How Do I Become an Osteopath?

To become an osteopath, you should be knowledgeable in sciences and enjoy helping people. You should research the requirements for the nation you plan to practice in. Osteopathy has some commonalities with chiropractic medicine, but the professions are different.

In the U.S., osteopathic students will need to have an undergraduate degree. Some of the required course work may include biology, chemistry and physics. Other science courses such as biochemistry, anatomy and physiology are important for students who seek medical careers.

Students who plan to study in America may be required for to take the medical college admissions test (MCAT) for admissions to college become an osteopath. Letters of recommendation and a background check may be requested. Some colleges encourage applicants to relevant volunteer experience.

U.S. programs often include classroom training and clinical experience. Much of the training is similar to that which medical students receive, but osteopathic students receive additional training. Upon graduating and passing licensing examinations, the student attains a doctorate in osteopathy (DO) degree. In the U.S., a DO is considered similar to a medical doctor (MD).

The educational requirements to become an osteopath in the U.K. include undergraduate and masters degree options. As is true in the U.S., the program will require many science courses and clinical experience. The U.K. offers a faster track to students are physiotherapists or are currently doctors. A student will be required to undergo a background check, and will need both insurance and a license to practice.

Australia has a number of colleges that offer osteopathy. The length of training is often five years and will include many science classes. Post graduate training is also available for a student who has become an osteopath and who would like to advance in her careers.

Osteopathy is sometimes confused with chiropractic medicine, and the professions do share some traits. Both professions practice holistic medicine, and emphasize the body’s ability to heal itself. Members of both professions can employ spinal adjustments and other muscular-skeletal system manipulations to help patients heal.

In the U.S., a chiropractor receives a different education than an osteopath. Osteopaths can have the same scope of practice as medical doctors, but that is not true for chiropractors. Many regions do not allow chiropractors to prescribe medicine or perform surgery, but osteopaths are allowed to do both.