Chiropractor : Entry requirements

The title chiropractor is protected under law and all UK-based chiropractors must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), the statutory body responsible for regulating the practice of chiropractic in the UK.

The GCC sets the standard of education in chiropractic and all chiropractors must have graduated from an accredited institution before being accepted onto the GCC register. There are currently three GCC-recognised courses in the country:

• The Welsh Institute of Chiropractic , at the University of Glamorgan, offers a four-year, full-time, undergraduate integrated Master of Chiropractic (MChiro) degree;
• the Anglo European College of Chiropractic (AECC) , in Bournemouth, offers a degree programme requiring four years of full-time study, leading to the award of an undergraduate Master of Chiropractic (MChiro);
• the McTimoney College of Chiropractic  based in Oxfordshire, offers a five-year undergraduate Integrated Masters in Chiropractic (MChiro) programme, which is validated by the University of Wales. This modular programme combines college-based and open learning with supervised clinical training.

The courses cover subjects such as anatomy, biomechanics, pathology, physiology, orthopaedics and diagnosis, as well as practical training in adjustment and supervised clinical training.

Graduates of any subject may be considered for entry, provided they can show an adequate background in science, normally three science A-levels or equivalent. Life and medical sciences qualifications may give some exemptions from professional/theoretical examinations. One-year preliminary chiropractic courses leading to the award of the Foundation Certificate in Chiropractic are available for applicants without the usual entry qualifications.

Candidates must have spent time observing in a clinical chiropractic setting. They must also show evidence of the following:

• a real interest in chiropractic;
• the ability to cope with the intellectual and physical demands of the training and the profession;
• strong communication and interpersonal skills;
• an enquiring and critical mind;
• a logical approach to problem-solving;
• sensitivity, empathy and discretion.

A driving licence is also useful for travel between practices.

Those wishing to enter the GCC register following a degree course must satisfy the GCC that they are of good character: chiropractic is a notifiable occupation, which means that candidates are required to provide a criminal record disclosure. They must also satisfy the GCC that they are physically and mentally fit and have professional indemnity insurance cover of at least £3million.

Graduates retraining may have to fund themselves and fees for courses vary: at the McTimoney College of Chiropractic, in the region of £5,475 per year; at the AECC, £3,375 per year for home/EU students; at the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic, £3,290 per year. Awards may be available from local education authorities.

Adult entry is usual as life experience is an important asset. According to the GCC, 80% of chiropractors in the UK are aged over 30.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.