Chiropractic Training and Qualifications: Everything You Need to Know.

You may have heard chiropractors do lots of training before they qualify? In this guide, we’ll explore the world of chiropractic training and qualifications, giving you all the information you need to understand this fascinating field.

The Path to Becoming a Qualified Chiropractor

Becoming a chiropractor requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for helping others. The journey to becoming a qualified chiropractor in the UK involves several key steps:

1. Completing secondary education

2. Earning a chiropractic degree

3. Gaining practical experience

4. Obtaining registration with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC)

Let’s explore each of these steps in more detail.

Step 1: Secondary Education

To pursue a career in chiropractic, you’ll need to have a strong foundation in science subjects. Most chiropractic programmes require applicants to have completed A-levels or equivalent qualifications in biology, chemistry, and/or physics. Good grades in mathematics and English are also important.

Step 2: Chiropractic Degree

The next step in your journey is to complete a recognised chiropractic degree programme. Typically most chiropractic degrees include 1900 hours of learning, with 1070 total hours of self study, resulting in a Master level qualification in Chiropractic. In the UK, there are several institutions that offer accredited chiropractic courses:

1. HSU – Health Sciences University, Bournemouth

2. University of South Wales, Welsh Institute of Chiropractic

3. London South Bank University

4. McTimoney College of Chiropractic, Abingdon

These programmes typically take four to five years to complete and lead to a Master of Chiropractic (MChiro) degree or equivalent qualification. The curriculum combines theoretical learning with practical training, covering subjects such as:

– Anatomy and physiology

– Pathology

– Biomechanics

– Diagnostic imaging

– Chiropractic techniques

– Clinical skills

– Research methods

Throughout your studies, you’ll have opportunities to practice your skills in supervised clinical settings, working with real patients under the guidance of experienced chiropractors.

Step 3: Practical Experience

While studying for your chiropractic degree, during the final year (clinical year) you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience through clinical placements and internships. These practical learning opportunities are crucial for developing your skills and confidence as a future chiropractor. You’ll learn how to:

– Assess patients

– Develop treatment plans

– Perform chiropractic adjustments and manipulations

– Communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals

Your treatments will be observed and supervised, indeed your treatment plan will be assessed for its viability even before the patient starts care. Many chiropractic students also choose to attend additional workshops, seminars, and conferences to further enhance their skills and knowledge.

Step 4: Registration with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC)

Once you’ve completed your chiropractic degree, the final step to becoming a qualified chiropractor in the UK is to register with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). The GCC is the statutory regulator for the chiropractic profession in the UK, ensuring that all practicing chiropractors meet high standards of education, training, and professional conduct.

To register with the GCC, you’ll need to:

1. Hold a recognised chiropractic qualification

2. Provide evidence of good health and good character

3. Have professional indemnity insurance

4. Pay the registration fee

Once registered, you’ll be legally entitled to practice as a chiropractor in the UK and use the protected title “chiropractor” or “Doctor of Chiropractic.”

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The learning journey doesn’t end once you become a qualified chiropractor. To maintain your registration with the GCC and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, you’ll need to engage in continuing professional development (CPD) activities throughout your career.

CPD can take many forms, including:

– Attending conferences and seminars

– Participating in workshops and training courses

– Reading professional journals and research papers

– Engaging in peer review and clinical audit activities

– Undertaking postgraduate studies

The GCC requires all registered chiropractors to complete at least 30 hours of CPD per year, ensuring that practitioners maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills throughout their careers.

Specialisations and Advanced Training

As you progress in your chiropractic career, you may choose to specialise in particular areas of practice or pursue advanced training. However, due to the code of conduct you will not be able to call yourself a specialist in those areas.  Some popular areas of specialisation include:

– Sports chiropractic

– Paediatric chiropractic

– Geriatric chiropractic

– Neurology

– Orthopaedics

– Rehabilitation

Many chiropractors also choose to learn additional complementary techniques such as acupuncture, nutrition counselling, or exercise prescription to enhance their treatment offerings.

The Role of the General Chiropractic Council (GCC)

We’ve mentioned the GCC several times, but it’s worth exploring their role in more detail. As the regulator for the chiropractic profession in the UK, the GCC plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards of chiropractic care and protecting the public.

The GCC’s responsibilities include:

1. Setting standards for chiropractic education and training

2. Maintaining a register of qualified chiropractors

3. Investigating complaints and taking disciplinary action when necessary

4. Promoting good practice within the profession

5. Providing information to the public about chiropractic care

By ensuring that all registered chiropractors meet strict educational and professional standards, the GCC helps to maintain public confidence in the chiropractic profession.

The Rewards of a Chiropractic Career

Becoming a qualified chiropractor is a challenging but rewarding journey. As a chiropractor, you’ll have the opportunity to:

– Make a positive impact on people’s lives by alleviating pain and improving function

– Work independently or as part of a healthcare team

– Enjoy a varied and intellectually stimulating career

– Develop long-term relationships with patients

– Contribute to the growing field of musculoskeletal health

Many chiropractors find great satisfaction in helping patients achieve better health and well-being through natural, drug-free treatments.

Is Chiropractic Right for You?

If you’re considering a career in chiropractic, ask yourself these questions:

1. Are you passionate about health and wellness?

2. Do you enjoy working closely with people?

3. Are you interested in the science of the human body?

4. Do you have good manual dexterity and physical stamina?

5. Are you willing to commit to ongoing learning and professional development?

If you answered yes to these questions, a career in chiropractic could be an excellent fit for you!

Conclusion

Becoming a qualified chiropractor is a journey that requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to lifelong learning. From completing your secondary education to earning your chiropractic degree, gaining practical experience, and registering with the General Chiropractic Council, each step of the process is designed to ensure that you develop the knowledge, skills, and professionalism needed to provide high-quality care to your patients.

Remember, the field of chiropractic is constantly evolving, with new research and techniques emerging all the time. By staying curious, engaging in continuing professional development, and maintaining your registration with the GCC, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy a long and fulfilling career as a chiropractor.

Whether you’re just starting to explore the possibility of becoming a chiropractor or you’re already well on your way, we hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the world of chiropractic training and qualifications. If you have any questions about pursuing a career in chiropractic, don’t hesitate to reach out to the chiropractic schools mentioned in this article or contact the General Chiropractic Council for more information.

Your journey to becoming a qualified chiropractor starts here – are you ready to take the first step?