Overview
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Doctors of podiatric medicine
Diagnose diseases, deformities and injuries of the human foot and communicate diagnoses to patients
Treat patients using braces, casts, shields, orthotic devices, physical therapy, or prescribed medications
May also perform surgery on the bones of the forefoot and the subcutaneous soft tissues of the foot.
Chiropodists and diploma or first-degree trained podiatrists
Diagnose diseases, deformities and injuries of the human foot
Treat patients using braces, casts, shields, orthotic devices, physical therapy and subcutaneous soft-tissue foot surgery.
Doctors of naturopathic medicine
Diagnose patients' diseases and disorders
Employ natural methods of healing such as acupuncture and acupressure, spinal manipulation, reflexology, hydrotherapy, herbal medicines, biochemical therapy, clinical nutrition, homeopathy and counselling in their treatment.
Doctors of osteopathic medicine
Diagnose disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal, circulatory and nervous systems
Treat patients with manipulative therapy, medications or surgery.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$35,592
$71,500
$124,000
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
184expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Doctors of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.)
A four-year doctoral degree program in podiatric medicine available in the United States and in Quebec, normally following completion of a bachelor's degree program, is required.
A medical residency is required in Alberta and British Columbia.
Additional information
Chiropodist and podiatrist titles are used interchangeably, depending on the province or territory. The use of the podiatrist job title does not necessarily refer to doctors of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.).
Doctors of osteopathic medicine may obtain a licence as general practitioners.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certifications to practice as Doctors of osteopathic medicine in B.C.
- Registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia - Osteopaths
- Completion of the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada - Osteopaths
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Doctors of osteopathic medicine in B.C.
- Membership with Osteopathy British Columbia
- Registration with the British Columbia Osteopathic Association
Registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia - Osteopaths
Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To practice as a doctor of osteopathic medicine in BC, you must register with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. Eligibility is achieved by graduating from an accredited medical school, writing the Medical Council of Canada qualifying exams, and completing a residency program.
Visit websiteCompletion of the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada - Osteopaths
Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To practice as a doctor of osteopathic medicine, you must complete the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Eligibility is achieved through successful completion of a recognized program and the certifying examinations.
Visit websiteMembership with Osteopathy British Columbia
Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To practice as a doctor of osteopathic medicine in BC, you may choose to register with Osteopathy British Columbia. Eligibility is achieved through graduation from a full-time, 4-year osteopathy program or equivalent.
Visit websiteRegistration with the British Columbia Osteopathic Association
Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To practice as a doctor of osteopathic medicine, you may choose to register with the British Columbia Osteopathic Association. Eligibility is achieved by holding an osteopathic degree conferred by a COCA accredited College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Visit websitePost-secondary programs in B.C.
No programs available in B.C.
There are currently no programs offered at public post-secondary institutions in BC that will qualify you for this career. Please see the British Columbia Osteopathic Association website for other options.