Chiropractor

Tasks & duties

Chiropractors may do some or all of the following:

• analyse health problems by questioning, examining and x-raying (as required) the patient 
• discuss the method of care with the patient 
• adjust the patient's spine
• record the details of care given  
• advise the patient on posture, ergonomics and function as appropriate
• advise the patient on other factors that affect spinal health, such as diet, exercise and lifestyle  
• refer the patient to other health care professionals

Specialisations

Chiropractors may specialise in different areas, including working with:

• children (paediatrics)
• sportspeople, and helping them rehabilitate after an injury
• people with bone problems (orthopaedics)
• people with nervous system disorders
• women who have back and pelvic problems during pregnancy

Skills & knowledge

Chiropractors need to have:

• knowledge of the human body, particularly the spine and the nervous system  
• knowledge of diseases and illnesses, particularly relating to the spine and joints  
• skill in analysing and treating body structures, including the spine and extremities
• up-to-date knowledge of chiropractic information and methods  
• knowledge of medical ethics  
• understanding of when it is necessary to refer patients to other health professionals  
• good communication skills and the ability to keep patients well-informed  
• skill in analysing problems and making decisions

Chiropractors also need to have business skills if they are self-employed.

Entry requirements

To become a chiropractor you must have a Bachelor of Chiropractic and be registered, with a current Annual Practising Certificate.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training; and a B Bursary or NCEA equivalent is preferred. Useful subjects include English, biology, chemistry and physics.

Tertiary education

The New Zealand College of Chiropractic is the only place in New Zealand that offers the Bachelor of Chiropractic. Before beginning this degree you will need to complete a one-year Diploma of Applied Science at AUT or Canterbury University.

Completion of the diploma does not guarantee entry into the Bachelor of Chiropractic. There are only limited places, so all candidates must apply and be selected for the four-year Bachelor of Chiropractic programme.

Training on the job

Students begin taking care of patients, under supervision, while studying. When they have graduated and met registration requirements, they may treat patients independently.

Chiropractors must complete ongoing education to stay up to date with new care techniques. In New Zealand, a registration examination is conducted by the Ministry of Health's Chiropractic Registration Board. Every year each chiropractor must complete a set number of postgraduate hours to remain registered and receive an Annual Practising Certificate.

Registration

On completion of the Bachelor of Chiropractic you need to be registered by getting an Annual Practising Certificate from the Ministry of Health's Chiropractic Registration Board.

Useful experience

Any health care work is useful for a chiropractor.

Related courses

Chiropractic and Osteopathy

For more information, please refer to Career Services.