A high-level academic training

In order to practise chiropractic in Quebec, all chiropractors must complete a five-year Doctor of Chiropractic degree at an educational institution accredited by the Federation of Canadian Chiropractic (FCC), like the Doctor of Chiropractic program offered at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR).

After obtaining a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, candidates must successfully complete the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB) national exams, and the Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec (OCQ) legislation and ethics exam.

A growing number of chiropractors pursue graduate studies (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in order to contribute to the development of research in chiropractic.

Research initiatives in various fields (e.g., biomechanics, human kinetics, neurophysiology, ergonomics, clinical research, development of practical clinical guides, epidemiology) contribute to the development of chiropractic science.

Chiropractic specialties

There are specialized residency programs in chiropractic. The Federation of Canadian Chiropractic (FCC) currently recognizes five chiropractic specialty colleges:

• College of Chiropractic Sciences
• College of Chiropractic Orthopedists
• Chiropractic College of Radiologists
• Canadian Chiropractic Specialty College of Physical and Occupational Rehabilitation
• Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences

After successfully completing their specialty studies, chiropractors earn a chiropractic specialty degree from the specialty college, of which they then become a member. Following their studies, members must successfully complete a full-time residency program of at least two years, which includes written and practical exams, and an exhaustive certification exam.

Although some chiropractors working in Quebec have completed these residency programs and earned a chiropractic specialty degree that is recognized by the Federation, the current Chiropractic Act does not allow these specialists to display their titles. As part of the process of updating the Chiropractic Act with the Office des professions, the OCQ has requested that this prohibition be lifted for the benefit of the general public.