How to Become a Chiropractor

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a Chiropractor in Canada? Knowing what your Chiropractor had to go through in order to serve the community lays a good foundation on what it is that they can help you with. Here is a breakdown of the educational and experiential requirements that one would need before they are deemed an active Chiropractor in Canada:

1) Post-Secondary Education

Before one goes to a specialized Chiropractic institute, they must have at least THREE years of post-secondary education. There is no specific degree or specialty necessary to apply to a Chiropractic college; however, it is beneficial to have a background in science courses as a lot of the courses in Chiropractic college are science based. This includes taking classes in physics, biology, chemistry, introductory psychology & mathematics, but not all required.

2) Chiropractic College

After meeting the above requirements, students will then be admitted into a FOUR to FIVE year program at a recognized Chiropractic institution. As of right now, there are 2 Chiropractic colleges in all of Canada: The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto & L’Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres in Quebec. However, this does not limit students to just two colleges, as colleges in the United States and other countries are recognized in the Chiropractic profession.

Students will undergo courses of multiple subjects ranging in science, research, business and patient management. Courses are very rigorous and this program is considered to be much heavier than most undergraduate programs within the same time span. A list of courses are as follows:

General Physical Examination, Differential Diagnosis, History-taking Skills, Laboratory Diagnosis, Neurology, Radiology, Rheumatology, Orthopaedics, Eyes, Ears Throat and Nose Studies, Basic Geriatrics, Basic Paediatrics, Basic Dermatology, Basic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Biomechanics, Biochemistry, ANATOMY (most hours), Neuroanatomy, Research, Ethical Business Practices… and more.

Following at least three years of in-class learning and labs, Chiropractic students spend their final year in internship, leading up to 1000 of clinical experience. Through this, students get immediate hands-on experience dealing with patients and practice management. By the end of the fourth year, with successful completion, students are given a DOCTORATE of CHIROPRACTIC. Chiropractic students can choose to specialize for different practices post-graduation.

3) Licensure

Once a person has been recognized as a Doctor of Chiropractic, in order to practice in their desired city, certain examinations must be completed in order to be fully licensed to practice. In Canada, there are THREE board exams that the Chiropractor must successfully complete in order to be recognized for practice in Canada. Each province then has an ethical exam in order for a Chiropractor to practice in their particular province, as scopes of practice can be different in individual processes. Chiropractors who received education in other countries are eligible for writing these exams as well in order to practice in Canada and in their respective province.

The process to become a Chiropractor may seem difficult and lengthy, but with good reason. Chiropractors have proven to be experts in their field due to the extensive education and requirements needed in order to practice, especially here in Canada. This shows that you can have confidence in your Mississauga Chiropractors to help you with your health needs, especially with their understanding of the spine. Your Chiropractors are fully equipped to help you improve your health so you can be at your best. If you have any questions or would like to see one of our Chiropractors today, please contact us at (905) 821-4951.