At Best Reception, we work with hundreds of osteopaths, in practices of all sizes, to help them with running their businesses more smoothly and efficiently. We’re the go-to company for telephone answering and appointment booking for clinicians.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about embarking on a rewarding career in the Osteopathy sector.
What is an osteopath?
Most people think osteopaths just deal with bones and joints, but they are qualified professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat a range of health issues. To do this they research medical case history and perform clinical examinations to make an informed diagnosis.
The idea is to assess someone’s overall health to try to pinpoint the cause of an issue, and then agree on actions to find a solution. For example, recommendations can include hands-on treatment exercise, or general health and lifestyle tips.
Osteopaths are trained to conduct a range of hands-on treatments to reduce pain and improve physical mobility. Soft tissue massage relaxes tight muscles, while mobilising joints and manipulating the body can aid flexibility in areas such as the shoulders and spine.
How long does it take to become an osteopath?
Between four to five years is the minimum. If you want to know how to become an osteopath, you will need to complete a university degree gaining either a Bachelor’s (BSc) or Masters of Science (MSc).
These courses usually take four to five years and combine academic research with more than 1,000 hours of practical, patient-facing clinical training. Following the thorough medical training, you will have extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, psychology and pathology.
Check out this great video below for insight from Takunda Pswarayi about what it is like to be an Osteopath and his journey towards studying osteopathy.
Are osteopaths registered?
Once you have completed your formal training, osteopaths need to register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) to be able to practice in the UK.
The GOsC only accepts registration applications from those with a recognised osteopathy qualification. Members need to comply with the council’s standards of practice and are required to renew their registration annually.
As the regulating body, the GOsC is responsible for four main areas:
- Osteopathic practice: this involves the promotion of agreed standards of practice and conduct that are expected of all registered osteopaths. The precise details can be found in the Osteopathic Practice Standards.
- Education and training: the council has a duty to make sure that all osteopaths currently working in the UK have been qualified to an approved level.
- Professional development: every year all osteopaths need to attend a required amount of CPD-certified training so they keep their professional skills up to date.
- Complaints: the GOsC has a responsibility to investigate any concerns raised about osteopaths who do not meet the necessary industry standards. Patients and other health professionals can report any concerns via the council’s website.
What other qualities are required by osteopaths?
If you want to learn how to become an osteopath, you need more than academic qualifications. Depending on the setting, osteopaths need to be able to work independently or as part of a team. Osteopaths also require a range of other qualities to perform their duties. People skills are essential as you need to develop a rapport to put the client at ease, while learning about their health and lifestyle.
How do osteopaths find work?
This will depend on whether an osteopath is working in the NHS, in a larger clinic or independently in a private practice. Patients can make appointments directly with an osteopath, but they are also commonly referred by fellow healthcare professionals. These can include local GPs, consultants, physiotherapists and midwives.
It is estimated that around 10% of osteopath treatments are paid for by health insurance companies. Some employers provide private health insurance to employees, or individuals can choose to pay their own health insurance. The majority of these cases will still be referred via a local GP as this is often a requirement stipulated by insurance firms.
Over time private osteopath practices build up their own professional networks and list of clients.
Can I work as an osteopath in the NHS?
While some osteopaths are employed by the NHS, most work in private clinics, either independently or as part of a group practice. Some osteopaths offer services through the NHS as some GPs can refer patients to an osteopath with the treatment being funded by the NHS.
What do I need to work as a private osteopath?
As previously mentioned, every practising osteopath must register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Being a registered osteopath also requires an enhanced check by the government’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
How to set up an osteopath clinic
Once you are fully qualified and registered, you may wish to establish your very own osteopath business. First, you need to research the market to calculate where there is local demand. According to the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), there are around 5,000 registered osteopaths in the UK and you can check the council’s register to spot areas of need.
Patients might be referred by doctors’ surgeries, so ask local GPs about the number of patients requiring osteopathic treatment. While most patients won’t receive NHS-funded treatment, GPs understand the benefits of osteopathy and patients have the option of paying or claiming through private medical insurance.
What services are offered by osteopaths?
When operating as a private osteopath, you will need to research your local market to establish your ideal patient profiles. While treatments offered by osteopaths can include people of all ages, you might wish to specialise in certain areas.
For example, many osteopaths have set up sports injury clinics to cater for those people who enjoy football, running, golf, rugby, horse riding, tennis or just exercising at the gym.
Alternatively, you might wish to operate a general clinic covering common complaints such as scoliosis and sciatica, as well as pains in the back, hip, groin, neck, shoulder and pelvis. Osteopaths can help the body recover from injuries affecting muscles and ligaments, which occur in sporting activities or as a result of whiplash.
Building business relationships
Your clinic will need patients, so a successful business requires a marketing strategy to get people coming through the door. While you need to focus on patients who will self-refer, it is also worth building relationships with other health professionals and organisations.
Here are a few targets to consider:
- Local GPs and local hospitals (NHS and private)
- Large businesses who want to minimise sickness and improve body posture of staff
- Retirement and care homes
- Sports clubs and leisure centres
Marketing ideas for your clinic
Visibility is key for any start-up business, so here are a few ways that your clinic could make a big splash:
- Website: you will need an online presence that works equally well on laptops, phones and tablets. Having a website tells patients that you are a legitimate and professional business.
- SEO: make sure your website is found in search results on Google and Bing. Simple search engine optimisation (SEO) techniques include keywords, images, links and minimum word lengths.
- PPC: pay per click advertising can bring great results in the form of sales leads, engagement, page likes/follows, website visits and phone enquiries. Set your budget and choose your platform (e.g. Facebook or Google).
- Social media: millions of people view posts every day, so posting is a cost-effective way to reach your audience. Build your community and interact with followers. Share images, videos, testimonials, tips and competitions.
- Reviews: buyers love to check reviews before making a purchase, so encourage patients to rate your service. Positive reviews will quickly build confidence in your clinic.
Running an osteopath clinic
One of the key considerations for operating your business is finding a suitable premises. Would you prefer a town centre location or a quieter site with plenty of parking?
Either way, the clinic will need to look professional and welcoming. Branding and signage are crucial for portraying the right image to potential patients. Make the interior clean and bright, and ensure your professional certificates are prominently displayed.
Next, you need to consider the clinic’s opening hours. Many patients will be unable to attend during normal working hours, so you will need to consider offering evening, weekend or even home appointments.
Consult the Practice Standards set out by the GOsC, which outline the requirements needed to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care.
Also consider attending the annual iO Convention – the biggest Osteopathic event of the year. The convention gives you an opportunity to network and learn from the best in the Osteopathy profession.
Set your pricing and understand how much osteopaths charge
Having a pricing policy could mean the difference between business success and failure. Calculate the total costs for operating the clinic, and determine a fee structure that is realistic for your target patients. It is also worth conducting some competition analysis to learn what other clinics in your area are charging.
As a guide, the GOsC states that typical fees range from £35 to £50 for a 30-40 minute appointment. Most clinics charge a higher fee for the first consultation fee (around £50) with a lower fee (around £40 to £45) for following sessions.
Taking payment will depend on the individual patient. Some will pay out of their own pockets, and then claim the money back from a health insurance firm. Other patients may provide claim forms at the end of their treatment so you can collect fees directly from an insurance company. It is also common to offer discounts to secure regular referrals from health insurance providers.
Fees for NHS patients are paid by the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) or local health trust making the referral from a GP practice. NHS prices are decided by a national tariff or a local rate.
Your pricing policy needs to deliver sustainable cash flow for your clinic. For example, consider collecting payments after each session, rather than waiting until the patient has finished their course of treatment. Ensure that patients understand the payment terms before attending.
Why osteopaths need call handling
Worried about missing incoming calls when you are treating a patient? Can’t afford a full-time receptionist? The answer is a reliable and cost-effective call handling service.
Provide a professional image by letting a trained team of UK-based receptionists to handle enquiries and appointment scheduling. We’re familiar with all the main diary software and can seamlessly register patients, organise bookings, take payments, give bespoke instructions to patients and whatever else you need us to do to assist in the smooth running of your practice. We offer a free 2 week trial so you can see for yourself just how well we can support your practice.
Improve your customer service, create extra capacity in your business and reduce your overheads. Outsourcing to Best Reception means you can avoid the burden of taxes, national insurance and pensions.
Final thoughts
Embarking on a career as an osteopath is a fulfilling journey that combines a passion for health and well-being with the opportunity to make a significant difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re just beginning your training or ready to establish your own clinic, the path requires dedication, continuous learning, and a strong commitment to patient care.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the challenges and rewards of this profession. From obtaining the necessary qualifications to building a successful practice, each stage offers unique opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your osteopathy career, remember that support is available every step of the way, from setting up your clinic to managing patient appointments. With the right tools, resources, and mindset, you can create a thriving practice that serves your community and enhances the well-being of your patients.
