Chiropractic training standards

Chiropractors are highly trained, primary contact health care professionals. They are experienced in a broad range of problems with the focus being the analysis and correction of vertebral subluxations for overall health and well-being.

Doctors of Chiropractic (DC's) must undergo a minimum 4 year full-time third level education comprising of no less than 4,200 hours of instruction. The extensive degree curriculum, specialising in chiropractic, includes diverse subjects such as; anatomy, biomechanics, biochemistry, neurology, philosophy, psychology, physics, physiology, radiography, radiology, along with spinal analysis and adjusting procedures. Many chiropractors also hold a Bachelor degree in a related health field.

There are several accrediting agencies for chiropractic institutions in various regions of the world. The Chiropractic Association of Ireland (CAI) accepts only chiropractors who have graduated from institutions that meet rigorous international standards.

Unfortunately, Ireland is one of the few remaining countries in the western world without chiropractic legislation. All members of the Chiropractic Association of Ireland (CAI) have the above standards of education. Members of the CAI are also required to complete continuing education to remain up-to-date and maintain high standards.

As such, CAI membership is the only safeguard to assure that you are attending a properly qualified chiropractor.

Doctors of Chiropractic can also undertake post-graduate training, generally equivalent to two years of instruction, leading to fellowship status in clinical sciences, radiology, neurology, sports sciences, paediatrics or orthopaedics.

If you are interested in a career in chiropractic please check out the weblinks to the various chiropractic colleges around the world.

The World Health Organisation has published guidelines for international standards on basic training and safety of chiropractic. Click here to view pdf in new browser window.