Osteopaths are regulated by law and recognised as an allied health profession by NHS England. This gives them a similar statue to dentists or physiotherapists and guarantees the equivalent high level of care.
By law, an osteopath must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) to practice in the UK.
Before an osteopath can obtain registration, they must obtain specialist degree-level training, either a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) or integrated Masters (MOst.) and complete over 1000 hours of clinical placements (direct patient contact time).
To maintain their registration with GOsC, which is renewed annually, osteopaths must meet mandatory continuous professional development (CPD): keeping skills and knowledge up-to-date and maintaining high standards of professional development.