Leading Companies & Markets
Most osteopaths work within a osteopathy clinic, private health clinic or therapy centre with a range of clients. This may be either in a practice owned by someone else or you can open your own practice. Most osteopaths also work as independent contractors and are therefore generally self-employed. Some osteopaths work from clinics in their home or may also travel to the homes of individual clients, particularly if they find movement too difficult without causing pain.
Environment & Culture
Regardless of whether you work for yourself or in a private clinic, your working environment will need to be comfortable so clients feel relaxed during their sessions. However, there will be times when you find the job stressful, for some clients may have emotional as well as physical problems, not to mention that employment in any medical profession can cause anxiety or pressure.
If you are self employed you may choose to work strictly from 9am-5pm, but you will find that to get better business, you will need to practice outside of regular hours. Evening and weekend work may be necessary to build up your client base, so you need to remain flexible. In fact, the number of hours that you work each week will vary, depending on your current clients, cancellations, and first-time consultations.
About the Author
Australian Osteopathic Association
Antony Nicholas,Executive Director, AOA
The Australian Osteopathic Association (AOA) is the national professional body representing Osteopaths in Australia. Our core work is liaising with both state and federal government, all other statutory bodies regarding professional, educational, legislative and regulatory issues as well as private enterprise. Osteopaths are registered allied health practitioners, and one of the ten registered health professions in every state and territory of Australia.
Did you know the sound you hear when you crack your knuckles is actually the sound of nitrogen gas bubbles bursting?