How to become a Chiropractor
Official title: Chiropractors
Also called: Chiropractor, Doctor of chiropractic (dc)
Chiropractors assess, diagnose, treat and prevent patients' neuromuscular-skeletal disorders of the spine, nervous system, pelvis and other body joints using corrective manipulation including spinal column adjustments, or other complementary therapies. They are usually in private practice or in clinics with other health practitioners.
Main tasks
- Conduct patient interviews and take medical histories
- Conduct an examination including postural assessment, range of motion tests, neurological and orthopedic examination, and palpation of joints and soft tissues
- Prescribe and/or perform X-rays and other imaging and tests as required to diagnose patient's condition
- Diagnose neuromuscular-skeletal disorders of the spinal column, pelvis, extremities and associated tissues
- Define and implement a treatment plan including spinal and joint adjustment or manipulations, soft tissue work and/or the use of complementary therapies; such as electrotherapy, acupuncture, heat therapy and massage
- Communicate and collaborate with other health care professionals
- Advise patients on alternate treatment modalities such as corrective exercises, posture, nutritional and lifestyle counselling, that have positive effects on the spine, joints, muscles and nervous system
- Refer patients to other health care professionals when appropriate
How to become one
A minimum of three years of university undergraduate studies or in Quebec, completion of a college diploma in natural science is required. Completion of a four or five year program at an Accredited Doctor of Chiropractic Education Programme is required. Successful completion of the national examinations by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board is required to qualify to become licensed by a provincial or territorial body. Licensing by a regulatory body is required in all provinces and in Yukon.
Ways in
- University: Allied Health degrees, Offered by 9 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Successful completion of the national examinations by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board is required to qualify to become licensed by a provincial or territorial body. Licensing by a regulatory body is required in all provinces and in Yukon.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $62,000 a year The middle half earn $35,600 to $95,000.
- About 9,800 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 12,600 are projected by 2033. (+28.6%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
Related jobs
- Psychologists
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
- Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Chiropractor?
A minimum of three years of university undergraduate studies or in Quebec, completion of a college diploma in natural science is required. Completion of a four or five year program at an Accredited Doctor of Chiropractic Education Programme is required. Successful completion of the national examinations by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board is required to qualify to become licensed by a provincial or territorial body. Licensing by a regulatory body is required in all provinces and in Yukon.
How much does a Chiropractor earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $62,000 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $35,600 to $95,000.
Is a Chiropractor a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 29% by 2033, from about 9,800 to about 12,600 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a Chiropractor?
Usually. 95% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03