Education
Becoming a osteopath
Embrace the Gift of Helping: The World Calls for More Osteopaths
Becoming an osteopath is a truly special gift, as it empowers you to profoundly impact people’s lives by relieving their pain and enhancing their overall wellbeing. Osteopathy is a holistic healthcare approach that emphasizes the human body’s interrelated systems and their capacity for self-healing. This means that as an osteopath, you are equipped with the unique ability to address the root causes of patients’ ailments rather than merely treating the symptoms. In a world where chronic pain and discomfort are prevalent, and where individuals increasingly seek out non-invasive, natural treatment options, the need for more osteopaths is clear.
Osteopathy Studies Program
The European School of Osteopathy (ESO), in partnership with Plymouth University, offers a flexible, part-time four-year study program that culminates in a level 7 degree. This program also provides the opportunity to work on a Master of Science thesis (M.Sc.).
To be eligible for this osteopathy program, you should be a certified physiotherapist, chiropractor, or medical doctor.
The structure of the program consists of one weekend per month (Friday through Sunday) over ten months annually, supplemented by a week-long summer school in England, which includes annual exams and instruction. This design allows physiotherapists and other medical professionals to balance their ongoing clinical practice with their osteopathic studies.
An advantage of this part-time program lies in its practical integration. The knowledge gained during the weekend sessions can be immediately applied in the practitioners’ clinics the following week. This hands-on approach fast-tracks the learning process, enabling students to rapidly become proficient in the skills acquired throughout their studies.
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Defining you as an Osteopath
Osteopathy encompasses a comprehensive approach to health, focusing on treating patients with body discomfort and pain. The training involves a flexible four-year, part-time program tailored for practicing physiotherapists, chiropractors, or doctors. Throughout this educational journey, the knowledge acquired is directly integrated into practitioners’ daily healthcare roles, allowing them to practically apply their learning right after each course. Upon completion, practitioners seek professional accreditation as osteopaths.
Osteopaths adopt a holistic perspective, operating much like detectives to uncover the underlying causes of health issues rather than just addressing the symptoms.
The role of an osteopath extends beyond delivering manual treatment. They are educators as much as they are healers, helping patients understand their bodies better. They explain the origins of their pain and collaborate on a comprehensive treatment strategy. By empowering patients with this knowledge, osteopaths enable them to take an active role in their own healthcare journey.
Achieve Your Osteopath Accreditation
The European School of Osteopathy (ESO) is a distinguished and well-established institution in Europe, operating as a non-profit organization. Our primary mission is not economically driven, but focused exclusively on enhancing and promoting the osteopathy profession and its recognition.
We maintain an uncompromising commitment to professionalism and quality. Therefore, all of our faculty members possess at least a master’s degree and boast significant professional experience as osteopaths.
At ESO, we offer prospective students in Scandinavia the chance to study osteopathy. After completing the four-year degree, students can earn the title of Master of Science (M.Sc.) DO.M.R.O.K, treat patients referred for osteopathy, and apply for professional accreditation as an osteopath. This broadens their ability to make a significant impact on healthcare and wellness across communities.
Apply directly at the ESO school
Have you made your choice? Then you can apply directly today.
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Becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Choosing to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (also known as a Doctor of Osteopathy or osteopathic doctor) means stepping into a medical profession that prioritizes the body’s natural ability to heal, while still being grounded in clinical science. Osteopathic doctors are fully licensed physicians who use both conventional diagnostics and hands-on techniques to treat patients holistically.
What sets osteopathic doctors apart?
- Training includes all standard medical education plus osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)
- Emphasis on the relationship between body structure and function
- Focus on whole-person care, not just symptom management
- Licensed to practice medicine, perform surgery, and prescribe medication
Osteopathic doctors combine scientific knowledge with hands-on healing to treat the whole person — not just the condition.
Doctor of osteopathy salary vs medical doctor
One common question is how a doctor of osteopathy salary compares to a medical doctor (MD). The difference is often minimal and depends heavily on the chosen specialty and location. In primary care, family medicine, and physical medicine, DOs often earn salaries comparable to their MD counterparts.
A growing, respected path in modern medicine
With international demand for holistic, patient-centered care on the rise, the path to becoming a Doctor of Osteopathy is more relevant than ever. It’s a respected and fulfilling career for those who want to approach health with both medical precision and human connection.