A prospective student should consider a number of factors when choosing the best osteopathy courses. Two of these considerations are the type of practice the student would like and national regulations. Location, finances, prerequisites and admission policies, and learning style preferences are also key considerations.
Regarding the type of practice, some students will want to practice the full range of osteopathic medicine and may wish to specialize in pediatric, visceral, or cranial therapy. Others may prefer a less intensive program, and choose a career as a craniosacral therapist. In this case, the training may require less education that an osteopathic physician, and this will affect the student’s choice of osteopathy courses.
Before choosing a school, the student will want to consider the nation in which she’d like to practice and look at courses that meet that nation’s licensing and regulatory requirements. The role of an osteopathic physician and national regulations vary between countries. In the U.S., students are required to have about eight or nine years of college to become a Doctor of Osteopathy, and the education is very similar to medical doctors (MDs). Osteopathic physicians and MDs may practice along side each other in a standard hospital or clinic setting, or osteopathic physician may choose to practice in an osteopathy center.
In the United Kingdom (U.K.), osteopathy therapy students typically obtain a bachelors or masters degree when pursuing osteopathy training. This degree takes about four to five years of education. When considering practice in Australia, the degree which allows students to practice is usually a five year masters allied health degree.
National regulations may dictate that the student graduates from an accredited college. If the student wishes to practice, attending an accredited college is essential. The student may also wish to investigate the college’s reputation, as that might affect the student’s employment opportunities.
A student should consider if she is able to relocate to attend college, and the environment she would prefer. Some students may wish to attend college in an urban environment with lots of activities and social opportunities, and others may wish for a quieter site. Larger university settings may appeal to some students, while others may prefer a campus that concentrates on health professions.
The costs and financial aid associated with osteopathy courses is also a factor. Tuition, books, fees, room and board, travel, and miscellaneous expenses should be included in the student’s assessment. A student can evaluate various financial aid offerings such as scholarships, grants, or loans from colleges or financial institutions.
Prerequisites and admission requirements may affect some students’ choices. For others, learning style preferences may be important. Some colleges offer osteopathic classes in various learning styles, which may include a traditional curriculum, independent study, or problem-based study.
