1948
Established as an educational trust
Who we are
Our Vision is to inspire, train and enable future generations of osteopaths for the benefit of communities and growth of the profession.
Our reputation for celebrating and supporting the individual whatever their experience or background is at the heart of our ethos.
The College of Osteopaths is a registered charity committed to widening access to osteopathic practice so that talented individuals of all ages can fulfil their potential, and our unique 100% flexible pathways into the profession reflects the long history of innovation and inclusiveness on which the college has built its reputation.
Our Inclusivity Statement: At the College of Osteopaths, we understand that diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We respect and value everyone in our college community and have created a supportive environment where everyone is helped to reach their full potential. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the osteopathic profession.
Our history
We are proud of our history and the active role it has played in shaping the development of the osteopathic profession and in training registered osteopaths to join it.
1961
A recognised two-year Diploma course was introduced, with the professional teaching body established as The College of Osteopaths.
1978
The college’s Dean Joseph Goodman established the Diploma in Osteopathy qualification.
1988
Report on osteopathic education prepared by the British Accreditation Council.
1989 -1991
College President, Jane Langer, helped develop the Osteopaths Act and the formation of the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).
1997
The Diploma in Osteopathy was validated by Middlesex University as a five-year BSc(Hons) programme.
2001
Principal, Caroline Stone, guided the course to Recognised Qualification (RQ) status.
2002-2003
The college provided RQ training for those unable to join the GOsC’s register enabling graduates awarded the Certificate in Osteopathic Competence to register.
2005
Principal, Mark Lawrence, pioneered a programme in Staffordshire – the only one of its kind outside of the Southern UK.
2005 -2008
The BSc (Hons) programme gained RQ status via Keele University validation
2010-2011
Praised by peer reviewers, our innovative flexible MOst programme, validated by Middlesex University, was introduced in London and Staffordshire.
2015
Students enrolled onto the MOst/BOst programme validated by Staffordshire University.
2019
The college introduced a new, shorter BOst course in response to student feedback and developed this to be validated by the University of Derby.
2020
The College of Osteopaths’ graduates account for nearly 10% of qualified Osteopaths in the UK.
