How long does it take to become a Chiropractor?
Blog: how long do Chiropractors train?
Chiropractors are highly skilled and highly trained professionals able to assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of common musculoskeletal conditions including but not limited to back and neck pain, minor sports injuries and sciatica. Over 3,800 Chiropractors are operating in the UK.
How does one become a Chiropractor?
Chiropractic is a regulated profession - meaning you cannot just call yourself a ‘Chiropractor’ unless you are registered with the General Chiropractic Council. Registering with the GCC means you have completed an approved chiropractic degree course and are required to complete 30 hours of CPD (continued professional development) per year. The GCC helps to maintain the professional standards by setting strict guidelines for Chiropractic practise, education, and patient care.
What type of training do Chiropractors undertake?
Currently there are five GCC-approved institutions in the UK which provide Chiropractic degree programs:
- Health Sciences University (formerly AECC school of Chiropractic) in Bournemouth
- London South Bank University
- McTimoney College of Chiropractic
- Teesside University
- University of South Wales (Welsh Institute of Chiropractic or WIOC)
Most places offer either undergraduate or postgraduate master’s degree courses which enable you to register with the General Chiropractic Council. Undergraduate degrees usually take 4 or 5 years, with the last year being a clinical placement year where you work directly with patients under supervision.
My Career as a Chiropractor
I began studying at the Health Sciences University (formerly known as the Anglo European College of Chiropractic) in Bournemouth in 2016. I completed a foundation year in human biology and did four more years at the AECC before graduating as a fully fledged Chiropractor.
Sunny Bournemouth with Isle of Wight in the distance
During my training I learned human anatomy, pathology and physiology, diagnosis, psychology and professionalism. There’s an emphasis on orthopaedics and neurology in the later years, as well as 3rd and final year research projects. My final year was spent in the teaching clinic treating my own patients under the supervision of tutors, while I also had a business project and another research project to complete.
From the outset there was a big focus on self-reflection with numerous reflective essays, though in the final years these were more centred on self-directed learning. Once you graduate, the learning never stops! As a Chiropractor it’s very important to be able to identify gaps in your knowledge and use resources to guide your own continued learning.
My time at the teaching clinic
The practical skills take years to develop. We started to refine our sense of palpation very early on and began learning adjustments from year 2. Since graduating over 3 years ago I have continued to broaden my skills through self-directed learning as well as in-person seminars.
In 2024 I began my course in Animal Chiropractic with the International Academy of Veterinary Chiropractors (IAVC) in the New Forest. After a fairly intensive course with over 30 case studies, I can now deliver gentle and effective Chiropractic treatments to horses and dogs as well as humans.
IAVC animal course in the New Forest
I am now happy to boast a wide range of treatments, including sports massage, dry needling, electro dry needling, and sports taping – and have applied my skills to thousands of satisfied patients during my career in private practise and now animal patients as well!
Sources:
General Chiropractic Council https://www.gcc-uk.org/education/studying-to-become-a-chiropractor
Personal experience