Are Chiropractors Doctors in Canada?

There are many people who wonder whether or not chiropractors are real doctors. So are chiropractors doctors in Canada? Absolutely! A Doctor of Chiropractic involves a Degree in Chiropractic that all chiropractors in North America, including Canada must obtain in order to practice their skill. Chiropractic medicine is a healthcare profession dealing with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the neuro-musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic medicine entails manual and manipulative therapy for the treatment of joint dysfunctions and pain.

Are chiropractors doctors in Canada? Yes, they are. Chiropractors, like all primary contact health practitioners must complete certain training and education before being licensed to practice chiropractic medicine. Their licensure involves 12 months of clinical internship, as well as a total of three exams in their fourth year of study. Canadian accrediting standards are higher than those in the United States, and requirements for getting admitted into the Doctor of Chiropractic Degree program are the strictest in North America.

Chiropractic medicine is regulated by provincial statutes in all Canadian provinces. Chiropractors have the legislated right and obligation to communicate a diagnosis and to use the title doctor, just like other medical doctors, dentists, psychologists, or optometrists. Each province has a regulatory college established and recognized by legislation just as other health care professions. The regulatory colleges are responsible for protecting the public, disciplinary issues, standards of practice, quality assurance and maintenance of competency.

Chiropractic is generally classified as complementary or alternative medicine. The Canadian Federation of Chiropractic Regulatory and Educational Accrediting Boards is a “Canadian national association of provincial and territorial chiropractic licensing authorities and accredited educational programs.” In Canada, those who which to receive chiropractic education have two options: the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto and L’Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières  or UQTR.

Both programs are fully endorsed by the Council on Chiropractic Education of Canada. Canadian Chiropractic students go through a study course comparable to that of other doctoral-level health care professionals with similar entrance requirements. Students have to finish at least three years of university before they can be considered eligible for admission to the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College’s Doctor of Chiropractic Degree program. They also must have a minimum of 7 years combined prior to graduation and licensure.

The CMCC program requires four years of full-time study, including a 12-month internship in the College’s internal and external clinics including St-Joseph’s Rehabilitation Hospital. In Quebec, L’Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières presents student with a five-year program after graduation from CÉGEP. The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College also offers chiropractic graduate studies in sport sciences, clinical sciences, rehabilitation sciences and radiology after the 4 year Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. CMCC also provides a continuing education program in acupuncture.