What does it take to become a registered Chiropractor?

To be a registered chiropractor in Australia, the chiropractors at Moorooka Chiropractic Centre must complete a minimum of five years of higher education, which includes both academic and clinical training. 

“This is a rigorous and demanding process that requires a significant amount of commitment and dedication.”, said Brett Bolton, Chiropractor at Moorooka Chiropractic Centre. 

The specific steps that a chiropractor has to complete before becoming a registered chiropractor in Australia are as follows:

1. Complete a Bachelor's degree: The first step is to complete a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as health science or biomedical science. This degree typically takes three years to complete and supplies the foundational knowledge needed for further study.
2. Complete a Master's degree: After completing a Bachelor's degree, aspiring chiropractors must enrol in and complete a Master's degree in Chiropractic. This degree program typically takes two years to complete and includes both academic coursework and hands-on clinical training.
3. Register with the Chiropractic Board of Australia: Once an individual has completed their education and training, they must register with the Chiropractic Board of Australia. This board is responsible for regulating the chiropractic profession in the country, and it sets the standards for education, training, and practice.
4. Maintain ongoing education and training: In order for the doctors at Moorooka Chiropractic Centre to be registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia, they must participate in ongoing education and training, or known as Continuing Professional Development (CPD). They must undertake at least 20 hours of CPD activities every year, as outlined in the Chiropractic Board’s Registration Standard, to meet registration requirements. This ensures that they stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and are able to provide the best possible care to their patients.

Currently there are 4 universities and one college that offer Chiropractic degree programs in Australia: 

• RMIT University in Melbourne, Victoria offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (Chiropractic)
• Macquarie University in Sydney, New South Wales has a 3 year Bachelor of Chiropractic Science which provides the basis for entry into a 2 year Masters of Chiropractic. 
• Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia offers Bachelor of Applied Science (in chiropractic)/Bachelor of Chiropractic. This is offered as a double degree.
• Central Queensland University (Mackay and Brisbane) offers a 3-year Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic) and a 2-year Masters of Clinical Chiropractic.
• Australian Chiropractic College in Adelaide, SA offers a 4 year Bachelor of Chiropractic Degree with a 1 year university level entrance requirement. 

At Moorooka Chiropractic Centre, Dr. Sam Fitzgibbons has a Master of Chiropractic Degree from Macquarie University, following his Bachelor of Health Science in Acupuncture from the Australian College of Natural Medicine. Dr. Brett Bolton graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in the US, with a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) with Research Honors. Prior to attending Palmer College, Brett completed a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from the University of New England.

In addition to the above steps, there are a number of other requirements that must be met to become a registered chiropractor in Australia. These include:

• Meeting the English language ability requirements.
• Passing a criminal history check.
• Supplying evidence of good character.
• Meeting the professional indemnity insurance requirements.

Long gone are the “good old days” of a chiropractor not requiring a licence. The truth is that your chiropractor’s education never ends until their professional chiropractic career is over. Dr. Sam and Dr. Brett, over the years, have completed further studies in Thompson Terminal point technique accurate assessment/Diagnosis of shoulder and hip dysfunction, Activator Method. Dr Sam Fitzgibbons, the Clinic Director, has also done further study with Titleist Performance Institute/golf swing assessment, paediatric assessment and treatment.

In conclusion, becoming a registered chiropractor in Australia requires a significant amount of education and training. Individuals must complete a Bachelor's degree, a Master's degree in chiropractic, and register with the Chiropractic Board of Australia. They must also meet several other requirements such as continuing education. A chiropractic education never ends throughout your professional career. A criminal history check is also an important piece to practicing Chiropractic in the Australian health care system. At Moorooka Chiropractic Centre we are committed to providing safe Chiropractic care to the community.