Osteopathic Training of Members of the IOA:
Osteopathic training is demanding and lengthy, and the IOA recognises qualifications available from osteopathic educational institutions accredited by the GOsC (The General Osteopathic Council of Great Britain). Trainee osteopaths study anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics and clinical methods, underpinned by a thorough clinical training during a four-year full-time honours degree programme. Such wide-ranging medically-based training gives osteopaths the skills to diagnose conditions when osteopathic treatment is not advisable, and the patient must be referred to a GP for further investigation. IOA members are committed to a programme of continuing professional development.