wellbeing by preventing, diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions. Using manual therapy, exercise and tailored advice, they focus on promoting the best possible health based on each person’s individual needs.
Introduction to the role
Working as an osteopath, you’ll be a self-employed primary care practitioner who can diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues. This independence means you’ll often spend more time with patients than many other healthcare professionals in primary care. There are also growing opportunities to work in the NHS and in secondary care, particularly in multidisciplinary musculoskeletal units.
You’ll be an expert in the musculoskeletal system and its relationship with other systems in the body, helping to promote good health and wellbeing for your patients.
What does an occupational therapist do?
As an osteopath, your role will involve providing personalised care for patients of all ages, using a combination of techniques to improve health and manage conditions. This can include manual therapy, physical therapy such as rehabilitation and exercise prescription, health advice, and self-management guidance.
You’ll work with patients experiencing a range of issues, from sports injuries to chronic pain, and will be skilled at identifying when referral to another healthcare professional is the best option. Many osteopaths also work alongside other specialists such as physiotherapists, acupuncturists, podiatrists and psychotherapists, ensuring patients receive the best possible care.
What are the pay and conditions like?
If you work as an osteopath in the NHS, you’ll usually have a 37.5 hour working week, which may include some evenings or weekends.
Most occupational therapists start at band 5 on the Agenda for Change pay scale. You’ll also receive at least 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, along with access to the NHS pension scheme and a range of staff discounts.
Where can a role as an osteopath take you?
Once you’ve qualified as an osteopath, there are a variety of career pathways to explore.
You could:
- set up your own private clinic, work within the NHS, or join a private healthcare team
- become an advanced clinical practitioner through postgraduate training in a specialist area such as sports injuries, elderly care, or working with children
- study at MSc or PhD level to deepen your expertise and open doors to more specialised or academic roles
- move into non-clinical careers such as teaching, professional development, or research
- take on management and leadership responsibilities within the NHS, overseeing services and guiding other practitioners.
You’ll have regular professional development reviews to support your goals and keep your skills up to date. You can access further training, events and networking opportunities via the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).
Person specification
Is osteopathy right for you?
Working as an osteopath means using your knowledge of the musculoskeletal system to help patients of all ages improve their health and wellbeing. You’ll need to be comfortable working one-to-one, often spending more time with patients than many other primary care roles, and tailoring your approach to each individual’s needs. The role combines hands-on techniques with clear communication, health advice and self-management guidance.
Ask yourself:
- Am I confident working closely with patients and making them feel at ease?
- Can I adapt my approach to suit a wide range of people and health conditions?
- Do I have the patience and focus needed to deliver manual therapy safely and effectively?
- Am I able to explain complex health information in a way that’s easy to understand?
Entry requirements and training
To become an osteopath, you’ll need to complete a degree-level programme, in osteopathy. Courses usually take between three and five years and combine academic study, research and over 1,000 hours of patient-facing clinical training. This hands-on experience, alongside in-depth study of anatomy, physiology, psychology and pathology, will give you the knowledge and skills needed to assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of patients.
Most universities ask for two or three A levels, usually including a science subject, along with five GCSEs at grades 4-9 (A-C), including English language, maths and science. They may also accept equivalent qualifications such as a BTEC or HND in a science-based subject, a relevant T Level or NVQ, an access to science course, or equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications.
Entry requirements can vary, so it’s important to check directly with the university. Wherever you apply, you’ll need to show a good understanding of the profession. Spending time with a registered osteopath can help you gain valuable insight into the role and demonstrate your interest during the application process.
There may also be alternative training options available in some areas. It’s worth exploring what’s currently offered by individual employers and training providers.
Once you’ve successfully completed your training, you’ll need to register with the General Osteopathic Council before you can practise in the UK.
Find out more about routes into the NHS with UCAS.
Work experience
Applying for a course or apprenticeship as an osteopath is going to be competitive. If you're seriously considering it, it is a great idea to try and gain some prior work experience to strengthen your application. Visit NHS England to find out more about gaining work experience for careers in the NHS.