How to become an osteopath

Care for patients using hands-on treatments and your knowledge of the musculoskeletal system.

Pathways to this career

  1. Complete an undergraduate osteopathy degree.
  2. Study a postgraduate degree with a focus on osteopathy - a master's level degree is required to practice as a registered osteopath.
  3. Obtain a current First Aid certificate. Be sure to stay up to date with this training as required.
  4. Upon graduating, register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). You will need to renew your AHPRA registration annually in order to practice.

What does an osteopath do?

As allied health professionals, osteopaths physically examine patients and take extensive histories to work out the nature and extent of disorders. Through massage and manipulation, and supplementary measures including exercise, they correct problem areas and help patients live healthier lives.

Duties and tasks

  • Advise patients about nutrition, sleep, exercise and stress management.
  • Consult with a patients primary doctor when necessary.
  • Evaluate the functioning of the nervous system and the spine.
  • Maintain accurate records on patients, including case histories and medical histories.
  • Perform a series of manual adjustments to the spine to correct disorders.

Industry bodies

Related jobs and job titles

Discover related courses

Undergraduate USA-BHC-DEG

Bachelor of Health Science

Postgraduate UND-HSC-GCE

Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences

We're here to guide you there

Our student advisors can assist you with enrolment, help you plan your studies, and answer questions about how studying through Open Universities Australia can get you from where you are today, to where you want to be tomorrow.

Talk to a student advisor

We'll be in touch to answer your questions.

Student advisor Jason Student advisor Maria Student advisor Peter

Usually replies in 30 mins