National University of Medical Sciences (NUMSS) offers 2 online on-demand osteopathy programs as well as campus based programs. Here we explain and compare the differences between the doctor of osteopathy program and the bachelor of science in osteopathy program. DO vs BSc (O).

1. Comparing the Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) Program to
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Osteopathy
Osteopaths graduating from both programs are able to open their own clinics and work
independently or be employed by other rehab clinics in all the countries of the world including
Canada, USA, England, Australia, Spain, Italy, France, Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Japan,
South Korea, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, South Africa, Tanzania, Brazil,
Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Russia, Ukraine & Latvia.
The average income is slightly more for the DOs as they are generally busier in practice than others
as they are trained to offer more services to patients and they are able to read x-rays. For the above
reasons doctors of osteopathy have more employment options as well compared to other
osteopaths.
DO BSc (Osteopathy)
Study Time (category 1 students) 4 years full time (category 1) 3 years full time (category 1)
Accelerated Study time (categories 2 & 3)
for students with prior health education: 2 years full time (category 2) 1 year full time (category 2)
physiotherapists, massage therapists, 1 year full time (category 3) 6 months full time (category 3)
chiropractors, acupuncturists, physicians, No part time No part time
kinesiologists, manual osteopaths, etc)
Total Tuition (category 1 students) €12,000 (Euro) €9,000 (Euro)
Total Tuition (category 2 students) €6,000 €3,000
Total Tuition (category 3 students) €3,000 €1,500
Books €100 to €400 per semester €100 to €400 per semester
Designation DO BSc (Osteopathy)
Average Annual Income $90,000 + $90,000
Hourly Treatment Fee $80 to $140 $60 to $140
International Osteopathic Association (IOA) Must become IOA member to Must become IOA member to
License Number receive license to practice receive license to practice
Malpractice Insurance Cost $500 to $700 per year $300 to $500 per year
Primary health practitioner. Can Primary health practitioner. Can
Practice open independent clinic and open independent clinic and see
see patients directly without patients directly without supervision.
supervision.

2. Osteopathic Assessment Able to perform assessments Able to perform assessments
Medical Diagnosis Able to medically diagnose Able to Medical diagnosis
Osteopathic Techniques Able to perform all osteopathic Able to perform all osteopathic
techniques techniques
Physiotherapy Able to provide physiotherapy Able to provide physiotherapy
modalities to patients modalities with extra training
Decompression Traction Therapy (DTT) Able to perform DTT Able to perform DTT with extra
training
Custom Made Orthotic Casting & dispensing Able to cast & dispense Able to cast & dispense with extra
training
Support Hose Fitting Able to fit compression socks Able to fit compression socks with
extra training
Clinical Ergonomic Services Able to provide clinical Able to provide this service only with
ergonomics to patients extra training
Independent Medical Evaluation (IME) Able to perform Able to perform
AMA Impairment Rating Able to perform Able to perform
Disability Certificates Able to sign Able to sign
Treatment Plans Able to sign Able to sign
Functional Abilities Evaluation (FAE) Able to perform FAE Able to perform FAE with extra
training
Home Based Assessment (HBA) Able to perform HBA Able to perform HBA with extra
training
Job Site Analysis (JSA) Able to perform JSA Able to perform JSA with extra
training
Osteopathy Treatment at Home Permitted Permitted
Hospital Work Permitted Permitted
University Teaching Position Available as professor Available as teacher`s assistant
Research Position May be hired as researcher May be hired as research assistant
University Credit Course accepted as university Course accepted as university credit
credit
Prerequisite 3 years Prior university High school graduation (grade 12 or
education equivalent)

3. Employment Potential Zero unemployment. All Zero unemployment. All osteopaths
osteopaths work soon after work soon after graduation.
graduation.
Radiology Able to read X-rays Not permitted
Specialty Able to specialize in Not available
orthopaedics, neurology, sports
medicine & rehabilitation
medicine
Master’s Degree Not able to enrol in a university Able to enrol in most postgraduate
master’s program without master’s programs including MBA
having a bachelor’s degree
New Patients Doctors offer more services Services are limited to osteopathic
(orthotics, ergonomics, treatments unless additional courses
physiotherapy, decompression) are taken.
and they are more versatile
clinically as they read x-rays.
As a result they have more new
patients.
Prestige No other degrees have the A bachelor`s degree is a great way
same prestige as a doctor of to start a career as it is a gateway
osteopathy. There are just a that takes you to many other
small number of DOs in the directions. There are not many
world so having a DO makes osteopaths with a bachelor`s degree
you belong to an exclusive and having a BSc in osteopathy
club. makes you unique amongst your
peers.
Each jurisdiction may have different health regulatory acts. Whenever the osteopathic scope of
practice conflicts with the regulatory laws of a jurisdiction; the law always prevails. Osteopaths must
always follow the health rules and regulations set in each jurisdiction.