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If you are passionate about helping others and are looking for a rewarding lifelong career, chiropractic may be the profession for you.

Did you know, 95% of chiropractic
graduates find employment within six months?


Studying to become a chiropractor

In the video below, you'll discover:

  • What you need to study to become a chiropractor
  • The core skills required for chiropractors
  • Where you can pursue your studies
  • What you'll learn in an undergraduate chiropractic course


 

What qualifications do you need to study chiropractic? 

Although entry requirements do vary, five GCSEs, including English and Maths, and three A-levels, including one science, are generally needed.  

 

Pathway to becoming a chiropractor

This visual guide will help you understand the educational journey required to enter the chiropractic profession.

Timeline illustrating the process of becoming a chiropractor.


The core skills which chiropractors must have are:  

  • Knowledge of how the human body works 
  • Empathy, sensitivity and understanding when meeting and treating patients 
  • Teamworking and interpersonal skills 
  • Attention to detail, both verbal and written 
  • An ability to recognise professional limits 
  • Good reasoning and problem-solving skills


 

Where can I study chiropractic? 

There are currently five educational establishments in the UK that offer approved degree programmes  in chiropractic. These chiropractic degree programmes have been assessed by the GCC to ensure they meet our Education Standards.  

The GCC approves programmes from the following institutions:

HSU Health Sciences University logo   

As the first Chiropractic institution in Europe, Health Sciences University (previously AECC University College) have been leaders in musculoskeletal health and wellbeing for over 55 years. With decades of experience refining their Chiropractic offer, HSU have innovated and grown to become one of the leading providers of Chiropractic today.

Whatever your level of study and experience, there are routes into the profession to suit all needs. HSU also have a range of postgraduate options for qualified chiropractors, and other health science professionals wishing to expand their thinking, knowledge and skills, as well as short courses and CPD.

Find out more about HSU here

London South Bank University logo

Take the next step towards a successful career in Chiropractic with London’s only Chiropractic course. An LSBU Integrated Masters Degree will allow you to develop your diagnostic, research and clinical skills to enable you to identify, diagnose, treat and prevent disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system, and, in doing so, to transform your patients’ lives.

You’ll be learning in LSBU's brand new dedicated Chiropractic facilities. You’ll also have the chance to observe clinical practice from the very first year of the course with annual clinical placements, forming a core part of your education. LSBU's clinical placements are based in chiropractic clinics throughout London and the South of England. In your final year, LSBU's public facing Chiropractic clinic will give you first-hand experience of working with patients, and growing community connections.

Find out more about LSBU here

McTimoney College of Chiropractic logo

McTimoney College accommodates students who are fresh out of school as well as mature individuals with life experience and an understanding of potential patient needs. Whether your passion is in chiropractic care for people or animals, McTimoney College provide a diverse range of chiropractic programmes in both areas.

As part of the College of Health, McTimoney College of Chiropractic will prepare you for your career as a chiropractor by providing support at each stage of your educational journey. By using a whole-body approach, with a sound understanding of the medical and scientific implications, chiropractic ensures a healthy balance in all aspects of the body’s daily functions, providing a route to better health.

Regardless of your chosen programme, you will graduate with sound understanding of the subject and an official chiropractic degree, ensuring a high-quality learning experience.

Find out more about McTimoney College here

Teesside University logo

Teesside University's chiropractic course will develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours which will enable you to deliver high levels of patient care in a safe and competent manner.

A mix of theory and practical-based modules develop the required knowledge base and practical skills required to be a chiropractor. You will undertake several clinical placements throughout the course, including spending time in chiropractic practices throughout the North East of England. This will include four - ten days in Year 1, ten days in Year 2, and 26 days in Year 3. Year 4 includes a clinical placement in an on-campus outpatients’ clinic. 

Find out more about Teesside here

University of South Wales logo

Experience hands-on learning inside the dedicated Welsh Institute of Chiropractic (WIoC) centre. Elements of clinical work are introduced from the start and are carefully integrated to reinforce your academic study.

University of South Wales is 2nd in the UK for Complemetary Medicine (Complete University Guide 2023). There are over 18 treatment rooms and simulation suites with specialist industry-leading equipment.

Find out more about University of South Wales here

You can check if a chiropractic programme is approved by the GCC by looking out for this mark:

General Chiropractic Council Approved mark

 


 

What will I learn? 

As part of your studies to become a chiropractor you will learn the basic sciences and knowledge of how the body works, progressing to learning how to care for patients, how to fulfil your duties as a regulated healthcare professional and how to keep your knowledge and skills up to date in line with new research evidence throughout your professional life.  

It is also important that new chiropractors understand the wider healthcare system and can collaborate with other healthcare professionals for the benefit of your patients. 

During your studies, you must meet set standards (called learning outcomes) in the following areas of knowledge and skills: 

  • Care of Patients 
  • Safety and Quality 
  • Professionalism 
  • Clinical approaches 
  • Collaborative healthcare 

 


 

What inspired Grace to study chiropractic?

Hear from Foundation Year chiropractic student Grace, on why she was inspired to study chiropractic.

After Graduation

Congratulations! Students who have successfully graduated from a recognised chiropractic degree programme are eligible to register with the GCC and can embark on a fulfilling career in chiropractic.

Find out More