To become an osteopath, you'll need to complete a degree or postgraduate master's degree approved by the General Osteopathic Council.

Courses usually take 4 years full time, or you might be able to study part time over 5 years.

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

You'll find it helpful to get some work experience in healthcare with an osteopath before you apply for a course.

If you're already medically qualified, for example as a doctor or physiotherapist, you might be able to do a shorter postgraduate training programme.

You'll need:

• knowledge of medicine and how the body works
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• the ability to work well with your hands
• sensitivity and understanding
• to enjoy working with other people
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• analytical thinking skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• have insurance
• pass enhanced background checks

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

As an osteopath you could:

• ask clients about their health and medical history
• look at their posture and how they walk, paying attention to their muscles, bones and joints
• use X-rays to help with your diagnosis and plan a course of treatment 
• use gentle techniques like stretching, movement and massage 
• give clients advice on exercises to do at home, lifestyle and diet

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