Education of a Chiropractor

Postsecondary Education

Long studious hours are requisite to becoming a Chiropractor in Canada today.  Post secondary requirements before entering the Chiropractic College inlcude a successful completion of a three year degree in any discipline in a Canadian University or equivalent. 

Chiropractic selection and education

After a long process of application, interview and successful selection, the future Chiropractor enters the 4-5 years extensive chiropractic program.  Chiropractors receive training in the sciences necessary to understand, diagnose and treat conditions of the neuromuscular system.  Some of the courses include anatomy, physiology, pathology, histology, biochemistry, adjusting techniques, radiology, rehabilitation, and sports chiropractic.  

They work in the student clinics with patients during their last year of study.  The accredited schools require a minimum of four to five academic years of study, totaling no less than 4500 hours.

Licensure

Chiropractic is a licensed profession, which means Chiropractors cannot practice Chiropractic without a license.  They receive their license after long extensive examinations from the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (National exams) and the provincial college of choice. 

In Ontario

Before individuals can practice chiropractic in Ontario, they must pass both National and Provincial Board examinations. Provincial exams in Ontario are administered by a regulatory authority, the College of Chiropractors of Ontario established by the Chiropractic Act of 1991. The practice of chiropractic has been regulated in Ontario since 1927. National clinical practice guidelines were established in 1993 through the Canadian Chiropractic Association. These national guidelines are intended to provide individual chiropractors with guidance in patient care and evaluation.

The Regulated Health Professions Act 1991 (RHPA) and the Chiropractic Act 1991, stipulate the scope of practice for chiropractic in Ontario as the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders arising from the spine, other joints, and related tissues. Chiropractic is one of the five professions authorized to perform and communicate a diagnosis, and use the title "Doctor". The other professions using the title of "Doctor" are: dentistry, medicine, optometry, and psychology.