News from
the iO
OSTEOPATHY DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP RECEIVES FUNDING APPROVAL
We are delighted to report that the funding band for the pre-registration apprenticeship standard for osteopathy was approved by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in February 2026, and the standard has now been formally published on the Skills England website.
This achievement demonstrates our commitment to supporting the profession in line with our long-term vision: that osteopathy will remain a growing, thriving profession, universally recognised and accessible to all. By leading this collaborative effort and championing new, accessible training routes, the iO is helping to secure a sustainable future workforce and broaden opportunities for those who may otherwise be unable to enter the profession.
A key feature of all degree apprenticeships is the creation of a rigorous national standard. This defines the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for safe, effective practice and must align with the expectations of the relevant regulator, in osteopathy’s case, the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). These standards ensure that any resulting programme maintains the same academic and professional integrity as traditional degree routes. You can read more here.
Opening doors - next steps
The approval and publication of the osteopathy degree apprenticeship standard marks a pivotal moment for the profession. It reflects our commitment to widening participation, strengthening workforce sustainability, and ensuring that osteopathy remains an accessible and future focused healthcare career. By championing this new training route, we are opening doors for talented individuals who may previously have faced barriers to entering the profession, while safeguarding the high standards and professional integrity that underpin osteopathic practice.
Such a positive outcome will open the door for the next important phase: an existing osteopathic university to interpret the approved standard and develop a programme that meets both apprenticeship requirements and recognised qualification (RQ) status. This development represents a major step toward expanding access to osteopathic training and strengthening the future workforce.
Could you take an apprentice into your clinic?
If you would like to know more about this, please let us know. Click here to express your interest.