Understanding the Training and Expertise Behind Chiropractic Care
When you visit a chiropractor, you’re placing your trust in their knowledge and skill – and rightly so. Chiropractic care is a highly trained healthcare profession, requiring years of university education and ongoing professional development to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Here’s what goes into becoming (and staying) a qualified chiropractor in the UK.
A Five-Year University Degree (most of the time)
To become a chiropractor, students complete a university degree – usually a Master of Chiropractic (MChiro) or a BSc (Hons) Chiropractic followed by a postgraduate qualification.
This rigorous program covers:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Neuroscience and biomechanics
- Pathology and diagnosis
- Radiology and imaging
- Clinical assessment and spinal adjustment techniques
- Rehabilitation, exercise, and patient management
We also spent most of our final year working in the student clinic, treating real patients under supervision. This ensures new chiropractors graduate with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in delivering safe, evidence-based care.
Registration with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC)
After graduating, we register with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) – the statutory body that regulates the profession in the UK. Only those who meet the GCC’s strict educational and professional standards can legally use the title “chiropractor.”
This regulation ensures every registered chiropractor has the training and competence to practise safely and ethically.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Chiropractic care is an evolving field, and professional learning doesn’t stop after graduation.
Every chiropractor in the UK must complete a minimum of 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year to stay registered with the GCC.
This includes keeping up to date with the latest research, clinical techniques, and patient care standards. At our clinic, we take this commitment seriously – ensuring our patients always benefit from the most current and effective treatments available.
The Chiropractic Difference
With years of specialist education, clinical experience, and ongoing training, chiropractors are experts in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of problems affecting the muscles, joints, and nervous system.
When you see a registered chiropractor, you can be confident you’re receiving care from a highly qualified healthcare professional dedicated to improving your health and mobility.