Contributor: Kate Hantom

Osteopathy appealed to me because I wanted a good 'hands-on' system of healthcare involving knowledge, techniques and communication that empowered the patient, working with patients to understand their condition and improve their health. It felt to me that Osteopathy as a profession welcomed not only young students but encouraged mature students too, who can bring a wealth of previous life experience and skills to the job

What I enjoyed most about studying at The College of Osteopaths was the dynamic mix of students and lecturers, wide age range and so many with previous professions and all with so much to offer.

The College puts its heart and soul into creating the optimal learning environment for students - it is open to new initiatives designed to produce professional osteopaths who are trained to the highest academic standards, patient-centred & forward-thinking.

I found the course extremely flexible with excellent support available when challenges arose... I can honestly say it is the best thing I have ever done. I am in a profession I am passionate about and am looking forward to the career ahead of me.

I have to write to tell you that I was extremely delighted by the way I was received from the moment I came to the college, and throughout the time I was there.
I have recently moved…and have been trying to find an osteopath in the area, who understands my problems and needs. This I found at the college. After my treatment I went home to rest and slept for 2 hours and when I awoke I felt relaxed and at "ease"…I cannot thank you enough for your help and I will come to see you again

I would never have been able to train in osteopathy without the part-time option. The programme in Staffordshire is very flexible and allowed me to work around my previous career in television production, and my family commitments. As soon as I qualified I walked straight into a job as an osteopath, and I'm involved in lecturing too.

I was very pleased with the service and the treatment really helped. I would not hesitate to come back when needed. It was the most effective of all the treatment I tried.

There is a great focus on high standards of teaching. The continued effort to improve the experience keeps the material fresh and enthusiasm and motivation high.

I love everything about the course...I don't want my time with college to end, definitely the best thing I have ever done

One of the features of the College's programme that I really like is that first year students are introduced to clinic-based experience right from the start of year one. I don't think this happens at any other osteopathic institution in the UK, and it really helped me to be exposed to osteopathic practice so early in my training.

The College encourages all teaching staff to provide a challenging yet nurturing environment to learn. Lecturers and clinicians help students pull all the aspects of osteopathy together in order to enhance and individualise the management of patients.