Overseas-trained Osteopaths
Trained overseas? There are opportunities to practice in Australia
Working as an Osteopath
Osteopathy is an established allied health service in Australia. Osteopathy has been practised here for over 100 years and Australia was one of the first countries in the world to regulate osteopathy.
To work as an osteopath anywhere in Australia, you must have university-level training, be government registered with AHPRA and complete a minimum number of continuing professional development (CPD) hours each year.
In 2016-18, over 75,000 Australians visited an osteopath weekly. The osteopathy industry contributes over $500 million per year to the Australian economy.
- Osteopaths work in every State and Territory across Australia, with an average working week around 35 hours for an average salary of $85-90,000.
- Most Australian osteopaths work in private, primary practice, meaning consumers can book appointments directly and can see an osteopath without a medical referral.
- This requires osteopaths to have the knowledge, diagnostic and assessment skills to ensure they can refer patients for any condition outside their scope of practice.
- Osteopathy can be a satisfying and fulfilling career which is adaptable to both part-time and full-time work.
- The osteopathic profession is the fastest-growing allied health profession in Australia, with the number of osteopaths almost doubling every decade for the last several decades.
Globally, Osteopathy is established in over 50 countries and makes a significant contribution to healthcare worldwide, as outlined in a report released by the Osteopathic International Alliance (OIA). Osteopathy has two distinct streams: a) Manual therapy-focused osteopaths; and b) In the US (and elsewhere), a more medical model with osteopathic physicians who sit the same credentialing as medical doctors and work across all medical specialties.
Accreditation and Professional Registration
- Australian osteopathic graduates must register with the Osteopathy Board of Australia and/or the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand.
- Approved courses in Australia are accredited by the Australasian Osteopathic Accreditation Council.
Looking To Work Overseas? Visit the Osteopathic International Alliance (OIA) and check their Member Organisations page.
Our Transition to Practice Program
Our Transition to Practice Program recognises the move from studying to working as an osteopath is a challenging time. In Osteopathy Australia-delivered workshops, our participants receive a snapshot of osteopathy within the allied health industry and learn from the best, gain insights with thought leadership from key stakeholders, and take advantage of unique opportunities to network with your peers in person and online in ways that will positively and significantly impact your professional life.
Workshop Topics can include...
- Lessons learned from experienced practitioners
- The diverse models of practice
- Business and financial skills in accounting, taxation, and financial management
- Life as a practitioner
- What regulation means
- How to handle employment issues.
The Transition to Practice Program also features speakers from industry leaders such as the Osteopathy Board of Australia (OBA) and Guild Insurance, as well as advice on the reality of practice from experienced colleagues, new graduates and Osteopathy Australia staff.
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