Chiropractor Qualifications

For a chiropractor to be legalised and therefore allowed to treat members of the public, they must have gained the correct qualifications. To do so they must attend specialised institutions and then become registered to practice.

UK Institutions

Chiropractic qualifications are set at an internationally recognised standard, and as such recieving a qualification at either one of the UK's two accredited institutions gives you a qualification to practice anywhere in the world, provided you have the appropriate permission from a regulating body like the UK's General Chiropractice Council (GCC). While some countries may also have other requirements, a degree from an internationally recognised university is accepted across the globe.


At present two institutions provide the GCC recognised full time four year course in chiropractic, and these are The Anglo European College of Chiropractic in Bournemouth and The Welsh Institute of Chiropractic at the University of Glamorgan.

Both universities cover a broad range of core skills including biomechanics, physiology, and diagnosis, and provide the theoretical and practical knowledge it takes to become a qualified Chiropractor. Further training, particularly in specialist fields like pediatrics is available, but the four year BSc is the essential qualification needed by anyone looking to become a chiropractor.

Once you have trained as a chiropractor, the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) must approve you. If you are not registered with the GCC, it is illegal to practice chiropractic treatment in the UK. In order to practice chiropractic in the UK, you need the appropriate degree from a recognised GCC institution (discussed above) and registration with the GCC.

What does qualification and regulation do?

By having a system whereby chiropractors must be qualified, registered and regulated, it is possible to ensure that patients undergoing chiropractic treatment are protected and have an outlet to discuss in detail specific techniques or even chiropractors. The GCC is a regulatory authority which ensures that high standards, recognised internationally, are met, and as such that anyone visiting a licensed chiropractor in the UK can be sure of quality treatment. A GCC registration tells you that your chiropractor has not only received the appropriate training, but is approved by an internationally recognised authority to provide his or her services.

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