Your Path to Becoming a Chiropractor in the UK

Are you keen to pursue a holistic hands-on approach to healthcare? 

One that addresses the underlying causes of painful conditions to help relieve pain at its source and help others feel their best… 

If so, becoming a chiropractor might be just what you’re looking for as a career! 

Qualifications You Will Need to Become a Chiropractor

If you’re considering becoming a chiropractor in the UK, you’ll complete a General Chiropractic Council (GCC) approved chiropractic degree.

Alternatively, you can transition to chiropractic from another health care speciality i.e. physiotherapy, sports science etc, by completing a GCC-approved postgraduate Master’s in Chiropractic.

A chiropractor’s degree program typically includes 4 years of study and usually an additional year of post-graduate work where you’ll gain real world hands on experience. If you’re transitioning from another healthcare field via a master’s degree, this will take another 1 – 2 years.

The typical entry requirements to meet the standards of entry for a chiropractic degree are:

• 5 GCSEs in grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths, and science
• 3 A levels or equivalent, usually in science-based subjects

It’s also a good idea to get some hands-on experience working with a chiropractor before you apply. Spending time observing a chiropractor in action will give you a real feel for the job and help you decide if this truly is the career for you.

After graduation, you must register with the General Chiropractic Council before working as a chiropractor in the UK.

Where to Study Chiropractic in the UK?

In the UK there are 5 colleges/universities currently offering a chiropractic degree.

• Scotland College of Chiropractic 
• Health Sciences University (The AECC School of Chiropractic)
• McTimoney College of Chiropractic
• Teesside University
• University of South Wales (The Welsh Institute of Chiropractic)

Is a Chiropractor Medically Trained 

Medical doctors complete a medical degree. Chiropractors complete a chiropractic degree. So, whilst not ‘medically’ trained in the same way your GP is ‘medically’ trained, chiropractors are still highly qualified, skilled healthcare professionals. 

They receive extensive training that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and its impact on overall health. Their degree also covers subjects such as anatomy, neurology, physiology, pathology, and diagnostic imaging.

Officially, though, UK chiropractors are allied healthcare professionals rather than medical doctors. As are physiotherapists, osteopaths, most therapists, and other similar ‘non-medical’ health care specialists. They work alongside medically trained professionals to provide essential healthcare services. 

What Makes a Great Chiropractor? 

Having the right academic qualifications is obviously essential to becoming a chiropractor in the UK. Indeed, without these, you can’t practice as one.

However, your ‘bedside manner’ and various other key personal skills also make a difference. And could well be the difference between being a great chiropractor, and a ‘not-so-great’ one!

That said, here are a few of those core skills that can set you up for success:

Good Communication Skills: 

As a chiropractor, you must be able to communicate effectively with patients when explaining conditions, applicable chiropractic techniques, and treatment plans.

Problem-Solving Abilities: 

Patients are unique, so being able to assess their condition, diagnose their issues, and develop an appropriate treatment plan is a mandatory skill.

Manual Dexterity: 

Chiropractic care involves a lot of hands-on work. Therefore, having good manual dexterity is key to being able to perform techniques like manual adjustments correctly.

Empathy and Compassion: 

Many of your patients will be in pain or discomfort, so showing empathy and understanding can greatly improve their experience and appreciation of your care.

Confidence: 

Uncertainty creates nervous patients. You need to have confidence in both the techniques you’re using and your ability to apply the right amount of force in the right place at the right time. 

How Can You Develop and Progress In This Field?

Chiropractic techniques and knowledge are always evolving. For example, Daniel Palmer performed the first ‘modern’ manual adjustment back in 1895.

Today there are over 200 different chiropractic techniques and a range of supportive therapies. So there are many exciting opportunities for you to keep growing and developing in your career.

• Continued Professional Development: Chiropractors in the UK must continually undergo professional development to maintain registration with the GCC. You can attend courses to stay updated with the latest techniques and research, learn key skills and acquire certification in supportive therapies such as massage, exercise, nutrition, ergonomics etc, or study new techniques and approaches to chiropractic care.
• Become focused on your area of interest: If you’re interested in treating babies and children, or pregnant mums-to-be for example, you could focus on paediatric or prenatal/neonatal chiropractic. Or perhaps you have a keen interest in helping athletes perform at their best, in which case you can focus on sports chiropractic.  
• Teaching and research: You may be passionate about education and enjoy teaching, or like researching and discovering ‘things’. In this case, you could consider acquiring the additional qualifications required to teach at a chiropractic college or become a researcher.
• Start your own business: Although many chiropractors work for established practices, many branch out on their own, and establish said practices. If you have the business acumen and motivation to own your own clinic, and like being your own boss, this could be an option.

Conclusion: Becoming a Chiropractor in the UK

Becoming a chiropractor in the UK is a way to combine your interest in anatomy, physiology, and holistic healthcare to make a difference in people’s lives. 

With the right qualifications, skills, and a willingness to be involved in ongoing development, you can build a successful chiropractic career. 

Whether you choose to work in an established clinic, start your own practice, or focus on a particular area, the opportunities are many and rewarding.