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With 5 million patients
a year, osteopathy is the most popular form of
complementary medicine and is growing in prestige.
Since the passing of the Osteopathy Act in 1993,
the profession has elevated considerably in status
and is now recognised to be part of mainstream
healthcare, enjoying a closer working relationship
with the medical profession.
For those considering a career in osteopathy,
there are numerous opportunities available. Not
only is it a relatively stable and rewarding profession.
It is extremely flexible where hours worked can
be suited to your own practice.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy focuses on the complete mechanics of
the body. Through manipulation to correct joint
and tissue abnormalities, osteopathic treatment
restores physical and mental well-being, making
it easier for a patient's body to, function normally
and use its own recuperative powers more effectively.
Naturopathic, otherwise known as holistic, osteopathy
does more than diagnose and treat the structural
and mechanical problems of the body. It addresses
the whole person, looking carefully at lifestyle,
nutrition and psychosomatics.
Qualifications required
Entry requirements for each osteopathic institution/college
vary slightly. For example, The British College
of Naturopathy & Osteopathy, the first educational
establishment in the UK to offer a BSc (Hons)
degree in Osteopathic Medicine, which is validated
by the University of Westminster, and the only
one to focus on naturopathic osteopathy, requires:
a minimum of 2 'A' levels in Chemistry and Biology,
or a Science Access or Foundation Course. For
European and overseas students equivalent qualifications
are accepted. Mature students are considered on
individual merit.
Questions to ask yourself
Do I have a caring attitude, good social and communication
skills and enjoy working with people? Do I have
manual dexterity and the ability to cope with
a physically demanding as well as a mentally demanding
profession? Do I have the ability to put nervous
or shy patients at ease? Am I tolerant and tactful?
Salary
An 'average' osteopath can earn up to £60,000
plus per year and there is virtually no unemployment
in this field. Treatment rates are in the region
of £25 per half hour (some are less; some
are more).
Practising Osteopaths
There are currently 2,500 registered osteopaths.
Nearly half of osteopaths in the UK are women
(45.38%).
Kathy Rooney, Practising
Osteopath
Kathy originally studied naturopathy and practised
as a naturopath for two years. Having always been
interested in 'hands on' work, she decided she
wanted to develop her skills. She eventually decided
to train in osteopathy, which she felt to be the
most complimentary to her existing skills and
went on to study at the British College of Naturopathy
& Osteopathy.
Kathy graduated in 1995 and now loves working
as a naturopath osteopath. She says: 'I love working
with people and it is very gratifying knowing
I am doing something to help them. I meet all
kinds of people and every time I see a new patient
there is something new to deal with, so there
is no chance of getting stuck in a routine. Being
a osteopath can be very physically demanding.
The job involves working with your hands and you
can be on your feet for hours on end if seeing
a lot of patients, which can be very exhausting.
However, at the end of the day, I go home feeling
happy with what I have achieved.'
Taking advantage of the variety and flexibility
of the job, Kathy chooses to work in a clinic
for a couple of days a week and teaches prospective
osteopaths on other days. She also gives her time
free of charge, treating and working with children.
Andrew Patterson, Currently a student at the BCNO
Having obtained a degree in Law Economics and
Accounts, Andrew started his career in banking.
After some five years working for a branch of
the NatWest, Andrew left to travel around the
world for a year. Upon his return he completely
re-evaluated what he wanted to do.
Andrew's grandfather was an osteopath and the
first graduate of the BCNO, and therefore Andrew
had heard a lot about the profession while growing
up. He decided that banking was not for him and
realised that osteopathy was a profession that
would really fulfil him. He set about doing a
Science Access course in Chemistry, Physics and
Biology in order to gain entry to the BCNO to
start their BSc (Hons) in Osteopathic Medicine,
which is validated by the University of Westminster.
About to enter his third year at the BCNO this
September, he is loving every minute of it. Andrew
says: "l see this course as an investment
of both my time and money. Osteopathy really impressed
me as a career because it is a caring profession.
The course here at the BCNO in particular offers
a holistic approach towards people." He feels
the course is extremely challenging, a lot of
hard work, but fun.
Contributed by:
Birtish College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy
This article first appeared in Which Course? magazine
1998
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