Introduction
Osteopaths are healthcare practitioners who treat patients only with the help of their hands leaving behind the traditional route of prescribing medicines to them. They have a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Interestingly, osteopaths work with people of all ages and provide treatment for various diseases and conditions such as joint pain, migraine, hormonal issues, thyroid, hypertension, paediatric problems, pregnancy, and related complications, arthritis, sports injuries, emotional stress, etc.
Being relatively new to India compared to foreign countries and having a dynamic nature of going to the root cause of patients’ diseases, makes the scope of the career in osteopathy very wide for medical students. As of now, there are significantly fewer universities offering courses in osteopathic medicine. However, entering the field is as difficult as entering into any other field of medicine and one needs to have the relevant skills, a fit and healthy body, and a genuine desire to help people increase their quality of life.
This article explores the educational qualifications, scope, and career opportunities in the field of osteopathy. Read on!
Educational Qualification Required
In India, there are primarily two types of osteopathy programs, which are described below:
Degree Courses: Both undergraduate and postgraduate-level osteopathy degree programs are available. The duration of these programs usually varies from 2 to 4 years.
Diploma Courses: Diploma courses in osteopathy are also available which can be completed within 1-3 years.
Undergraduate Degree Courses
Presently, Sri Sri University in Cuttack, Odisha is the only university in India that offers a full-time undergraduate degree course in osteopathy i.e. B.Sc. Osteopathy which can be completed in 4 years (8 semesters and 8 months internship). The university provides a comprehensive syllabus compliant with the WHO benchmarks for training in Osteopathy. The programme fee is Rs. 1, 50,000 per semester.
Source: Official website
Alternatively, one can pursue any of the following undergraduate degree courses or any other bachelor's degree in the medical field and then proceed to pursue a postgraduate degree or diploma in osteopathy:
Course Name
|
Duration
|
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
|
5.5 years (including 1-year internship)
|
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
|
5.5 years (including 1-year internship)
|
Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS)
|
5.5 years (including 1-year internship)
|
Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic science
|
5.5 years (including 1 year internship)
|
Eligibility for B.Sc. Osteopathy
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10+2 with 50% marks in the science stream (with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects)
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NEET
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SSU CET (University-level entrance exam conducted by Sri University)
Postgraduate Degree Courses
Presently, Sri University in Cuttack, Odisha is the only university in India which offers a full-time postgraduate degree course in osteopathy i.e. M.Sc. Osteopathy which can be completed in 2 years (4 semesters and 3 months internship). The programme fee is Rs. 1, 70,000 per semester.
Source: Official website
Eligibility for M.Sc. Osteopathy
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M.B.B.S., B.D.S., B.A.M.S., B.P.T., B.H.M.S, or other graduation degrees with a minimum of 140 hours of Anatomy & 140 hours of Physiology
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SSU CET (University-level entrance exam conducted by Sri Si University)
Diploma Courses
Course Name
|
University
|
Mode
|
Duration
|
Fees
|
Qualification Required
|
Diploma in Osteopathy Medicine
|
Alternative Medical Council Calcutta
|
Distance Learning
|
1-2 years
|
INR 18400
|
School final pass or equivalent
|
Diploma in Osteopathy Medicines
|
Holy Angels College Of Alternative Medicines Mumbai
|
Distance
Learning
|
1 year
|
INR 38900
|
Above High School/ Standard Xth/ O Level or Equivalent
|
Diplomate in Osteopathic Manipulative Theory and Practice
|
Osteopathic College Of Ontario, Canada
|
Offline
|
3 years
|
|
Existing
healthcare practitioner
|
Diploma in Osteopathy Medicine
|
Indian Institute Of Alternative Medicine, Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
3 years
|
INR 7500/ year
|
10th Pass or Equivalent
|
PG Diploma [Osteopathic Medicine]
|
Jagadguru Jayadeva Murugarajendra Medical College, Davangere, Karnataka
|
Offline/Full-time
|
2 years
|
|
MBBS degree or its equivalent qualification recognised by the Medical Council of India
|
Source: Official websites of respective universities
Top Osteopathy Colleges In India and Abroad
Presently, there are only a few institutes in India that offer UG, PG or diploma courses in Osteopathic medicine, which have been already discussed above. Students can also opt to go abroad in order to specialise in osteopathic medicine since the field is already well established in foreign countries such as the US and UK. Some of the top universities offering the course are
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Campbell University,
-
School of Osteopathic Medicine,
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Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine,
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Michigan State University in the US,
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York University in Canada, University College of Osteopathy, and
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Oxford Brookes University in the UK.
Scope Of Career As An Osteopath
An osteopath can work independently by starting his own clinic or as a freelancer. One can also choose to work in a private health care centre, sports clinic, or with nutritionists, podiatrists, or physiotherapists. There may also be opportunities within occupational health teams or consultancy firms. With experience, an osteopath could also go into research or teaching. Infact, one could also work overseas where the field is already well-established.
Note: In India, osteopaths are not licensed to prescribe medication or perform surgeries, unless they are qualified as doctors and surgeons via an MBBS degree (and a specialisation in surgery, in the case of surgeons).
Roles And Responsibilities
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Having a thorough understanding of the patient's health and medical history
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Conducting a proper examination of patients from head to toe
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Using X-rays, CT scans and laboratory tests and/or other traditional methods to help with diagnosis (as per individual discretion)
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Planning the course of treatment after a proper diagnosis
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Going to the root cause of the patients’ disease than merely focusing on symptoms i.e. focusing on improving patients’ health so that health heals the disease
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Treating patients using gentle, hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisation, manipulation, massage or deep pressure
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Advising the patients about how they can improve their diet and lifestyle
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Informing the patients about the exercises they could do on their own
Skills Required
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Good communication and listening skills
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Good organisational skills
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Good Interpersonal skills
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Thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology and hygiene
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Ability to pay attention to detail
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Excellent hand-eye coordination
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A genuine desire to help people
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Ability to work as a team
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Good health and physical fitness
-
Understanding and sympathetic
Expected Salary And Remuneration
The average salary of an osteopath is Rs. 983,193 per year in India, wherein a professional having an experience of less than one year could earn around Rs. 412,94 per year while one having an experience of minimum 5 years could earn around Rs.2,104,033 per year.
Source: Careercafe
Top Entities Hiring In This Field
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The Stance - Integrated Spine & Pain Clinic
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Eli Lilly and Company
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Marma Physiotherapy and Osteopathy
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Attribute Physiotherapy And Rehabilitation Clinic
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ANVE Physiotherapy and Fitness Consultants
Conclusion
Choosing a completely new and unconventional field in the medical world may not be an easy choice. However, the very nature of the field is what makes it unique because instead of restoring to technology or medicines, it resorts to the human touch. There are already high career prospects in alternative medicine and osteopathy may take them to another level in the near future. After all, it’s all about having magical hands!
Medbots.in wishes you all the best!