A guide to UK osteopathic medical schools

Developed by Dr. Andrew Taylor in the 1870s in response to his belief that traditional medicine used drug unnecessarily, osteopathic medicine is currently one of the fastest growing medical professions. Osteopathic doctors are fully licensed, and can legally perform medical duties, surgeries and prescribe medicine. Those who are interested in this type of medicine will benefit from the guide to UK osteopathic medical schools found in this article.

The London School of Osteopathy

History
Established in 1948 by Natural Therapeutic and Osteopathic Society (NTOS), the London School of Osteopathy was originally called the Croydon School of Osteopathy. From its founding until 1977, the school offered both Osteopathic and Naturopathy degrees. When the decision was made for the school to focus solely on Osteopathy, the school was renamed the London School of Osteopathy (LSO). Academics
LSO accepts students from a variety of backgrounds. It takes five years of study to complete education at LSO, and students should be prepared for a challenging but rewarding experience. Students will have practical training at the LSO clinic, and have opportunities to participate in research. They are expected to complete a dissertation before they are finished with the programme.

British School of Osteopathy

Located in London, the British School of Osteopathy (BSO) accepts students who wish to become osteopathic physicians from a variety of backgrounds. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees which allow students to continue their education after they have finished undergraduate work. Students are given practical experience while at the school through the largest clinical centre in the UK.

The London College of Osteopathic Medicine

Established in 1946, the London College of Osteopathic Medicine (LCOM) focuses on giving osteopathic training to those who are already qualified as doctors. Students at this school spend most of their time treating patients under the watchful eye of those who are already qualified to be osteopaths. Most of this training will take place in the free clinic run by the school. Those who supervise students have registered with the General Osteopathic Council and have graduated from the school. References:
- Westview Hospital: What is Osteopathic Medicine? - About Osteopathic Medicine - Westviewmedical.com - American Osteopathic Association (AOA): What is Osteopathic Medicine?
- Osteopathic.org - General Osteopathic Council - Osteopathy.org.uk - The London School of Osteopathy - Lso.ac.uk - British School of Osteopathy - Bso.ac.uk - London College of Osteopathic Medicine