All British Chiropractic Association Chiropractors have undergone a minimum of a four-year, full-time, internationally accredited degree course. Studies include the medical sciences, clinical diagnostic skills, orthopaedic and neurological testing, taking and reading of x-rays. They are also trained to have a complete repertoire of chiropractic adjustment methods to suit the varied needs of patients and treat the whole range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Soon after graduation, Chiropractors follow a postgraduate training scheme (PRT), which provides the framework for a period of postgraduate training and professional development. PRT enables newly qualified chiropractors to work in professional clinical settings in regular contact with more experienced colleagues who act as trainers/mentors. In addition to practical clinical aspects, further structured education is provided. Each graduate is partnered with a recognised Chiropractic Trainer with whom they have regular contact. Each graduate must fulfil a range of learning requirements. Newly graduated Chiropractors thus complete the smooth transition to autonomous professional practice in the clinical setting.
The Chiropractor’s learning continues throughout his/her professional career. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is now a statutory requirement, monitored by the General Chiropractic Council.
Statutory regulation of Chiropractic
The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) is a UK-wide statutory body with regulatory powers, established by the Chiropractors Act 1994. It has three main duties:
- To protect the public by establishing and operating a scheme of statutory regulation for chiropractors, similar to the arrangements that cover other health professionals
- To set the standards of chiropractic education, practice and conduct
- To ensure the development of the profession of chiropractic, using a model of continuous improvement in practice
Since June 2001 the title of ‘chiropractor’ has been protected by law and it is a criminal offence, liable to prosecution, to describe oneself as any sort of chiropractor without being registered with the GCC.
For more detail, please visit the GCC Website.
