How to become an Osteopath

How to become an Osteopath Looking for a job that really touches people? You should be an Osteopath…Osteopaths detect, treat and prevent a range of health problems using techniques like massage to help stretch and heal people’s muscles.Potential patients for Osteopaths range from people with ailments like back pain, postural problems or arthritis, through to athletes with sports injuries or women suffering with the effects of pregnancy. For an Osteopath, it’s all about improving their patient’s quality of life.Typical duties for an Osteopath may include:Meeting with clients to discuss their medical complaintsCarrying out X-rays and using other traditional methods to diagnose the problemAdministering a range of techniques, such as joint mobilisation, manipulation and deep tissue massages to help alleviate painAdvising clients on how to improve their quality of life, and providing them with exercises to complete at home as part of the healing processReferring clients to GPs if their medical problems pers istIs it right for me?You’ll need to be good with your hands, and also have a good level of physical fitness, in order to become an Osteopath.Even though it’s still considered a form of alternative medicine, it takes a tremendous amount of hard work and discipline to get into Osteopathy, and many choose to work self-employed from their own home or start their own practise. If you’re a practical person that likes the idea of working for yourself, this could be the perfect career for you.Other key skills for an Osteopath include:Excellent communication skillsAn in-depth knowledge of medicine and biologySensitivityTactThe ability to build trust and put clients at easeObservational and diagnostic skillsWhat's it really like? When I tell people I'm an Osteopath, the majority of them have absolutely no idea what I do. Basically, I'm like a masseuse, but it’s much more than that. I help rehabilitate people after injuries and try and improve their quality of life, but often have to assess the problems and diagnose them myself before I get cracking (not necessarily literally). It takes years of training and hard work, but it’s a great profession to get into if you really like helping people. Also, giving great back rubs doesn't hurt either… Get qualifiedYou’ll need a to have a degree in order to become an Osteopath, as well as registration to the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) before you start practising.