Seven years university-level education
In Canada, chiropractors are educated through two programs offered at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto, and at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR). Both programs are accredited by the Canadian Federation of Chiropractic Regulatory and Educational Accrediting Boards (CFCREAB). CMCC and UQTR are recognized degree-granting institutions by the respective Ontario and Quebec governments.
Chiropractic students undergo a rigorous course of study similar to that of other regulated health care professionals. Entrance requirements are also similar. Students are required to complete a minimum of three years of university before they are eligible for admission to the CMCC accredited program. The CMCC program requires four years of full-time study. In Quebec, UQTR has a five-year, full-time program following graduation from a CÉGEP health science program.
The faculty at both CMCC and UQTR have diverse backgrounds and offer students a wide range of expertise. Faculty come from such disciplines as biological sciences, pathology, medicine and psychology, as well as chiropractic.
Internship
In addition to the academic program, chiropractic education requires hands-on clinical experience under the direct supervision of highly-qualified faculty. This experience includes clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and referral protocols.
Licensing Examinations
A graduate must then pass comprehensive national examinations administered by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB) before qualifying to become licensed by the regulatory authority in their province of practice.
Chiropractors who undertake their education outside of Canada must also pass Canadian qualifying examinations administered by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board before qualifying to become licensed to practice in this country.
Post-Graduate Specialization
In Canada, there are five post-graduate specialty colleges where chiropractors can undertake additional education to further advance their skills. The colleges focus on: sports sciences, radiology, clinical sciences, orthopedics, and rehabilitation.