Do You Want To Be A Chiropractor? Here Is A Quick Guide

Are you interested in becoming a chiropractor?

​​Working as a chiropractor is a good option if you are a healthcare practitioner who wants to begin a career in natural therapies. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, read on to learn about how to become a chiropractor in Australia.

What is a chiropractor?

A chiropractor is a healthcare practitioner who focuses on addressing disorders of the musculoskeletal system. They are trained to diagnose and prevent spine, joint, and muscle-related health issues.

A chiropractor will ask about a patient’s medical history and order tests to find out the cause of your concern. They will then use various techniques such as spinal manipulation, soft tissue massage to address your problem.

What health issues can chiropractors help address?

As a chiropractor, you will use evidence-based approaches to address a variety of musculoskeletal problems.

As a chiro practitioner, you may diagnose and help manage the following conditions:

• lower back pain
• sciatica
• nerve pain
• chronic pain
• some cases of headaches
• neck pain.

These are just a few examples. There are many approaches that chiropractors may employ like acupuncture and dry needling.

How can I become a chiropractor?

To become a chiropractor, you must first obtain a Bachelor of Health Science with a major in chiropractic from a nationally accredited institution. This five-year program provides a solid scientific foundation in subjects such as chemistry, physiology, anatomy, and biology, to name a few.

Here are the top schools for chiropractic in Australia:

• RMIT University
• Macquarie University
• Murdoch University
• Australian Chiropractic College
• Central Queensland University.

These schools offer different pathways in becoming a chiropractor.

How can I register after completing my studies?

After studying and earning your certification from an authorised Australian institution, you can join the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

AHPRA is the country’s governing body for certified health practitioners, and it establishes performance standards to which its members must adhere.

You will renew your registration every year, proving that you have completed the required CPD (Continued Professional Development) units. CPD includes seminars and training courses that keep you up to date on the latest developments in the chiropractic field.

As a certified chiropractor, you can work alongside other health practitioners, in any healthcare setting, or even open your own clinic. Setting up your own practice allows you to work flexible hours while still providing your clients with high-quality care and treatment.

Finding a job as a chiropractor

The last step is to find work as a chiropractor in Australia. You can either collaborate with another practitioner or join a larger chiropractic facility.

You can also consider starting and managing your own clinic. It is important to remember that joining an existing practice is easier than starting your own clinic. Both options have their own pros and cons.

Takeaway

A chiropractor is a healthcare practitioner who focuses on the diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractic relies on hands-on spinal manipulation to improve muscle function and promote musculoskeletal health.

There are so many different options out there for those interested in a career in chiropractic! You might want to consider getting started on your career path!