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Osteopath

Alternative titles for this job include

Osteopaths use hands-on techniques such as massage and stretching to help people manage pain or tension in their muscles and joints.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

30 to 40 variable

You could work

in your own business managing your own hours

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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 award approved by the General Osteopathic Council.

Full time courses usually take between 3 and 4 years and include:

  • anatomy
  • physiology
  • biomechanics
  • pharmacology
  • nutrition

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

More Information

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 shortened postgraduate training programme to become an osteopath.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

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

Further information

You can learn more about a career in osteopathy from the General Osteopathic Council and Health Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

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

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an osteopath, you could:

  • speak with clients about their health and medical history
  • examine clients' posture and how they move, paying attention to their muscles, bones and joints
  • plan a course of treatment
  • use gentle physical techniques like stretching, movement and massage
  • provide clients with strategies to help relieve joint and muscle pain
  • give clients exercises to do at home, and advise on lifestyle and diet
  • keep track of progress and the effectiveness of treatments

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • specialise in a particular area, such as sports injury rehabilitation
  • set up your your own osteopathy practice
  • do further training and move into teaching osteopathy students
  • work in osteopathic research

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an osteopath right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to HE - Science

  • Provider: Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC)
  • Start date: 09 September 2026
  • Location: Twickenham

Access to HE (Science)

  • Provider: CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 03 September 2026
  • Location: Cambridge
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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