What is it like to be a chiropractor and what are the requirements to be one? Patients may see a smooth and structured examination process, a detailed history and a specific chiropractic adjustment, but most don't understand what is needed to achieve this level of professional skill. There are an estimated 40 chiropractic schools around the world, 20 of them in the United States. Unfortunately, there are no chiropractic schools in Singapore, so I would recommend finding a school that is accredited by the Chiropractic Education Council (CCE-I), which regulates chiropractic training programs. As an expert in the field of chiropractic, I can provide insight into the process of becoming a certified chiropractor in Australia.
To become a qualified practitioner, one must first complete an undergraduate degree with at least 90 semester hours and 24 hours of lectures and laboratory work in physical sciences. In the United States, most students have already completed their bachelor's degree before entering chiropractic school. For example, I had a degree in biology from the University of Central Florida before attending Palmer College of Chiropractic. The application process is straightforward since there is no medical school entrance exam (M, C, A, T). After completing 90 semester hours of undergraduate work, you can earn a degree in chiropractic in the United States.
The unique part of having a chiropractic education in the U. S. compared to Europe, Australia or New Zealand is that the time spent at school is “shorter” - about 3.25 years - compared to 4 to 5 years elsewhere. The main difference is that we have many more hours accumulated in our years, and the intensity of the multiple classes can be much more demanding. At Palmer Chiropractic here, we had access to a cadaver laboratory on campus that was not only used as a teaching laboratory but also as a testing laboratory where colored pins were placed on certain anatomical structures to identify and answer any physiological questions related to the area.
Not all schools have access to this, but it was an excellent way for me personally to consolidate knowledge of the physical body from textbooks. We often spent more hours after school in the “laboratory” to review tests and reinforce anatomical markers. Most schools begin to adapt after the second year of education but Palmer starts exclusively in the fifth trimester. As far as adaptation is concerned, the first year consists of developing psychomotor skills, palpation technique, adjustment settings, diagnosis and development of appropriate body control and ergonomics. Your first adjustment is made with your willing and anxious classmate (after all, the whole class has been preparing and saying “push” for the past year).Some students find it very difficult to “get” or “master” adjustment skills.
Patience, repetition and practice under specialized instructions are always key. As noted in other articles on Align Chiropractic, chiropractic adjustment is incredibly safe when proper examination and history are performed by a qualified chiropractor. It can take a long time to become a consistent and good adjuster with excellent post-adjustment controls (indicators that show positive adaptation of the nervous system to adjustment not just decrease in pain).Each school has incredible dedicated teachers and adaptation clubs on campus to help you progress and master very difficult and varied techniques. At Palmer we learn diversified technique, sacrooccipital technique, Gonstead technique, Thompson Drop technique, upper cervical switching technique and many more.
In addition you will learn soft tissue techniques (muscles and fascia), passive modalities (ultrasound electrostimulation cold laser) and physiotherapy. During all your hard work of school training you'll also have to be able to study and pass the “boards” which are 5 board certifications necessary to obtain license in U. S. As an expatriate you can apply for an employment pass (E P) by specifically reviewing and adjusting spine.
Chiropractors
do much more than eliminate pain - they evaluate and correct nervous system dysfunction at its root.Neurological health and slowing down slow body wear and tear (degeneration) are becoming an increasingly popular and recognized approach to health with growing awareness of chiropractic I truly see happy healthy future for profession and our patients. Chiropractors receive their registration through the Australian Health Professional Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
