Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Chiropractic)

Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners focusing on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Chiropractic emphasises the relationship between the musculoskeletal system and general health. It promotes self-help measures and health promotion in the management of musculoskeletal disorders.

You will examine how such disorders affect biomechanics, the nervous system and health in general. The focus is on manual treatments such as spinal adjustments and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation.

Anatomy, physiology and pathology courses underpin the clinical science studies of physical examination, differential diagnosis for the chiropractor and clinical practicum.

You will begin work-integrated learning immediately, culminating in your fourth year when you will perform patient-care duties with supervision from a registered practitioner.

At the RMIT Health Clinic at University Hill, Bundoora, fourth and fifth year students, under the supervision of registered chiropractors, treat patients using a wide variety of management approaches.

Chiropractors offer care for functional disorders of the body's mechanical system, including joints, muscles and ligaments by assessing the way these parts of the mechanical system align and work together.

They can provide treatment, advice and assistance for patients experiencing:

• neck related headaches
• neck and back pain or stiffness
• limb problems associated with the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, hip, knee, ankle and foot

Chiropractors treat patients by:

• recording their case details
• conducting physical examinations
• interpreting diagnostic images like X-rays
• adjusting and manipulating body joints and soft tissue
• giving advice about general health matters such as exercise, posture and nutrition
• providing rehabilitation and advice for prevention of injury

Chiropractors are usually employed in private practice as sole practitioners or in a group practice environment. Increasingly, chiropractors share offices with other healthcare practitioners in a multidisciplinary environment.

Employment opportunities for chiropractors are expected to grow very strongly to 2020. (Source: joboutlook.gov.au)

For more information about the career outlook for this sector, visit the Australian Government's Employment Projections and Job Outlook website.