In Canada, chiropractors require a minimum of seven years post-secondary education. Following the completion of the prerequisite post-secondary education specified by each chiropractic educational institution, chiropractic students complete a four to five year (4,500 hour) classroom and clinical program from an accredited chiropractic college.
Doctors of Chiropractic are educated as primary contact practitioners, with an emphasis on neuro-musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. They are trained to diagnose, provide chiropractic care and consult with or refer to other health care providers.
While the specific education and training in accredited chiropractic colleges may vary slightly from institution to institution, it will typically include:
- Anatomy, physiology, disease pathology, biochemistry, neurology, histology, radiology, immunology, microbiology, clinical sciences, body mechanics and nutrition. These courses provide students with a firm understanding of body processes in health and disease. Clinical training, including a lengthy internship program, provides knowledge in areas such as systems diagnosis and treatment protocols
- Specialized training in chiropractic, including theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and application
- Education in therapeutic techniques including palpation and instruction on how to adjust the spine and body joints
- Two-year clinical internship with actual patient care (completed during last two years of study) and more than 600 course hours. The majority of the internship period is focused on spinal adjustment competency.
Following successful completion of the education described above, chiropractors wishing to work in Alberta must register to practice in the province. They must meet the ACAC registration requirements including passing national board exams. To maintain their registration and practice permit, chiropractors must remain an active ACAC member and maintain their professional competency through a mandatory continuing competence program.
