Amber Laris
Chiropractor and Osteopath INFORMATION SHEET
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Osteopathic Training and Certification in Australia
or people who may be considering undertaking a course of osteopathic treatment, it is useful to have an understanding of the training and certification an osteopath in Australia undergoes before they are qualified and registered to be able to treat patients. Osteopaths in Australia are classified as primary healthcare professionals. What this means is that an osteopath is qualified to diagnose and treat patients without the need for a prior referral from a general practitioner. In practical terms, this also means that private health insurance policies will pay ‘extras’ benefits for a member to undergo treatment in a registered osteopathic clinic. An osteopath in Australia is required to undergo a minimum of five years’ training, which consists either of a Bachelor degree followed by a Masters degree, or alternatively some training institutions offer Double Bachelor degrees. This may be followed by further research and the completion of a Doctorate in osteopathy. There
are currently three universities in Australia that offer training in osteopathy: Southern Cross University; Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology; and Victoria University. As part of their training, an osteopath in Australia will undertake studies in a wide variety of disciplines. This includes training in medical diagnosis, anatomy and physiology, as well as osteopathic techniques. In addition, an osteopath is trained to under-
“Osteopaths in Australia undergo an extensive and rigorous training and certification process.” take medical examinations of the nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. A further integral part of the training is that osteopaths are also required to undertake supervised, practical treatment of patients to complement their theoretical learning.
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The wide range of training an osteopath undergoes is why osteopathy is highly effective both at treating specific injuries, complaints and conditions, as well as addressing the body’s natural sense of balance and well-being to treat common problems such as headaches, fatigue and stress.
“Osteopaths are recognised as primary healthcare professionals and are required to continue their professional development throughout their careers.” All osteopaths in Australia are registered with the Osteopathy Board of Australia (in association with the Australian Health
Practitioner Regulation Agency) and a registered osteopath is able to practice in all Australian states and territories. Osteopaths are also required to undertake programmes of continuing professional development in order to ensure that the osteopathic healthcare services they provide are delivered to the highest possible standard. The extensive and thorough training that osteopaths undertake, combined with the profession’s emphasis on professional development, means that you can feel secure in the fact that your osteopath has the skills and knowledge to be able to develop and undertake effective safe treatment programmes, has well-developed communication skills when working with patients, and has a high level of clinical proficiency and the ability to manage effectively all aspects of your osteopathic treatment.
Amber Laris has been treating patients in the heart of the Adelaide CBD for over 30 years. She is a member of both the COCA – Chiropractic and Osteopathic Association of Australia and the CAA – Chiropractic Association of Australia. Level 2 33 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA, 5000 Telephone: (08) 8221 6100 www.amberlaris.com.au This article was written and distributed by Cadogan and Hall, a freelance writing agency based in Adelaide, South Australia. We specialise in producing online content, websites, blogs, articles and press releases for small- and medium-sized buisnesses.
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