Advice (Osteopathy)

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TRAINING ADVICE - ANIMAL OSTEOPATHY

We are frequently asked for advice on what training and qualifications are required to become an Animal or Equine Osteopath (in the UK). This page has been compiled to answer some of the most common questions. If you have any further queries please email info@taranet.co.uk and we will try to help, or contact the organisations listed at the end of this page for further advice.

Are qualifications needed?

Yes - the title 'Osteopath' is protected by law - and this means that only those registered with the General Osteopathic Council can call themselves an 'Osteopath'.

To become an animal osteopath, you will first need to become a qualified human osteopath (registered with the General Osteopathic Council) - and then further specialist training is required in order to treat animals.

Remember - It is an offence for any person, other than the owner of the animal, to treat an animal unless the permission of the vet in charge of the case or to whom the animal would be referred is sought and obtained. A Veterinary Surgeon is extremely unlikely to refer any customers to you unless you are qualified and insured.

What qualifications can I get & how do I get them?

In order to gain entry onto an Osteopathy university degree course, you will need a basic standard of academic qualifications - e.g. five GCSE passes (grade A - C) plus at least two A Levels (grade A - C). Typically, this particular degree course will require 4 years full-time study. It is possible to complete on a part-time basis although that will obviously take longer to achieve the qualification.

If you are a mature student, entry requirements maybe more flexible. Also, qualified medical doctors and physiotherapists can complete an 'accelerated pathway' at certain educational institutions to achieve an Osteopathic qualification recognised by the General Osteopathic Council.

As at March 2008, there are 8 educational institutes in the UK offering osteopathic qualifications recognised by the General Osteopathic Council.

Once you have achieved your Osteopathic qualification and are registered with the General Osteopathic Council, to work with animals you will then need to complete a Postgraduate level course looking at the treatment of animals.

For information on postgraduate courses in animal osteopathy - please contact the UK Society of Osteopaths in Animal Practice (SOAP) - SOAP was set up in 2004 following close consultation with the General Osteopathic Council, with the aim of promoting the professional development of osteopathy within the area of animal treatment. Contact details for SOAP are at end of this page.

Also, the following course maybe of interest:

MSc Animal Manipulation. This is run jointly by McTimoney Chiropractic College and Warwickshire College - with the first year being completed at Warwickshire College. The course leads to the award of postgraduate Diploma in Animal Manipulation from the University of Wales.

You will normally have to have already trained (and be professionally qualified) in a hands on therapy such as Osteopathy, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, or hold a BSc in Animal or Equine Science or be a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

What benefit is there in first training as a human osteopath - I want to work with animals?

All osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council - you cannot legally practise as an Osteopath (even for animals) in the UK unless you have completed a General Osteopathic Council recognised qualification.

What difference do qualifications make to a customer?

There are people who call themselves 'therapists' but are not actually officially qualified in either animal or human therapies. Not only can these therapists be a potential danger to their animal (or human) patients, but it is very unlikely that they will be adequately insured.

Being registered with the General Osteopath Council means that you are suitably qualified to carry out Osteopathy. By proving that you have undertaken a rigorous training and achieved nationally recognised qualifications, potential customers know that they are going to receive a high standard of expertise. In addition you are only likely to obtain insurance cover to practise as an animal osteopath in the UK, if you have completed a course recognised by the General Osteopathic Council. Being adequately insured, is a very important issue and one which your potential customers are likely to consider when choosing between therapists.

Furthermore, Veterinary Surgeons will only refer customers to a registered and fully qualified osteopath. Remember - It is an offence for any person, other than the owner of the animal, to treat an animal unless the permission of the vet in charge of the case or to whom the animal would be referred is sought and obtained.

A fully qualified Equine/Animal Osteopath will always work within the permission of and liaise with the Veterinary Surgeon of the animal.

Contacts:

General Osteopathic Council or Tel: 0207 357 6655

McTimoney Chiropractic College or Tel: 01235 523336

Society of Osteopaths in Animal Practice or Tel: 01444 831211

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