Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and related disorders.

RMIT’s osteopathy degree was the first of its kind in Australia. Osteopaths are trained in diagnosis, management, and treatment of musculoskeletal pain disorders. They combine conventional medical testing procedures and skills of palpation and motion testing to inform their clinical rationale for treating a patient's condition.

You will be trained in musculoskeletal diagnosis, clinical procedures in performing conventional medical tests, physical examination techniques, and motion testing in order to assist in diagnosis of a patient’s condition.

Osteopaths make treatment decisions that depend on the patient as well as their condition. They might give advice on posture, exercise, lifting procedures, nutrition and other areas.

You will begin work-integrated learning in first year, with clinical observations in the RMIT Health Sciences Clinic.

In the final two years, you will conduct safe, skilled evaluation, diagnosis, and management of a wide-range of musculoskeletal complaints under the supervision of qualified and nationally registered osteopaths, over a period of 38 weeks per year.

There is also an opportunity to complete a work placement in an Australian osteopathic clinic.

Career Outcomes

Osteopaths treat complaints such as backache, general joint problems, sports injuries, arthritis, stress and repetitive strain injuries, and a wide range of general medical complaints.

They diagnose patient complaints using information from case histories, physical examinations, observations of body structure and mobility, medical imaging, and laboratory tests.

After diagnosing issues, osteopaths treat patients using manual techniques such as soft tissue stretching, muscle relaxation, and gentle mobilisation or manipulation.

Osteopaths are primarily employed or self-employed in private osteopathic clinics or multidisciplinary clinics.

Professional recognition and accreditation

The degree is fully accredited with the Osteopathy Board of Australia. Subject to continuing accreditation, graduates can apply to the Osteopathy Board of Australia for national registration.