About Chiropractic and Osteopathy
22nd April 2025
No Comments
- 02 9712 1736
- [email protected]
- 212 Great North Road, Five Dock, NSW 2046
- Open 7 days a week
Australia’s healthcare landscape includes highly qualified chiropractors and osteopaths who bring specialized expertise to musculoskeletal care. Many Australians might not realize the extensive university education these practitioners complete to earn their doctor titles. The journey to becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic or Doctor of Osteopathy involves five years of rigorous academic and clinical training. This comprehensive education combines scientific foundations with specialized manual therapy techniques. Today’s chiropractors and osteopaths utilize evidence-based approaches that have evolved significantly from historical practices. Their university qualifications and commitment to ongoing research establish them as respected healthcare professionals. This blog explores the detailed educational pathways, evidence-based practices, and continuing professional development that characterize modern chiropractic and osteopathic care in Australia.
This blog explores the extensive education of chiropractors and osteopaths in Australia. Both professions require 5-year university programs leading to doctor titles. Students complete bachelor’s degrees followed by master’s qualifications, with over 4,000 hours of training. The curriculum progresses from foundational sciences to clinical practice, including 1,000+ hours treating real patients. Modern practitioners embrace evidence-based approaches, moving beyond traditional theories to incorporate research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences. Australian universities actively contribute to research, strengthening the evidence base for manual therapy interventions. These highly qualified practitioners work collaboratively within healthcare teams, focusing on patient-centered care and continuing professional development.
Chiropractors and osteopaths in Australia go through rigors academic training programmes designed to provide them with thorough knowledge and clinical skills. These programmes typically span five years and combine theoretical education with hands-on clinical training. Students learn anatomy, physiology, pathology, and specialised manual therapy techniques. Graduates gain either a Bachelor or Master of Chiropractic/Osteopathy degree, which meets the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency’s (AHPRA) criteria. While graduates may use the title “Doctor” in their professional capacity (e.g., Doctor of Chiropractic or Doctor of Osteopathy), this is not the same as a medical doctorate (MD) and should be clearly distinguished.
Australian chiropractic students complete a five-year university pathway comprising a Bachelor degree followed by a Master degree. Together, these programs include over 4,000 hours of classroom instruction and clinical training, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional practice.
Prominent universities offering accredited chiropractic programs include:
Osteopathy education in Australia follows a similarly structured five-year pathway. Students complete a Bachelor degree followed by a Master degree, earning the title of Doctor of Osteopathy upon graduation. The curriculum emphasizes clinical reasoning, refined palpation skills, and a holistic approach to patient care.
Notable universities offering accredited osteopathy programs include:
Both chiropractic and osteopathic students gain extensive clinical experience through supervised placements. Beginning with observation in early years, students progress to hands-on patient assessment and treatment during their final years. Most programs require at least 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice across diverse patient populations.
Modern chiropractors and osteopaths embrace evidence-based practice (EBP), integrating current research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences.
Practitioners increasingly follow interdisciplinary guidelines for conditions like low back pain. These guidelines promote standardized care based on the best available evidence.
Australian universities actively contribute to research in chiropractic and osteopathic care. Current studies focus on:
Research quality has improved significantly through randomized controlled trials (RCTs), multi-center studies, and publication in high-impact journals.
Both professions emphasize lifelong learning through continuing professional development (CPD). Practitioners must complete annual CPD hours to maintain registration with AHPRA. Opportunities include:
This commitment ensures that practitioners remain current with evolving evidence and maintain high standards of care throughout their careers.
Modern chiropractors and osteopaths prioritize individualized care tailored to each patient’s needs. Treatment plans consider physical, psychological, and social factors while empowering patients through education on self-management strategies.
Australian chiropractors and osteopaths undergo rigorous university education that equips them with specialized skills in musculoskeletal assessment and treatment. Their integration of evidence-based practice ensures high-quality care tailored to individual patient needs. Through ongoing research contributions and interdisciplinary collaboration within healthcare teams, these professions continue to evolve while maintaining high standards through regulation and continuing education.
Scott has more than 20 years of clinical experience as a movement expert and musculoskeletal health professional. His thorough understanding of how pain affects your spine, joints, muscles, and total well-being is the result of significant academic study and many many years of clinical experience. Scott’s real interest in movement mechanics enables him to develop individualised care plans that summarise complex problems into clear, simple treatments, leading to quicker healing times. His friendly, attentive approach ensures that you not only comprehend but also feel supported throughout your treatment journey, allowing you to return to the things you like with restored confidence and vitality.
Forest Lodge, Annandale, Glebe, Leichhardt, Balmain, Haberfield, Canada Bay, Rozelle, Rodd Point, Wareemba, Stanmore, Petersham, Lilyfield, Hunters Hill, Enfield, Cabarita, Mortlake, Rhodes, Burwood Heights, Birchgrove, Gladesville, Huntleys Point, Abbotsford, Ashfield, Croydon Park, Croydon, Chiswick, Russell Lea, Burwood, Strathfield, Concord, Drummoyne, North Strathfield, Liberty Grove, Dulwich Hill, Lewisham, Camperdown, Ashbury, Homebush, Homebush West, Woolwich, Henley, Summer Hill, Sydney Olympic Park
About
Five Dock Osteopathic & Chiropractic is located in Canada Bay, in Sydney’s Inner West. Servicing suburbs including Burwood, Croydon, Drummoyne, Five Dock, Haberfield, Concord, Abbotsford, Chiswick, Leichhardt, Wareemba, Russell Lea, Summer Hill, Strathfield.
Clinic hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 7AM – 7PM
Wednesday, Friday 7AM – 6PM
Saturday 7AM – 2PM
Sunday 8AM – 2PM
Contact details
