In Australia, osteopaths are classed as primary contact health professionals, meaning they have the authority to examine, diagnose and treat their patients independently. Upon completing a university accredited osteopathy course, osteopaths can see patients without the need for a referral from another health practitioner such as a GP. Private health insurance funds also recognise osteopaths and will pay benefits on osteopathic treatments.
Osteopathy as a profession is rapidly growing in Australia and all over the world. Work opportunities are available in osteopathic specialties or multidisciplinary practices. Some osteopaths choose to open their own private practice, or go into the teaching profession. Three osteopathy courses are now offered in Australia and as the public becomes well aware of what the profession can offer, the practitioners who underwent osteopathy courses are bound to increase accordingly.
Osteopathy courses consist of five years of study as a full time student. The course consists of a three year Bachelor's degree and then a two years Masters Degree. After the completion of the course, osteopathic graduates are recognized by a federal osteopathy registration body in Australian and in New Zealand. The Osteopathy Board of Australia is part of the Health Professions Regulatory Agency, a national agency of Australia. The regulation and registration of professionals has moved from a territory-based system to a national system in July 2010.
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