Osteopath - Career Advice - Community and Health

Osteopaths diagnose patients' complaints using case history, physical examination, observation, use of touch, and reading of diagnostic images, such as x-rays. They treat patients with manual techniques Future Growth Very Strong such as stretching, muscle relaxation and mobilisation. They may treat a wide range of medical complaints. They may also advise on exercise and nutritional programs.

ANZSCO ID & description: 2521: Diagnoses and treats tissue strains, stresses and dysfunctions which impede normal neural, vascular and biochemical mechanisms, and provides advice on preventing these disorders. Registration or licensing is required.

Alternative names: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Knowledge, skills and attributes

An osteopath needs:

good hand eye coordination
good communication, listening and interpersonal skills
to be interested in people and their health
to be able to communicate with a variety of different people and enjoy working with people
to be able to inspire confidence and cooperation
to be able to work with a variety of other health professionals as part of a team.

Osteopath at work

Duties and Tasks

Assess physical problems and injuries in patients
Developing comprehensive treatment plans
Diagnose patients through neurological and musculoskeletal tests and functionality assessments
Educating patients about their conditions, diagnoses and necessary treatments and procedures
Encouraging patients to follow through with required treatment including at home exercises
Improving and restoring the functionality of the body
Keeping detailed records of the patients history, diagnosis, treatments and progress
Monitoring and evaluating the patients improvement
Working as a team with specialists and other caregivers for the benefit of the patients well-being
Ability to make decisions regarding treatments
Ability to recognize and admit a treatment isn't working and find an alternative solution to the patients problem
Ability to stand for long periods of time
Analytical thinking for diagnosing ailments
Desire to constantly learn new techniques and procedures
Genuine care for peoples health and well-being
Good communication skills to explain highly technical procedures in a way the patient can understand
Good time management skills, so patients are not kept waiting long
Knowledge of medical conditions and testing
Manage a staff for the benefit of the patients
Understanding how the patient feels and addressing their concerns and fears

Did You Know?

Working conditions

An osteopath's normal workday would be 9 to 5, Monday to Friday. However, in some cases evening or weekend work may also be required. Most osteopaths are in private practice or work with other health professionals in a clinic. Osteopaths work in air conditioned offices.

Tools and technologies

Osteopaths need to be able to read x-rays and other diagnostic test results. They may also need to be able to use ultrasound equipment.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an osteopath, you usually need to study science at university with a major in osteopathy, followed by a master’s degree in osteopathy. Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree.

To become an osteopath you usually have to complete a degree in clinical sciences at university, with a major in osteopathic studies, followed by a postgraduate qualification in osteopathy. Alternatively, you can complete a double degree in health science and applied science (osteopathy).

To work as an osteopath, you must obtain professional registration with the Osteopathy Board of Australia, and hold a current Working with Children clearance issued by the Working with Children Screening Unit of the Department of Community Services.

Did You Know?

The Telegraph (UK) reported on 2 February 2018 that...

Tim Baker, an osteopath from Dundee, believes he discovered the existence of the man in question in Aberdeen: William Smith, a pioneer of British osteopathy and student companion of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the 1880s.

Smith's son, Cuthbert claimed that Conan Doyle had based Dr Watson on his father. He outlined how Smith and Conan Doyle had been taught at Edinburgh University by Dr Joseph Bell, the Scottish medical lecturer who Doyle said was the inspiration for Sherlock because of his powers of observation.

Cuthbert Smith wrote: "The character of Watson was written around my father but it was merely a friendly gesture on Doyle’s part and not based on any personal merits connected with the remarkable character of the stories of Joseph."

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