Is an osteopath a doctor? Training and qualifications explained
People often aren't sure where osteopaths sit in the health system. Are they doctors? Do they have a degree? Can they order scans or prescribe medication? Here's how it works in Australia.
Is an osteopath a medical doctor?
No. In Australia, osteopaths are university-trained allied health practitioners, not medical doctors. They don't hold a medical degree, and they don't prescribe medication or perform surgery. They are primary contact practitioners, which means you can see one without a referral.
What qualifications does an osteopath have?
Osteopaths complete university training, typically around five years, usually a bachelor's degree followed by a master's degree in osteopathy. The course covers anatomy, physiology, pathology, clinical examination, diagnosis and manual treatment, with supervised clinical placement. Steven holds a Master of Health Science (Osteopathy).
Are osteopaths regulated?
Yes. Osteopathy is one of the health professions regulated under Australia's national scheme. Osteopaths must be registered with the Osteopathy Board of Australia through AHPRA, the same agency that registers doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and pharmacists. 'Osteopath' is a protected title; it's an offence to use it without being registered.
How can I check an osteopath is registered?
Search the public register on the AHPRA website by name or registration number. Steven's registration number is OST0002430528.
What do osteopaths have to do to stay registered?
Registered osteopaths must complete continuing professional development every year, hold professional indemnity insurance, meet recency of practice requirements, and follow the Board's code of conduct and advertising rules.
Why do some osteopaths use the title 'Dr'?
In Australia, some non-medical health practitioners, including some osteopaths, chiropractors and dentists, use 'Dr' as a courtesy title. AHPRA's advertising guidelines require that anyone who does so makes clear they are not a medical practitioner, for example by stating their profession. It doesn't indicate a medical degree.
Can an osteopath diagnose?
Osteopaths are trained to assess and diagnose musculoskeletal conditions, and to recognise signs that suggest a problem outside their scope, which they refer to a GP or emergency department.
Can an osteopath order scans?
Osteopaths can refer for imaging such as X-rays, ultrasound and MRI. Medicare rebates apply to only a limited range of X-rays when requested by an osteopath; for other imaging, a referral from your GP is usually needed for a rebate. We'll advise on the most sensible route.
Can an osteopath prescribe medication or give injections?
No. Osteopaths don't prescribe medication or give injections such as cortisone. Dry needling, which uses fine solid needles and no medication, is within scope for osteopaths with appropriate training. For medication or injections, we refer you to your GP.
Does an osteopath crack bones?
Joint manipulation, which can produce a popping sound, is one technique osteopaths are trained in. The sound comes from the joint fluid, not from bones. It's optional, and many treatments don't involve it at all.
See our post on why joints crack during treatment.
Does an osteopath do massage?
Soft tissue techniques are part of osteopathic treatment, alongside joint mobilisation, exercise and advice. An osteopathy consultation is an assessment and treatment session, not a massage appointment.
See our osteopathy vs massage comparison.
How are Australian osteopaths different from osteopaths in the United States?
In the United States, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a fully licensed physician who can prescribe and perform surgery. Australian osteopaths have a different training pathway and scope, focused on musculoskeletal care. This difference causes a lot of confusion online.
How is an osteopath different from a physio or chiropractor?
All three are university-trained, AHPRA-registered professions that treat musculoskeletal problems, with considerable overlap in what they do. The differences are mostly in emphasis and tradition.
See our osteopath vs physio comparison and our post on osteopath vs chiropractor.
Can an osteopath write a medical certificate?
Osteopaths can provide certificates relating to the musculoskeletal conditions they treat. Whether an employer accepts one depends on their policy, and some situations, such as WorkCover certificates of capacity, have their own rules. Check with your employer or insurer.
What conditions do osteopaths treat?
Mostly problems of the muscles, joints and nerves: back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches related to the neck, shoulder, hip and knee pain, sports injuries, and work or posture-related pain. Treatment combines hands-on techniques, exercise and advice.
How do I choose a good osteopath?
Check they're registered, then look for someone who takes a thorough history, explains what they think is going on in plain language, gives you exercises and a rough timeframe, and refers you on when something is outside their scope.
Do I need a referral, and is it covered?
No referral is needed. Osteopathy is covered by most private health extras policies, and by Medicare under a GP chronic condition management plan for eligible patients.
See our fees and funding page.
Is osteopathy evidence-based?
The musculoskeletal care most Australian osteopaths provide draws on the same evidence base as physiotherapy and sports medicine.
See our post on whether osteopathy is evidence-based. Book an assessment at our Berwick clinic. A 60-minute initial consultation is $149, with no referral needed and HICAPS on-site.
Sources
Osteopathy Board of Australia (AHPRA). Registration standards, codes and guidelines for osteopaths.
Book an initial consultation at RISE Sports & Spinal in Berwick. Clear diagnosis, hands-on treatment, and a plan that actually gets you better.
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