Practical Clinical Training in the college
At the London School of Osteopathy what stands out is that the majority of teaching rooms are set up with teaching plinths rather than desks. This is because practical training is at the heart of what we do and you will be regularly taking part in hands on sessions during studies.
From their first few weeks students start to put into practice what they have learned in the anatomy and physiology lectures. At the LSO our practical and theory sessions dovetail together to help students consolidate their learning. The lead lecturer is normally supported by assistants in the classroom, ensuring students have individual support.
Practical Clinical Training in the clinic
We believe that in order to become good practitioners, students must be exposed to a wide variety of patients. After practising the hands-on elements in the classroom on each other, students have the opportunity to practise on real patients as they become more proficient.
The London School of Osteopathy is unusual in that students get involved in clinic activities from their first semester. In the first year students complete 100 hours of training on the full-time course, and 50 hours on the part-time course. Students are able to exceed these hours if they choose. By the time a student graduates they will have treated at least 50 new patients. This valuable experience is gained in our busy outpatient clinic in East London. Offering subsidised osteopathy treatment, it caters to people of all ages and walks of life, and is highly valued by the local community.
The clinic is located in Bethnal Green, 3 minutes’ walk from the tube station (central line), and served by many buses. The clinic has 8 treatment rooms, and is staffed by 3 clinic tutors and reception staff each day. The clinic is open between 8am and 8pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on alternate Saturdays giving students flexibility when they attend clinic.
Clinic Hours
Students will undertake a minimum of 1,200 hours if they are studying for the MOst and 1,000 hours on the BOst pathway. Each year carries a minimum number of hours but these hours can be exceeded if a student chooses. Some hours must be completed over the summer period, to prevent skill attrition.
Part-time students can sign up for early, middle and late shifts, and as far as practicable select their attendance patterns, to suit their needs and preferences. Full-time students have a more prescribed attendance pattern but still have the flexibility to fit shifts around work and family life.
Clinic Tutors
In the clinic students are fully supported at all times by our experienced clinic tutor who are all practising osteopaths outside of their clinic tutor roles. They each bring with them their own particular specialisms covering a wide range of areas including:
- Women’s health
- Paediatrics
- Sports rehabilitation
- Structural and cranial osteopathy
- Equine osteopathy
With the exception of equine osteopathy all of the above specialities are covered in the clinic and you will meet and treat a very broad range of patients.
Our specialist paediatric clinic enables you to get involved with the treatment of our youngest patients.
Graduate Clinic
The London School of Osteopathy is the only institution which runs a Graduate clinic. It provides support for graduates as they transition in their first year post graduation, into working in their own private practice.
As a graduate clinician you will work in the clinic as a paid employee which offers you financial security. Our reception team manage your bookings and patients. As you are working in the clinic our tutors are on hand to offer support and advice.
“It’s been surprising how much depth there is to osteopathy and how much there is to learn. Working at the clinic has been a brilliant experience ….as you get used to it you start to relate to your patients and see the difference you make.”
Tobias, background: member of the Danish Army
