Bachelor of Osteopathic Medicine (BOst)

Program Overview

---

Graduates are highly-paid and eligible to register as osteopaths with the General Osteopathic Council, opening doors to careers in the private sector, the NHS, and occupational healthcare.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Osteopathic Medicine (BOst) is a four-year, full-time program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required for professional osteopathic practice and lifelong learning. The program is validated by LSBU and delivered by its partner, Nescot. It is recognized by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), and upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to register as osteopaths with the GOsC.

---

Key Features:

• Expert Faculty: Taught by expert and enthusiastic staff.
• Personalized Learning: Small cohort sizes (approximately 10 students) allow for personalized teaching in both lectures and the student clinic.
• Professional Accreditation: Accredited by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).
• Flexible Schedule: Teaching typically runs over three days, allowing students to manage their time effectively.
• Extensive Clinical Training: Students gain 1000 hours of clinical training in a modern, bespoke training clinic on campus.
• High Graduate Earnings: LSBU Health and Social Care graduates are among the highest-paid graduates in London and the UK.

---

Outline:

---

Year 1 (Level 4):

• Focus: Acquisition of underpinning knowledge and skills, development of self-reflective and critical thinking skills, theoretical knowledge of normal human function, and fundamental manual therapy skills.
• Core Modules:
• Human Anatomy and Physiology (40 credits):
Covers normal structure and function, anatomy, and physiology of the human body with reference to osteopathic practice.
• Introduction to Osteopathic Practice (40 credits): Develops basic knowledge and practical understanding of osteopathic examination and technique, including observation, active and passive examination, palpation, and soft tissue and articulatory techniques.
• Introduction to Academic Skills and Professional Practice (40 credits): Develops academic skills necessary for writing, critical thinking, presenting, and reading research articles.
Introduces students to professional development, including the Student Fitness to Practice Guidelines and the Osteopathic Practice Standards.

---

Year 2 (Level 5):

• Focus: Consolidation and development of knowledge and skills, preparation for clinical progression from student observer to practitioner, introduction to pathology and clinical assessment, further development of critical thinking and professional practice skills.
• Core Modules:
• Human Disease and Dysfunction (40 credits):
Provides an understanding of disease processes and their effects on the human body. Covers epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis, and presenting signs and symptoms of diseases.
• Foundation in Osteopathic Practice (40 credits): Expands the repertoire of osteopathic manual therapy techniques and introduces common orthopaedic tests.
• Foundation in Evidence Based and Professional Practice (40 credits): Develops understanding of evidence-based practice and professionalism, including literature searching and review skills.

---

Year 3 (Level 6):

• Focus: Integration and synthesis of previous knowledge and skills, application of knowledge in clinic, further development of research skills, enhanced scope of practice, and management of special populations.
• Core Modules:
• Clinical Reasoning and Differential Diagnosis (20 credits):
Develops clinical reasoning and practical examination skills for formulating clinical diagnoses.
• Developing Osteopathic Practice (40 credits): Broadens and refines osteopathic manipulative and exercise rehabilitation skills.
• Developing Professional Practice (40 credits): Builds upon clinical and professional skills acquired at Level 5, supporting the transition to student practitioner.
• Developing Evidenced Based Practice (20 credits): Introduces research methodologies and data analysis techniques for the final year project.

---

Year 4 (Level 6):

• Focus: Preparation for professional osteopathic practice, development of business skills, clinical reasoning skills, refinement of technique, widening scope of practice, and research proposal development.
• Core Modules:
• Research Proposal (40 credits):
Demonstrates research and analytical skills through the completion of a research proposal.
• Integrated Osteopathic Management (40 credits): Develops proficiency and autonomy as osteopathic practitioners capable of providing care to a broad range of individuals.
• Autonomous Clinical and Professional Practice (40 credits): Builds upon and refines osteopathic professional and clinical skills, developing competence as autonomous practitioners.

---

Placements:

• Clinical Training: Supported by professional practice modules throughout the course.
• On-Site Clinic: All clinical training occurs in a bespoke clinic on campus, supervised by registered and practicing osteopaths.
• Observation Hours:
• Year 1: 56 hours
• Year 2: 56 hours (plus 124 hours in the summer)
• Year 3: 238 hours (plus 106 hours in the summer)
• Year 4: 420 hours

---

Assessment:

• Varied Assessment Strategies: Include formative approaches for ongoing feedback and summative assessments.
• Assessment Methods:
• Written exams
• Technique, exercise, and clinical examination practical assessments
• Presentations and viva
• Reflective essays
• Literature reviews
• Case study presentations and essays
• Data interpretation exercises
• Research project
• Teaching tasks
• Clinical-based assessment

---

Teaching:

• Qualified Faculty: All lecturers are qualified osteopaths.
• Blended Learning Approach: Face-to-face lectures, group work, guided clinical observation, one-to-one tutorials, and digital resources.
• Virtual Learning Environment: Provides access to lecture presentations, handouts, and online courses.

---

Careers:

• Private Practice: Most osteopaths are self-employed and work in the private sector.
• NHS and Occupational Healthcare: Some osteopaths work in multi-disciplinary environments within the NHS and in occupational healthcare.
• Professional Links: The program is recognized by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), and graduates are eligible to register as osteopaths.

---

Other:

• Additional Costs: Students may incur additional costs for clinical tunics and equipment (stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, patella hammer, ophthalmoscope).
• Foundation Year: A Health and Social Care Foundation year is available for students who have been out of study for a considerable amount of time or have slightly missed the entry requirements.
• Advanced Entry: Applicants with related experience may be able to apply for advanced entry through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.
• Missing English and Maths Qualifications: Courses are available at South Bank College to upskill in English and Maths.