WA's first osteopathy degree aims to address workforce gaps

The Bachelor of Osteopathy (Honours) will be available from semester one at ECU, making the university one of four in the country to offer an accredited osteopathy qualification.

According to ECU, demand for osteopathic care continues to rise across Australia, but workforce growth has remained slow. In WA the workforce has increased by just eight practitioners over the last five years.

Associate Professor Annette Koenders, ECU Associate Dean at the School of Medical and Health Sciences, said the course would also create opportunities for students to enter a growing health profession.

"Osteopathy is the second fastest growing registered health profession in Australia and Western Australia has the strongest workforce need,” she said.

“This course will allow students to train locally and graduate with the practical skills, clinical experience and professional knowledge needed to make an immediate impact in communities across WA and the rest of the country, including regional areas where healthcare shortages are often felt the most.”

Students will be expected to undertake at least 546 hours of clinical placement.

Course coordinator Brett Vaughan said the program had been designed to prepare graduates for the realities of modern healthcare.

"Through immersive clinical learning, research training and interprofessional education, graduates will develop the skills, confidence and professional identity needed to thrive in an increasingly integrated healthcare system." 

Osteopaths are allied health professionals who provide treatment options, exercise prescription and lifestyle advice to help patients improve movement, reduce pain and manage musculoskeletal conditions. 

With musculoskeletal conditions tipped to become an increasingly prominent driver of chronic disease burden and health care utilisation in WA, there are concerns current workforce capabilities will not meet future demand.

Osteopaths often work across a range of sectors including private practice, occupational rehabilitation, aged care, disability services and injury management.

Osteopathy Australia chief executive Antony Nicholas said the degree creates new opportunity for research and collaboration across the health sector.