Key summary
Osteopaths focus on assessing and treating musculoskeletal conditions through hands-on care, while physiotherapists focus on restoring movement and physical function through exercise and rehabilitation.
Both careers require 5 years of full-time study, with osteopathy offered as a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy) and Master of Clinical Osteopathy package, and physiotherapy requiring an undergraduate science or biomedical science degree followed by the Master of Physiotherapy.
Osteopaths and physiotherapists are both registered healthcare professionals who support people’s health, movement and wellbeing.
While there can be some overlap between the professions, they treat different needs and conditions - and have different study requirements.
Osteopathy
An osteopath assesses and treats conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including the muscles, bones, joints and connective tissues. Osteopaths consider how these structures work together and how factors such as movement, posture, work, activity and lifestyle may contribute to a person’s condition. Their care commonly combines clinical assessment, palpation, movement testing, hands-on treatment, exercise advice and education.
Daily tasks and responsibilities of an osteopath
- Discuss a patient’s health history, symptoms, lifestyle, work and activity levels
- Use observation, palpation and movement testing to assess the body
- Identify areas of restriction, pain or altered movement that may contribute to a patient’s condition
- Use clinical reasoning to develop an individual treatment plan
- Apply hands-on techniques, such as soft-tissue treatment, stretching and joint mobilisation
- Explain how movement, posture, work and everyday activities may affect a patient’s symptoms
- Recommend exercises and practical strategies to support recovery and ongoing health
- Monitor a patient’s response to treatment and adjust their care plan
- Keep accurate and confidential clinical records
- Refer patients to another health professional when further assessment or treatment is needed.
Types of patients osteopaths treat
Osteopaths commonly treat people with musculoskeletal concerns, including back and neck pain, joint and muscle pain, headaches associated with the neck, sports injuries and work-related conditions. They may also support people with movement restrictions or ongoing musculoskeletal conditions. Osteopaths treat people of different ages and activity levels, tailoring care to each person’s symptoms, health needs and goals.
Where do osteopaths work?
Osteopaths commonly work in private osteopathy clinics and multidisciplinary health clinics alongside professionals such as physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, general practitioners and other healthcare professionals. Some work in community health services, hospitals, sports and fitness settings, workplaces or aged-care facilities. Others run their own practice.
How much do osteopaths earn?
The average salary for an osteopath in Australia is $95,000 per year*.
*Source: Seek.com.au 2026
What qualifications does an osteopath need?
To be eligible for registration as an osteopath in Australia, you must complete an accredited osteopathy undergraduate and postgraduate degree.
All RMIT osteopathy courses are accredited by the Australian Osteopathic Accreditation Council (AOAC).
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Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy plan)
Osteopathy package ATAR 70.40*,
February
Bundoora
Full-time 5 years
Master of Clinical Osteopathy
- Not applicable
- See Apply for details
On campus- Bundoora
- Full-time 2 years
Osteopathy degree package
The Osteopathy degree package allows you to apply for your undergraduate and postgraduate study in one application.
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy), you will be guaranteed entry into a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) in the Master of Clinical Osteopathy without having to reapply.
After graduation from both degrees, you will be eligible to apply for registration and begin professional practice as an osteopath in Australia.
Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist - sometimes refered to as a physical therapist - helps people restore, maintain and improve movement and physical function. Physiotherapy is centred on active rehabilitation and may support recovery from injury, surgery, illness or a long-term health condition. Physiotherapists use assessment, exercise, education and physical treatments to help people manage pain, build strength, improve mobility and take part in everyday activities.
Daily tasks and responsibilities of a physiotherapist
- Discuss a patient’s health history, symptoms, activities and treatment goals
- Assess movement, strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and physical function
- Assess how an injury, illness or health condition affects everyday activities
- Develop an individual treatment and rehabilitation plan
- Prescribe and supervise exercises to improve strength, mobility, balance or endurance
- Use manual therapy and other physical treatments where appropriate
- Teach patients how to manage their condition and progress their rehabilitation
- Provide advice about injury prevention, physical activity, posture and safe movement
- Use rehabilitation equipment and mobility aids when required
- Track progress, update treatment plans and communicate with other healthcare professionals
- Refer patients for further assessment or care when appropriate.
Types of patients physiotherapists treat
Physiotherapists work with people recovering from sports and workplace injuries, post-surgical recovery, neurological conditions, breathing difficulties, ongoing pain, mobility challenges and age-related changes. Physiotherapists may also support people during pregnancy, after serious illness or when managing a disability. Their work can focus on musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiorespiratory, paediatric, geriatric or sports rehabilitation.
Where do physiotherapists work?
Physiotherapists work in a range of settings, including hospitals, community health services, rehabilitation centres, and private practices. They may also work in aged-care facilities, schools, sports clubs, gyms, workplaces and clients’ homes. Some physiotherapists specialise in areas such as sports, musculoskeletal health, paediatrics, neurological rehabilitation, cardiorespiratory care or occupational health.
How much do physiotherapists earn?
The average salary for a physiotherapist in Australia is $95,000 per year*.
*Source: Seek.com.au 2026
What qualifications does a physiotherapist need?
To be eligible for registration as a physiotherapist in Australia, you must complete an accredited physiotherapy degree.
To be eligible for the Master of Physiotherapy you must complete a Bachelor of Science, or Biomedical Science, or Exercise Science, or Health or other discipline, with a major/minor in human anatomy (including musculoskeletal anatomy) and a major/minor in human physiology.
The Master of Physiotherapy at RMIT is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC).
No courses match your current filters
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Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- February, July
- On campus
- Bundoora
- Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years
Bachelor of Science
- February, July
- On campus
- Melbourne City
- Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years
Compare the difference between an osteopath and a physiotherapist
Osteopath
Osteopathy places greater emphasis on understanding the relationship between the body’s muscles, bones, joints and connective tissues. Osteopaths use clinical assessment, palpation and movement testing to identify factors that may be contributing to a patient’s symptoms.
Treatment often includes hands-on techniques, such as soft-tissue treatment, stretching and joint mobilisation, supported by exercise and advice about posture, movement and lifestyle.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy focuses more strongly on restoring movement and physical function through active rehabilitation. Physiotherapists assess how an injury, illness or health condition affects a person’s strength, mobility, balance, coordination and ability to take part in everyday activities. Treatment commonly includes targeted exercises, rehabilitation programmes, education and strategies to help patients manage their condition and build confidence in movement.
Physiotherapists also work across a broader range of areas, including sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, neurological conditions, breathing difficulties and mobility challenges.
Comparison overview
When comparing osteopathy and physiotherapy courses at RMIT, here are some things to think about:
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Graduate Degree Package available |
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Registration required |
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*Source: Seek.com.au 2026
Learn more about your allied health study options
Whether you're a Year 12 student weighing up your options or thinking about switching careers, RMIT's allied health courses provide a comprehensive and industry-focused education that can help you succeed as an osteopath or physiotherapist in Australia.
