Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for general registration?

If you hold one of the following qualifications, you are eligible to apply for General Registration:

  • a chiropractic degree from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University - Bundoora Campus only; or
  • a chiropractic degree from Macquarie University; or
  • a Certificate of Attainment from the Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia.

What if I have a qualification from another Australian Institute?

If you graduated from another Australian Institute (eg Sydney College) you may apply for registration (same as above), however the Board must decide the application based on equivalency and may require you to undertake a competency assessment.

What if I have an overseas qualification?

If you have a chiropractic degree from outside of Australia or New Zealand, you will be required to sit a competency evaluation. This evaluation is undertaken by the Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia. Contact details for the Council are as follows:

I am currently registered in another State/Territory and want to work in Queensland?

If you hold a current annual practising certificate in another Australian State or Territory you are eligible for registration under the mutual recognition principle.

I am currently registered in New Zealand and want to work in Queensland?

If you hold a current annual practising certificate in New Zealand you are eligible for registration under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Principle.

What if I only want to work for a limited period?

Current legislation allows for a chiropractor, who is only planning on working for a period of no more than 5 weeks to apply for "Short-Term Registration". To find out more about "Short-Term Registration" please contact the Board on 07 3225 2516.

For periods longer than 5 weeks you will be required to apply for General Registration and the fees will be as stated in the link in the previous question.

However if you are only planning to work for a period of between 5 weeks and 3 months, you may apply to the Board for a refund at the completion of your practice. This refund only applies to the registration fee and does not include the application fee.

I am an interstate graduate and want to do a student placment in Queensland?

You must get your Program Leader to advise the Board, in writing, of the period of the supervised practice as well as the name of your supervising chiropractor. See applicable Board Policy on the Board's Publications page.

What happens if I want to change my place of placement?

You must get your Program Leader to advise the the Board immediately.

Is there a limit on how many students can work in the one practice?

No. However each student must be personally supervised.

Who may own a chiropractic practice?

Anybody may own a chiropractic practice, however only Queensland Registered chiropractors may practice chiropractic from within the practice.

How many practices may a chiropractor own?

There is no limit on the number of practices that a chiropractor can own.

How can I advertise?

The advertising restrictions in relation to the profession have become less restrictive with the enactment of the Chiropractors Registration Act 2001. Please refer to the Act (which can be downloaded from www.legislation.qld.gov.au) to ascertain the current restrictions. Advertising Guidelines are also contained within the Board's Resource Kit. Click here to download a copy of the Resource Kit. If you are in doubt after reading the information, you will need to seek your own independent legal advice.

What does a Chiropractor do?

Chiropractors are primary care professionals who concentrate on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system as well as the effects these disorders have on the nervous system and general health. Chiropractors are professionals who pay particular attention to the physiological and biochemical aspects of health including structural, spinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional, emotional and environmental relationships.

A Chiropractor must be able to carefully diagnose, evaluate and deliver the proper care so that the body regains and maintains optimum health.

What type of Education does a Chiropractor receive?

Chiropractors undertake intensive training at an undergraduate level within a University or College environment. Chiropractic programs in Australia and New Zealand are undertaken over a 5 year period full-time. This training includes the study of basic sciences, clinical sciences, body mechanics and chiropractic techniques. The study of Chiropractic emphasises anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, x-ray and spinal adjusting techniques.

Students who successfully complete a Chiropractic program will be awarded either a Bachelor or Masters Degree, depending upon the Institute where they trained.

Where can I train to become a Chiropractor?

Contact details for Australian and New Zealand Chiropractic Programs can be obtained from our Links page.

I think I have been overcharged, what do I do?

If you think you have been overcharged by a chiropractor, you can check with the Chiropractors Association of Australia (access available from our Links page).