Osteopathic Physicians

Employers

More than 121,000 osteopathic physicians are employed in the United States. Osteopaths can be found in virtually all medical specialties, however, according to the American Osteopathic Association, nearly 57 percent of osteopaths practice in the primary care specialties of general practice, family practice, pediatrics, and internal medicine. More than one-third of all osteopaths go into private practice after completing their training. They also work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other health care settings. Many osteopaths serve the critical need for physicians in rural areas.

Starting Out

Depending on the specialty in which an osteopath is interested, he or she can plan on completing a residency program of two to seven years' duration. One of the difficulties facing the profession today is that medical schools produce more students than there are available residencies at osteopathic hospitals. As a result, gaining admission to selective osteopathic programs may be challenging. Graduates increasingly find residencies in traditional medical facilities. As awareness of and interest in osteopathy continue to grow, this shortage of open residency positions may change. After completing a residency program, an osteopath can choose to go into private practice or explore positions with a variety of health care employers.