osteopath job description

Some of the duties and responsibilities of an osteopath include the following: examining patients: as an osteopath, you examine patients to diagnose their complaints. You perform a physical examination and observe a patient's mobility and structure. Aside from assessing the patient's condition, you review their medical history to diagnose diseases and come up with a treatment plan. analysing injuries: as an osteopath, you treat patients with injuries. The first step is to analyse the extent of the injuries and the impact on one or more organs in the musculoskeletal system. You also examine sports-related and occupation-related injuries from working in construction or mining sites to determine the extent of the damage and the impact on mobility. treating patients: you develop a treatment plan based on the examination. For instance, you use remedies like massage, exercises, and manipulation to rectify the issues in the problematic regions. You also treat patients suffering from arthritis-induced pain and sports-related injuries. advising patients on various health issues: as an osteopath, you educate patients on the importance of sleep and nutrition for their musculoskeletal health. When a patient’s condition isn’t improving, you advise them to see a doctor for professional assistance.

Osteopaths work in private clinics or public healthcare settings. You also work in care homes for the elderly to help them with mobility issues and pain management caused by arthritis. As an osteopath, you mainly work indoors and in rehabilitation centres. Some of your treatment remedies involve exercises, which are done in the hospital physiotherapy centre.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include physiotherapy assistants , physiotherapists and occupational therapists . You might also be working in close proximity to orthopaedic nurses and pharmacists , as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, general nurses , pharmacy assistants and chiropractors.

As an osteopath, you are likely to work standard business hours, attending to patients referred to you by doctors and other healthcare professionals. You sometimes work evenings and over the weekend to assist patients with emergencies. Aside from working full-time, you can find part-time osteopath positions in various companies.

Osteopaths have numerous opportunities for career growth and a projected job growth of 19.2% for the next five years. When you are an osteopath, you can branch into roles like chiropractor, paediatric osteopath or acupuncturist. Some osteopaths take a different career path and become massage therapists or open a private practice.

advantages of finding an osteopath job through randstad

Finding your osteopath job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an osteopath is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

are osteopaths called doctors in Australia?

While osteopaths use the title of a doctor in Australia, it is important for them to display their doctoral qualifications. However, they are not medical doctors (MDs), but since they are registered with the AHPRA, they are permitted to prescribe medication.

is there a difference between an osteopath and a physiotherapist?

As an osteopath, you use manual therapies for the treatment of joint and musculoskeletal issues. You also develop treatment plans that relieve the whole body. A physiotherapist focuses their treatments on a specific area, and they use various therapies, including electrotherapy and hydrotherapy, whereas an osteopath uses hands-on techniques.

what qualifications do you need to be an osteopath in Australia?

To become an osteopath in Australia, complete a bachelor’s degree in health science or any science course with an applied science major. Upon completion, pursue a master’s degree in osteopathy, which takes two years, then register with the AHPRA.

are chiropractors and osteopaths the same?

While both chiropractors and osteopaths are trained in manual therapy techniques to treat musculoskeletal issues, they have different areas of specialisation. As an osteopath, you focus on treating the entire musculoskeletal system to improve mobility by treating muscles, bones and joints. A chiropractor uses massage therapies to manipulate the spinal vertebrae and ease pressure on the nerves to improve nerve flow.

how much does an osteopath earn in Australia?

The average remuneration package of an osteopath in Australia is $85,000 per year. Depending on your experience and qualifications, you are likely to earn between $70,000 and $90,000 per year. Your earnings depend on experience and the size of the hospital you work for. When you work in a small hospital, you are likely to earn less than an osteopath working in a large healthcare facility or rehabilitation centre for musculoskeletal issues.

how do I apply for an osteopath vacancy?

Applying for an osteopath job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here .

osteopath

what is an osteopath?

As an osteopath, you are an allied health professional with an extensive understanding of the musculoskeletal system. You assist patients with pain management and improve their mobility issues. Unlike orthopaedics care, which only focuses on the musculoskeletal system, you improve the overall neuro-musculoskeletal using hands-on techniques. Your knowledge of neuro-musculoskeletal systems, like nerves, muscles, connective tissue and circulation, is useful for developing a treatment plan. For instance, you use massage therapy and stretching to reduce pain and restore the agility and elasticity of the musculoskeletal system.

Osteopaths are trained in pathology, physiology, anatomy and general healthcare diagnosis. That means you identify the cause of a medical condition after examining the patient. Based on the evaluation, you identify hands-on therapeutic techniques that will provide lasting relief to patients. As an osteopath, you handle patients with various discomforts or pain arising from internal issues and injuries.

In addition to massage therapy, you guide patients through a clinical exercise regimen to ease discomfort and pain. You also advise patients on how their posture, movement, and body position cause pain or discomfort. You may also perform therapeutic procedures, like needling techniques, trigger point therapy or acupuncture. As an osteopath, you offer continued support to your patients and educate them on lifestyle changes and stress management.

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average osteopath salary

The average remuneration package of an osteopath in Australia is $85,000 per year. When you are new to the role, you start with a salary of $80,000 per year. Your remuneration package increases with experience and educational qualifications. The most experienced osteopaths in Australia take home over $90,000 per year.

what factors affect the salary of an osteopath?

As an osteopath, your remuneration package depends on your experience and educational qualifications. Since osteopaths require extensive training, your qualifications are important in determining your earnings. When you have a bachelor’s degree, you are likely to earn less compared to an osteopath with a master’s level qualification. Your experience also affects your earning potential. When you have entry-level experience, you attract a lower salary than an osteopath with extensive experience.

Your location also affects your earnings as an osteopath. When you work in metro areas, the demand for osteopaths is high, increasing your earning potential. Working in smaller cities reduces your remuneration prospects due to the low demand in the area. The size of the hospital also affects your earnings. When you work for a small private clinic, you handle fewer cases, reducing your remuneration. Large hospitals or rehabilitation centres handle complex issues and deal with many patients. Hence, you are likely to earn more.

Want to know what you will earn as an osteopath? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

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2

types of osteopaths

As an osteopath, you can specialise in various types of therapy. As a physiotherapist, you help patients improve their movement and reduce pain. You work with clients with mobility and pain issues caused by disability or ageing. Some of the treatment therapies you supervise include manual therapy, exercises and electrotherapy, depending on the conditions.

As a chiropractor, you work with patients who want to improve their well-being. You use hands-on techniques to adjust the patient's spine or musculoskeletal systems. You also recommend exercises to help your clients stretch their muscles and advice on nutrition and supplements to improve pain management.

As an acupuncturist, you treat people with physiological and physical conditions. You use needles and cups to improve the flow of energy and perform physical rehabilitation. With your guidance, patients can improve their health and lifestyle.

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working as an osteopath

Working as an osteopath involves treating the musculoskeletal system using massage and muscle manipulation techniques. Check out the duties, responsibilities and work environments of osteopaths.

osteopath job description
Some of the duties and responsibilities of an osteopath include the following:
- examining patients: as an osteopath, you examine patients to diagnose their complaints. You perform a physical examination and observe a patient's mobility and structure. Aside from assessing the patient's condition, you review their medical history to diagnose diseases and come up with a treatment plan.
- analysing injuries: as an osteopath, you treat patients with injuries. The first step is to analyse the extent of the injuries and the impact on one or more organs in the musculoskeletal system. You also examine sports-related and occupation-related injuries from working in construction or mining sites to determine the extent of the damage and the impact on mobility.
- treating patients: you develop a treatment plan based on the examination. For instance, you use remedies like massage, exercises, and manipulation to rectify the issues in the problematic regions. You also treat patients suffering from arthritis-induced pain and sports-related injuries.
- advising patients on various health issues: as an osteopath, you educate patients on the importance of sleep and nutrition for their musculoskeletal health. When a patient’s condition isn’t improving, you advise them to see a doctor for professional assistance.
work environment

Osteopaths work in private clinics or public healthcare settings. You also work in care homes for the elderly to help them with mobility issues and pain management caused by arthritis. As an osteopath, you mainly work indoors and in rehabilitation centres. Some of your treatment remedies involve exercises, which are done in the hospital physiotherapy centre.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include physiotherapy assistants, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. You might also be working in close proximity to orthopaedic nurses and pharmacists, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, general nurses, pharmacy assistants and chiropractors.
work schedule

As an osteopath, you are likely to work standard business hours, attending to patients referred to you by doctors and other healthcare professionals. You sometimes work evenings and over the weekend to assist patients with emergencies. Aside from working full-time, you can find part-time osteopath positions in various companies.
job outlook

Osteopaths have numerous opportunities for career growth and a projected job growth of 19.2% for the next five years. When you are an osteopath, you can branch into roles like chiropractor, paediatric osteopath or acupuncturist. Some osteopaths take a different career path and become massage therapists or open a private practice.
advantages of finding an osteopath job through randstad
Finding your osteopath job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an osteopath is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

If you want to become an osteopath in Australia, you require extensive educational qualifications. Get an undergraduate degree, such as a bachelor's degree in science, with an applied science or health science major. After obtaining the degree, pursue a master's degree in osteopathy. The course takes one to two years and prepares you for the role. When you gain the relevant qualification, you should register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The registration is renewable annually after demonstrating mandatory professional development.

You also require a current first aid certificate and extensive experience working as an intern or in entry-level positions. For professional development, join industry bodies like the Australian Osteopathic Association or the Osteopaths Registration Board of Australia.

osteopath skills and competencies

Some of the skills and qualities of osteopaths include:

interpersonal skills: as an osteopath, interpersonal skills help you interact with other health professionals and collaborate with them on various treatment plans. Since you talk to patients about their health, being able to show compassion and empathy helps them feel at ease.
communication skills: as an osteopath, you require exceptional communication skills to explain the treatment plans and therapies to patients. When discussing health issues with patients, it is important to use simple instead of complex terms. Having good communication skills also means being a good listener, which helps you build a rapport with your patients.
physical fitness: as an osteopath, it is important to maintain your physical fitness and be physically strong. Since you use hands-on techniques in your treatment, you are likely to administer massages to patients. Being physically fit and strong makes it easier for you to perform therapies with minimal fatigue. Physical fitness also helps you avoid injuries while assisting your patients.
problem-solving skills: you rely on your problem-solving skills to assess a patient’s health and determine the issues they are facing. The patient may have multiple health issues affecting their musculoskeletal systems, so it’s important to come up with a treatment plan that resolves all the issues.

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FAQs about working as an osteopath

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an osteopath.

are osteopaths called doctors in Australia?

While osteopaths use the title of a doctor in Australia, it is important for them to display their doctoral qualifications. However, they are not medical doctors (MDs), but since they are registered with the AHPRA, they are permitted to prescribe medication.
is there a difference between an osteopath and a physiotherapist?

As an osteopath, you use manual therapies for the treatment of joint and musculoskeletal issues. You also develop treatment plans that relieve the whole body. A physiotherapist focuses their treatments on a specific area, and they use various therapies, including electrotherapy and hydrotherapy, whereas an osteopath uses hands-on techniques.
what qualifications do you need to be an osteopath in Australia?

To become an osteopath in Australia, complete a bachelor’s degree in health science or any science course with an applied science major. Upon completion, pursue a master’s degree in osteopathy, which takes two years, then register with the AHPRA.
are chiropractors and osteopaths the same?

While both chiropractors and osteopaths are trained in manual therapy techniques to treat musculoskeletal issues, they have different areas of specialisation. As an osteopath, you focus on treating the entire musculoskeletal system to improve mobility by treating muscles, bones and joints. A chiropractor uses massage therapies to manipulate the spinal vertebrae and ease pressure on the nerves to improve nerve flow.
how much does an osteopath earn in Australia?

The average remuneration package of an osteopath in Australia is $85,000 per year. Depending on your experience and qualifications, you are likely to earn between $70,000 and $90,000 per year. Your earnings depend on experience and the size of the hospital you work for. When you work in a small hospital, you are likely to earn less than an osteopath working in a large healthcare facility or rehabilitation centre for musculoskeletal issues.
how do I apply for an osteopath vacancy?

Applying for an osteopath job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

osteopath.