Thinking about chiropractic as a career path?
Or considering whether to undergo chiropractic treatment?
In this post, we answer some of the most common questions aspiring chiropractors, and prospective patients may have about how to become a chiropractor in the UK and their professional qualifications.
But first…
A chiropractor is a highly trained allied healthcare professional who specialises in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, specifically the spine.
Their primary methodology is the use of adjustment techniques – either manual or instrument-assisted – to correct spinal misalignments and restore function to the musculoskeletal system.
However, chiropractic is also very much a holistic healthcare profession, with a keen understanding of how the body’s various systems interconnect. Chiropractors are therefore just as interested in treating the whole body as they are in improving musculoskeletal health.
To achieve this, they frequently use holistic, non-invasive, and supportive therapies to help patients achieve optimum results from adjustments.
These may include:
Their overall aim as healthcare professionals is to alleviate pain; improve musculoskeletal function; encourage and support the body’s ability to heal itself; and help prevent further injury and pain.
In some countries, chiropractors are considered medical doctors. Elsewhere, including the UK, they are often classified as allied healthcare professionals.
So, although not ‘medically trained’ in the same sense as an MD, they do undergo similarly rigorous, extensive training to achieve a Masters level chiropractic qualification.
They receive extensive training in areas such as:
So, chiropractors have a very comprehensive understanding of the human body, and how it functions as a whole. Without this training and qualification, they are not allowed to practise as chiropractors.
They may also undergo additional specialist training if they want to focus on particular demographics, such as children, or pregnancy patients.
Chiropractors in the UK must hold a General Chiropractic Council (GCC) recognised Masters degree (an MChiro or MSc) from an accredited institution.
This involves completing a full-time, four to five-year Master’s degree from a college or institution such as the:
Upon qualification, chiropractors must then register with the General Chiropractic Council before they can legally practise. If they want to specialise in treating particular types of patients, or chiropractic techniques, additional training and qualifications are generally required.
Chiropractic is a holistic healthcare profession. As such, if you want to become a chiropractor, you will need a broad skill set that includes technical knowledge, good manual dexterity, and great interpersonal skills.
Specifically, core chiropractic skills include:
A career in chiropractic can be a rewarding experience, particularly if you are interested in providing holistic, non-invasive healthcare.
Alternatively, if you’re considering the pros and cons of chiropractic care, you can rest assured that UK chiropractors are comprehensively trained, highly skilled, certified healthcare professionals.
They have spent many years obtaining the extensive knowledge, skills, training, and experience required to become a licensed chiropractor here. Your healthcare will be in good hands!
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