Are chiropractors doctors? Well, it depends on where you are. In the UK, chiropractors are allied healthcare professionals, NOT medical doctors (MDs). In the US, chiropractors ARE considered doctors and hold a Doctor of Chiropractic qualification.
MD or not, chiropractors are still highly trained professionals. In the UK, they must have a General Chiropractic Council (GCC) recognised Master of Chiropractic (MChiro) or Master of Science (MSc) in Chiropractic to practise.
In this post, we discuss what qualifications chiropractors need to practice, and how to become a chiropractor here in the UK.
But first – what is the difference between a medical doctor (MD) and a chiropractor?
Medical doctors in the UK are licensed to prescribe medications and perform procedures like surgery. Healthcare professionals, like chiropractors, are not.
Chiropractors in the UK have to complete a full time 4 or 5-year Masters degree in Chiropractics or Science (Chiropractic) from a GCC accredited institution such as the:
Overseas trained chiropractors may practice in the UK but must hold an equivalent (and GCC-recognised) qualification. Recognised chiropractic courses include both theoretical and practical components.
In addition to either a Master of Chiropractic or a Master of Science in Chiropractic, chiropractors in the UK must register with the GCC before they can legally practice here.
This is also the case for chiropractors who hold degrees and qualifications from overseas institutions.
GCC registration guarantees that a chiropractor has met the stringent educational and professional standards needed to be a licensed UK chiropractor.
Chiropractors here also have an obligation to undergo continuous professional development to maintain their registration. This helps them stay up to date with the latest developments and research in the field.
Additional certifications and specialisations are also available for chiropractors who want to specialise in particular techniques (Activator, Gonstead, Thompson etc), or patient types (paediatric, pre-natal, postnatal and so on). They may hold qualifications in complementary therapies like acupuncture too.
As part of their Masters degree, chiropractic students take a very comprehensive curriculum that covers subjects like:
These courses provide them with the necessary understanding of human anatomy and physiology they’ll need to become practising chiropractors.
Chiropractic students are also given a good background in
These courses equip them to diagnose and manage musculoskeletal conditions.
Finally, chiropractors receive extensive practical and hands on experience in:
Students also study ethical practice, patient communication, and business management. This prepares them with the necessary skill sets to manage a professional chiropractic practice.
Whilst chiropractors are not medical doctors (MDs), they are nevertheless highly trained healthcare professionals who hold a Masters Degree in either Chiropractic or Science (Chiropractic). Specialists in their field, are trained to diagnose and treat physical disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
They may also hold qualifications in supportive therapies including acupuncture, soft tissue therapies, rehab exercise, and nutrition. Plus they may be qualified to undertake particular types of chiropractic techniques or have specialist skills for treating pregnant women, children, or sports injuries.
contact@wealdchiropractic.co.uk
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