Osteopaths: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview There are different ways on how patients are evaluated for health problems. Treatments also vary since there are different approach that can be used. Those who have specialized training in using unique, sophisticated manipulative therapy and diagnosing patients disease or illness are called osteopaths or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O). They concentrate on parts of systems such as the bones, joints, muscles and spine to know the patients’ disease and what treatment/s will be recommended.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
People who desire to become an osteopaths have strong interest in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. High school classes like Foreign Languages, Math, History and English are beneficial. Psychology class will enhance skills in knowing different types of people who will be asking for their services. A Bachelor’s degree is needed before an applicant can apply for medical school to be an osteopath. They need to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) at a satisfactory rating. The program will involve four years of study and one year of internship in different areas like surgery, obstetrics/gynecology and internal medicine. The program provides advance lessons in family, community and preventive medicine. If an applicant wants to practice a specific specialty, they must complete another two to six years residency training. State medical board examinations are required to be passed, for all physicians which include the Doctor of Osteopathy as a specialty, to be given a license.
Skills and Abilities
Listening skills are very important when pursuing a career as osteopaths. This will be used to determine or diagnose what is causing the illness or disease and would also guide them in using the proper treatment. Effective communication skills are essential to interact properly with patients. Osteopaths need to explain things clearly to patients more especially the treatment procedures that will be used. They should know how to make the patient comfortable since they would be using sense of touch to diagnose and treat health problems.
This is the reason they need to also have excellent eye-hand coordination. They need to be sensitive and patient. It will be helpful if they enjoy caring for other people. They need to be keen to details especially when reviewing the patient’s medical history.
Duties
Osteopaths evaluate the patient and would investigate on what causes the disease and illness. They are responsible in analyzing and recording the detailed medical history of the patient. They should know how to ask relevant questions to know the cause of the problem. It is important for them to know what technique and treatment will suit the patient.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Physicians enjoy earning higher income as compared to other profession. This is because of the challenges and complexity that comes with their job. Osteopaths can earn an average income of $160,000. The fastest growing health profession is osteopathic medicine. Since health care practices are expanding, there will be more opportunities for osteopaths in the future.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 529 Date: Sat, 6 Nov 2010 Time: 2:33 PM
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