Becoming a Chiropractor

The chiropractic profession

About 3,500 qualified chiropractors registered to practise in the UK, equally split between women and men. Although still a relatively small profession, chiropractic is a valuable part of the UK's health and social care sector, helping millions of patients each year.

Chiropractors help treat problems with the bones, joints and muscles that support the body, ie. the musculoskeletal system. As many chiropractic treatments use very precise handling or movement, it can be a physically demanding job.  

However, becoming a chiropractor can offer a rewarding long-term career. Almost all chiropractors in the UK work on a self-employed basis which provides flexibility in working hours and location. 

The General Chiropractic Council

To begin, the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) is not a membership association but one of nine UK health and social care regulators. Although we are the smallest regulator, our role, responsibilities and functions are the same as those of the General Medical Council for doctors or the General Dental Council for dentists. 

Our primary role is to protect the health and safety of the public by ensuring the highest standards of chiropractic practice within the profession.

We do this by:

1. Maintaining the UK Register of all chiropractors. It is illegal to call or refer to yourself as a chiropractor unless registered with the GCC. 
2. Publishing a Code covering the standards of chiropractic practice and professional conduct that all chiropractors must meet. 
3. Developing and maintaining chiropractic Education Standards for those who wish to become chiropractors
4. Taking action if a chiropractor fails to meet our standards

Is chiropractic the career for me?

To become a chiropractor and practise in the UK, you will need to complete an approved chiropractic degree, register with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), and meet and maintain the requirements of the Code. These criteria are essential to ensure that all chiropractors treat patients safely and to a consistently high standard. 

In this Society for Promoting Chiropractic Education (SPCE) video, you will hear from chiropractors and students about their experiences within the chiropractic profession.

Finally, we have created three informative sections to help you decide if becoming a chiropractor is the career for you, from choosing where to study to registering with the GCC.

Next: Studying to become a chiropractor