Choosing between BSO vs. BCOM

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Permalink Reply by Jody Jakob on May 30, 2008 at 7:10am

Hi! do you know how to use the Pendulum?? Ask it to help you.
Or try the I Ching.....very reliable answers.

Permalink Reply by Heather on May 30, 2008 at 10:18am

Haha!! Yes I do have a pendulum and should ask the I Ching... My over-analytical mind was wondering if I could have more inside information from both schools :-) but I should just sit down, shut up, meditate and I'll get a clear answer about where I should go!!

Permalink Reply by claire on May 30, 2008 at 9:54am

I visited both colleges too. I think you did have a different feeling in the school (bso or bcom). Think about where you really want to study and pass 4 years speak with students you may have more feeling with a kind of students. I found Bcom friendlier, and open minded. BSO was like "we are the best in the place of osteopathy" ... " you HAVE to subscribe in our school" but that's only MY feeling !!
Didi you try maidstone ?

Permalink Reply by Heather on May 30, 2008 at 10:23am

Hi! Yes I visited Maidstone too and found it lovely. It's just that it's really in the middle of nowhere and despite knowing that I'll be spending most of my time in books, I feel like I'll go insane in such a small place... Yes I did find BCOM super friendly too... And they now offer a Masters in Osteopathy (subject to approval), just like BSO, which is fantastic news :-)

Permalink Reply by Clement Rhein on May 30, 2008 at 12:06pm

For me, I know what made me decide was the curriculum.
BSO, you learn a lot of structural approach with some insight into functional/cranial osteopathy. At the end you come out with excellent structural skills. Then you can spend effort doing post grad course to go into other parts of osteopathy. (correct me if I'm wrong)
At the ESO, you learn the whole spectrum of approaches. Its quite a bit to learn so in the end you come out with loads of skills that you may not be excellent at. But then you have a wide range of techniques to choose from when treating patient. You can choose (educatedly) the techniques that you like/find work the best for you and use them more and get better at them.
Don't know about BCOM.

Regarding the location, if you like the London life, then obviously BSO/BCOM is the way to go for that.
Some people do feel trapped in maidstone. Personally, I remember going for early morning practice and catching the sun rise on the Boxley house green, coupled with a few birds singing and a hot cup of coffee... Playing freesby on the grass or just letting your body absorb the sun at break time... going for a little walk in the boxley hills after lunch... I wouldn't have want to be in any other place.
For me, you make a town what you want it to be. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in maidstone. When you have the right crowd of people, any activity in any place is good fun.
Regarding mature students, we had around 10 people over the age of 28 (out of 70 ish) and I have to say, no difference was made, everybody connected!

Given all this information, I do think to make your decision the pendulum, or sticks, or just your gut are the best things to use ;-)
Best of luck heather

Permalink Reply by Heather on May 31, 2008 at 12:02am

Merci Clément :-)
Pas trop dure la situation des osthéopathes en France????
I did really like the style of teaching at ESO, especially since I have a keen interest in CST and ESO is the only school incorporating such techniques at Undergrad level, but I am somewhat drawn to London and its gigantic melting pot... Your description of Boxley House sounds heavenly and the day I had my interview there, it was gorgeous... I get along with pretty much anyone so I'm not worried about not feeling integrated - - but I just feel that 4 years is a long time to be in a small town when you are used to living in cities... Enfin voilà... Merci encore pour ta longue explication et bon courage en France :-)

Permalink Reply by Ronan O'Brien on May 31, 2008 at 9:02am

Hey Heather

Both universities have their strong points. I have a tough decision to make too when I was deciding! My choice was between ESO (beautiful location, wide variety of osteopathic approaches) and BSO (international reputation, masters track & new clinic). BCOM was not an option due to their crazy fees at the time. The biggest decision for me was about location - I wasn't sure I wanted to live in London for another 4 years but also was not sure I could stay in Maidstone.

I don't think any osteopathy school in the UK has a monopoly on "best". The question is what is best for you - what environment is going to get the most out of you and support you to become the osteopath you want to be. In the same vein, I see neither school as more osteopathic or "holistic" - osteopathy is whole in itself. The way I see it, the purpose of an osteopathic degree is to give us a foundation in osteopathy in a safe and competent way. We have all of our professional lives to discover and explore the flavours that appeal to us the most.

Since I am a student at the BSO and therefore slightly biased, I will add the BSO has a fantastic social scene. There are regular events such as quizzes, party nights and recently a very successful sports day. The environment is very friendly. The BSO seems to have a reputation for being conservative but I have not found this to be the case - at least amongst the student population ;)

Best of luck with your decision!

Permalink Reply by lauren storey on May 31, 2008 at 12:54pm

Hi Heather,

As there has been no BCOM representation yet i feel i should say something! Im just about finish my degree at BCOM and can say i haven't ever regretted choosing it above the other universities. It is however a very personal choice. If diversity of students is an issue for you then BCOM should not be a problem, within my year at the age ranges from early 20's to mid 40's from a variety of different backgrounds and careers and due to BCOM now becoming funded the diverity is only going to increase.
Living in north london is also incredibly enjoyable with hampstead heath and primrose hill short walks away your never far from escaping the stress of london, along with being within 20mins of some of the best bars, clubs, cafes to suit all tastes!
The way in which the course is taught is possibly the most hollistic, teaching both naturopathy as well as dietetics and not only structural but visceral and (sutherland) cranial osteopathy.

I think the most important factor though is where you can see your self being for the next four years, the courses are all very tough and so you really need to be at a place you feel comfortable and able to work and learn.

Hope this has been of help, if your need and more BCOM related info just send me a message!

Permalink Reply by Daniel Burne on June 2, 2008 at 6:07pm

Clement: we do naturopathy for the 1st 2 years (would have liked more, but this is likely to change in the next few years), with nutrition and dietetics in the 2nd year as well.
then 3rd year there's visceral osteopathy (with loads of naturopathy involved).
4th year not so much.. get a naturopathic approach to gynae and obstetrics (on the syllabus) but is a much more varied lecture, covering a lot

qualification? we get an ND.. Naturopathic Diploma.. (making a total of 3 qualification.. the bsc, DO and DN) oh yeah! eat that! =P

naturopathy is encouraged by most tutors.. to a degree, as ever there're some who don't at all, while others will insist you do a lot. in the end we have to make sure we're looking at the patient from all angles, and are supposed to give every patient a diet diary at some point. usually it's just simple hydro and small dietary adjustments for the patient (such as anti inflam foods, sources of different vits and minerals.. etc).

CST = Cranio-Sacral Technique... yes?

back on subject
Heather: there's not much more to add, as everyone says it's really just which one gives you the better vibe.. be warned though... whichever you choose you will become extremely defensive and loving of (even in the tough times) (BSO and ESO = laaaaame)

..that's it for me i think

Permalink Reply by Ronan O'Brien on June 3, 2008 at 7:43am

Clement, with my moderator hat on, if you are interesting in learning more naturopathy and advice on weight loss please start a different discussion rather than "hijacking" this thread. Thanks.

Permalink Reply by claire O Mahony on June 1, 2008 at 8:50am

Like you Heather I had the same dilemma!
I also come from a Holistic background and wanted to nourish that further. Coming from Ireland the land of the green hills, the ESO was like the Lottery ticket, Boxley House set out on the country manor is an amazing location and takes your breath away. What a treat to study there I thought. However, when examining the course I felt I needed a sound structural base rather that many techniques. The ESO I felt for me would make me a 'Jack of all Trades'. If like me you might feel like this already being from a holistic background.

The toss up for BCOM and BSO, was an easy toss as there was no coin to toss with! The fees! But now this is not the case, so this is a very positive step for BCOM and their Naturopathy is a major plus. And first impressions they did get my vote as the friendliest 'good vibe' college.

The BSO impression is quiet full on, very structured and organised, regimental maybe! But they do mean the business, you will be a 'Master' of structural osteo view. And from there you can grow after the BSO with other styles of osteo education.
I imagine all people with the great vocational calling are made of the same beautiful ingredients so no matter what college you go to, the students will be inspiring and enable you to go beyond what you though possible, simply soar in such positivity and belief.
Which one did I go to? The BSO! I intend to do postgrad in the other colleges...to get the flavors after I have a solid base and that is what the BSO do very well.
Best of luck, go with your instinct, where did you feel at home?....thats the answer.
Claire :)

Permalink Reply by Heath Williams on June 7, 2008 at 10:54pm

has anyone thought about the london school osteopathy

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