Studying osteopathy

Considering a career in osteopathy

Osteopathy can offer a varied, satisfying and fulfilling career in healthcare for those with a genuine interest in helping people.

Osteopathy is one of the fastest-growing allied health professions in Australia, with osteopaths working in every state and territory in the country. It contributes over $500 million per year to the Australian economy, with the number of registered osteopaths continuing to grow each year.

Most osteopaths work in private clinical practice. In private practice, osteopaths work one-on-one with patients in their consult room using a range of strategies like manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation and problem solving to improve their pain and function. However, an osteopathic qualification can also lead to non-clinical inter-disciplinary opportunities in areas such as education, consultation and research. It a profession that adapts well to both part-time and full-time work. Many osteopaths go on to run their own business.

You will need an interest in science and how the human body works, enjoy working with people and be ready to work in a busy, fast-paced environment where you will be taking responsibility for patients’ healthcare right from the start.

What to study at school

If you are still in high school and thinking about a career in osteopathy – a brilliant choice by the way – there are a few subjects that will set you up for success.

Focus on subjects that build your foundation in the sciences, such as:

• Biology – understanding how the body functions at a cellular and system level is central to osteopathy.
• Health and Physical Education (HPE) – great for building practical knowledge of movement, injury prevention and rehabilitation. You don’t need to be an elite athlete, just curious about how the body moves and how to help people stay active and well.
• English and other languages relevant to your community – strong communication skills are a must for working effectively with patients.
• Physics - useful for grasping biomechanics and how forces affect the body during movement and treatment.
• Chemistry – essential for university prerequisites and for understanding helpful for university prerequisites and understanding how the body processes substances like medications and nutrients.
• Mathematics – supports problem-solving and research skills.

You do not need to study every one of these subjects, but a solid mix - especially in science and health-related subjects - will give you the best foundation.

If you are not applying straight from high school, you can still pursue osteopathy by meeting the university's entry requirements, which often include prior tertiary study or relevant qualifications. Many programs accept mature-age students or those with backgrounds in health or science-related fields. It is important to check with individual institutions about pathway options, such as bridging courses or recognition of prior learning.

If you haven’t seen an osteopath before, it is a great idea to reach out to your local osteopath, visit one of the university teaching clinics or a university Open Day, to experience osteopathy for yourself and make sure it’s the right career for you.

University courses

Osteopaths are university-trained and osteopathy is a regulated profession in Australia. Course length varies depending on which university you attend, but you will need to study for a minimum of four years study, full-time to achieve your university qualification. In the later of years of your degree, you will be involved with practice placements, where you can get first-hand clinical experience.

University courses teaching osteopathy

Southern Cross University (Lismore and Gold Coast Campuses)

• Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) and Master of Osteopathic Medicine
• Course duration: four years, full-time to achieve both qualifications (undergraduate and masters)

RMIT University Melbourne (Bundoora Campus)

• Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy)
• Course duration: five years, full time

Victoria University Melbourne (City – Flinders)

• Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy) and the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy)
• Course duration: three years for the Bachelor degree and 1.5 years for the Masters qualification

Edith Cowen University, West Australia

• Proposed new course coming 2026/2027

Acceptance criteria to study osteopathy

In order to study osteopathy at university, you must have either of the following:

• Complete the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) (ie, ACT Year 12 Certificate, NSW HSC, NTCET, QCE, SACE, TCE, VCE, VCAL, WACE)
• Achieve the required ATAR Course Entry (Osteopathy ATAR: Victoria University, Southern Cross University and RMIT)

Once you have completed your university degree the studying does not stop there.

Continuing professional development (CPD)

All registered health professionals in Australia must maintain and develop skills in practice to ensure lifelong learning. You cannot be a registered health professional in Australia without completing at least 25 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) each year.

Further study

Once you have completed your initial qualification, you can undertake further postgraduate research or clinically related taught Masters courses. Masters by research and PhD programs are available at both RMIT University and Victoria University. There is also a wide range of inter-disciplinary Masters programs relevant to practising osteopaths.

As a qualified osteopath and member of Osteopathy Australia, there is the opportunity to become a Advanced or Extended practitioner, which is a program in place to formally recognise the the extended skills and knowledge that an osteopath has gained through either additional qualifications and/or proven work experience within a particular focus area.

Advanced Practitioner Titling is currently available in the following focus areas:

• Paediatrics
• Sports Management
• Exercise-based Rehabilitation
• Occupational Health, work injury prevention, management and rehabilitation
• Pain Management