Our Access to Healthcare Professions course is designed for those who are ready to take the first step towards a career in osteopathy or a related health discipline. Whether you’re changing direction or returning to education, this flexible course equips you with the essential knowledge, skills, and confidence to progress to degree-level study.
We’ve gathered a selection of quotes sharing their experiences and perspectives on the Access to Healthcare Professions course:
“After a successful career as an electrician, I decided to pursue my passion for healthcare and retrain as an osteopath. Completing the Access course at UCO provided the foundation I needed to transition into higher education, and I am now just 18 months away from qualifying with an M.Ost. My background in a hands-on, problem-solving profession has given me a strong appreciation for biomechanics and functional movement, which I integrate into my studies. With a keen interest in helping people improve their overall quality of life and function to the best of their ability, I look forward to bringing my practical experience and academic training together in my future osteopathic practice”.
Daniele Saudella Current M.Ost student, UCO School of Osteopathy
A Supportive Environment
Our part-time structure means you can study while balancing work and other commitments. Small class sizes and supportive tutors create a learning environment where you’re encouraged to ask questions, grow in confidence, and build lasting relationships.
“Having access to a strong anatomical foundation has been invaluable in my journey. It not only gave me a solid understanding of key concepts but also helped me feel comfortable in the learning environment from the start. The support and guidance from tutors allowed me to build strong relationships, making it easier to ask questions, refine my skills, and grow in confidence. Going into my first year with this foundation gave me a significant advantage, allowing me to engage with new material more effectively. This experience has played a crucial role in shaping my success and getting me to where I am today. I would highly recommend this course to anyone”.
Serena Morlans Current M.Ost student, UCO School of Osteopathy
Confidence That Carries You Forward
The Access course isn’t just about building knowledge—it’s about building belief in yourself. Many of our students say the course helped them rediscover a love for learning and gave them the momentum to move into a degree programme with confidence.
“After being out of formal education for over nine years, the Access Course was exactly what I needed to get back into learning. The way it was structured made the transition so much easier, giving me the chance to see if this was the right path for me. More than anything, it helped me believe in myself and my ability to continue into further education. Without that experience, I’m not sure I would have had the confidence to take the next step toward studying osteopathy, and I’m so grateful for the solid foundation it gave me. Now, I’m in the final stages of my osteopathy degree, focusing on clinical training and preparing for my final exams. It’s been an incredible journey from where I started, and I’m excited to take the next step; qualifying and beginning my career as an osteopath. I can’t wait to put everything I’ve learned into practice and help people improve their health and well-being”.
Kevin Keti Current M.Ost student, UCO School of Osteopathy
Learning That Stays With You
The skills gained through the Access course stay with our students throughout their academic and professional journeys. From mastering study techniques to navigating clinical education, the impact of the Access year is long-lasting.
“The year-long, part-time Access to Healthcare Course provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in preparation for undertaking a Master of Osteopathy. I joined the Access Course in 2015. My background was in the visual arts, and I continued to work in this field throughout my studies. I had no previous education in healthcare or human biology. Due to already holding a degree, I had the option of undertaking a short, intensive course prior to starting the Masters. I decided, however, that I wanted a slower and more comprehensive introduction that would allow me time to gain a deeper understanding of osteopathy. I also wanted to get to know the university, before committing to four years of study there. Within a few weeks of starting the Master of Osteopathy, I found I was extremely glad to have the Access course under my belt, as the Master’s course content was challenging… in a good way! I have fond memories of the course, especially due to the range of excellent lecturers, some of whom are now my colleagues as I myself now lecture at the university, as well as practising osteopathy. Early on in my studies, I was told that Access students tended to thrive on the Master’s course. I saw this to be true; my cohort was successful in their studies and outcomes. I would highly recommend the Access to Healthcare course”.
Julia Homersham, Lecturer, UCO School of Osteopathy
A Flexible Route into a Variety of Health Careers
While many of our Access students progress to study osteopathy, the course can also support entry into a range of health science disciplines. The comprehensive curriculum builds a strong academic base—whatever your goal may be.
“The Access Course can help students without traditional qualifications to get into Uni on a course to enable them to become a health professional. Not just Osteopathy. Not just HSU. The course is enjoyable thanks to the teaching staff, who are extremely well prepared for the challenge of preparing adult learners to reach a high level of very specific knowledge in an academic year. From Maths to Academic Studying Techniques, including English Language Skills, Communication Skills, Biology, and Professional Studies for Healthcare, the whole year becomes an intense but very manageable and enjoyable process which allows you to access and succeed in any health degree, whichever your dream may be. All lectures are very well thought, focused on the pupils rather than ticking the boxes. All this, while meeting people who might even become your friend in the future! When I enrolled in the Access Course, I had the dream of studying Physiotherapy at University of East London, shifting my career from my current office job to becoming a health professional – something I had been denying to myself for decades. Little did I know that in doing so I would change my mind and start a new chapter of my life by studying Osteopathy, but in Madrid instead! Thanks to enrolling in the Access Course, I feel I have a good, strong foundation to succeed in my studies, even though I am now studying in Spanish and all the names I had to learn are completely different. Moreover, it has made me feel confident, knowledgeable of how to read and create essays with bibliography – something most of my classmates this first year still haven’t learnt– as well as prepared to use several studying techniques to get good grades”.
Luis Santa Bernal, Former student UCO School of Osteopathy – Now studying Osteopathy in Madrid, Spain
Learning From Experience
Many of our Access students go on to become educators and mentors themselves, supporting others on the same path they once took. Their journeys show how this course can be a powerful first step in shaping not only careers—but communities.
“I had a previous career in finance and near the end embarked on a move into osteopathy. This started with the access course at the UCO school of osteopathy in 2010. The access course really supported my move into higher education. For example, managing workload and preparing for assessments. I found it a really nice stepping stone on to the M.Ost course because when I joined the course, I knew the academic staff and what was expected of me as a student.
I qualified as an osteopath in 2016 and then moved on further study into psychology and qualified last year with doctorate in health psychology. I have also taught on the professional studies skills course where I used my experience to support students on how to read research to give them a head start on the M.Ost course. I am proud to say that I started my new academic career with the access course at the UCO and the skills I learnt then are skills that I still use today!”
Danny Miller, Practice Educator, UCO School of Osteopathy.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Many of our Access students have gone on to study healthcare at undergraduate level and pursue rewarding careers. If you’re looking for a supportive and practical route into health sciences, this course could be the perfect fit. Explore more or contact us to find out how to get started.
