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Course Overview
The Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic) aims to develop clinical skills in the diagnosis and management of patients presenting for care. Students will develop a range of spinal and patient assessment procedures and basic therapeutic approaches to common musculoskeletal presentations. Students will learn to manage patients from a wellness perspective and will learn the history, philosophy, principles and theories of chiropractic and relevant chiropractic psychomotor skills integrated with a knowledge of basic science.
Career Information
Knowledge gained, and the appreciation of basic techniques, may support employment as an assistant in chiropractic practice. The Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic) also prepares students for Masters courses and subsequent CBA (Chiropractic Board of Australia) registration.
| Duration | 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time |
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| Credit Points that Must be Earned | 144 |
| Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
| Expected Hours of Study | Each unit at this level, typically requires 144 hours of student commitment over a period of 12 weeks. |
| Course Type | Undergraduate Award |
| Qualification (post nominal) | BSc(Chiropr) |
| AQF Level | Level 7: Bachelor Degree |
| Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2026
Indicative Year - 2025
Indicative Year - 2024
Indicative Year - 2023
Indicative Year - 2022
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Admission Codes
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
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Domestic Availability
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Term 1 - 2027
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Term 1 - 2026
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Term 1 - 2025
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Term 1 - 2024
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Term 1 - 2023
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Term 1 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2021
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Term 1 - 2020
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Term 1 - 2019
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Term 1 - 2018Students must study internally at their campus of enrolment from years 1 to 3. Chiropractic is not delivered via distance education however there is a strong online component.
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Term 1 - 2017Students must study internally at their campus of enrolment from years 1 to 3. Chiropractic is not delivered via distance education however there is a strong online component.
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Term 1 - 2016Students must study internally at their campus of enrolment from years 1 to 3. Chiropractic is not delivered via distance education however there is a strong online component.
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Term 1 - 2015
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Term 1 - 2014
International Availability
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Term 1 - 2027
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Term 1 - 2026
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Term 1 - 2025
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Term 1 - 2024
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Term 1 - 2023
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Term 1 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2021
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Term 1 - 2020
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Term 1 - 2019
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Term 1 - 2018Students must study internally at their campus of enrolment from years 1 to 3. Chiropractic is not delivered via distance education however there is a strong online component.
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Term 1 - 2017Students must study internally at their campus of enrolment from years 1 to 3. Chiropractic is not delivered via distance education however there is a strong online component.
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Term 1 - 2016Students must study internally at their campus of enrolment from years 1 to 3. Chiropractic is not delivered via distance education however there is a strong online component.
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Term 1 - 2015
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Term 1 - 2014
| Rank Threshold | SR 69 | ATAR 69 |
School-leaving domestic students must have completed English (4, SA) and must apply through QTAC (Mackay, Brisbane) or UAC (Sydney). New to Higher Education domestic students may make direct application on completion of nominated courses from STEPS
It is recommended that potential applicants also complete either Biology, Chemistry or Physics to a Yr 12 level.
Awards and Accreditation
| Interim Awards | Not applicable |
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| Exit Awards | Not applicable |
| Accreditation |
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Residential School Requirements
| Compulsory Residential School | Students who select to study some courses via distance may be required to attend compulsory residential schools. |
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| Click here to view all Residential Schools | |
Practicum/Work Placement
| CHIR13005 - Students are required to undertake a choice from a range of approved activities including attendance and participation in industry conferences, international study tours, and participation as a support helath-care person in events such as sporting tournaments. |
| CHIR11001 - Students are required undertake off-campus clinical observation with approved chiropractic clinics throughout Australia and in some overseas countries. |
Previous and Current Enrolments
| Year | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 136 |
| 2024 | 153 |
| 2023 | 183 |
| 2022 | 192 |
| 2021 | 210 |
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
Examples are:
- Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Conduct Policy and Procedure and the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
- Demonstrating honesty and integrity in academic, professional and field experience settings.
- Demonstrating the ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and take responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical behaviour.
- Complying with medico-legal requirements relating to informed consent, privacy and confidentiality with client information in academic and clinical settings.
- Complying with the behavioural expectations explained in the Chiropractic Code of Conduct AHPRA/CBA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency / Chiropractic Board of Australia).
- Complying with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 in particular not performing cervical spinal manipulation outside of class room setting in CB77 or CC71
Examples are:
- Successfully processing your own emotions and behaviour when dealing with situations in clinical settings.
- Coping effectively with your emotions and behaviour when dealing with individuals in the clinical setting.
- Reflecting on practice and responding appropriately to constructive feedback.
Examples are:
- Requiring a current National Police Check (not older than 3 years).
- Requiring a current working with children check ("Blue Card").
- Complying with the policies of clinical facilities e.g. uniform requirements, vaccinations etc.
- Complying with the requirements for student registration with CBA (Chiropractic Board of Australia).
Examples are:
- Verbally communicating in the English language with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness.
- Actively participating in discussion activities related to the course.
- Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual or group.
- Using appropriate facial expressions: eye contact, being mindful of space, time boundaries, a range of body movements and gestures.
- Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of others and responding appropriately during activities related to the course, as well as during clinical placement.
- Competently and appropriately constructing written assessment work in a logical, coherent manner, and with correct grammar and punctuation to the required academic standards.
- Expressing complex and detailed information and knowledge into a logical and legible report, in a timely manner that meets professional standards and clearly communicates the intended message.
- Accurately conveying and documenting information in a written form that meets legal and professional requirements.
- Accessing a computer for your studies.
- Regularly accessing the Internet for research and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
- Analysing, manipulating and presenting scientific information.
Examples are:
- Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
- Applying theoretical knowledge, research evidence, policies and procedures in the clinical setting.
- Complying with public safety considerations for mock patients and peers.
- Constructing written text proficiently, in English, using appropriate vocabulary and conventions of speech, including being able to paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic conventions.
- Competently reading, writing and accurately interpreting information to convey language effectively in a clinical setting.
- Producing accurate, concise and clear documentation which meets legal requirements.
- Demonstrating competency in applying basic mathematics knowledge and skills to assess mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
- Demonstrating effective use of numeracy skills to record accurate measurements in client notes.
Examples are:
- Observing and detecting subtle changes in posture, movement and the ability to perform functional activities during assessment and treatment.
- Safely operating equipment.
- Sufficiently hearing verbal communication from other students and lecturers during activities related to the course.
- Having sufficient auditory ability to monitor, assess and manage a patient's needs consistently and accurately, including engaging appropriately to a client's responses during an assessment.
- Detecting anatomical or movement abnormalities e.g. palpating joints, muscles and soft tissues.
- Ability to view fine detail in diagnostic imaging
Examples are:
- Creating and maintaining rapport, empathy and effective working relationships with patients and colleagues.
- Engaging with effective communication skills to convey innovative and creative thinking.
- Displaying respect when engaging with colleagues, professional and academic staff and patients.
- Working in teams to achieve a shared goal/project.
Examples are:
- Actively participating in activities related to the course and professional experience.
- Undertaking examinations and on-line quizzes with adequate, sustained levels of physical energy and concentration.
- Performing with the required physical and mental energy and endurance in the learning activities of the course, as well as during set time frames while on clinical placement.
- Developing an attitude and practice that prioritises public safety, protection, and person-centred care.
Examples are:
- Maintaining your own and your patient's balance simultaneously, while providing patient support when transferring and mobilising individuals in a safe manner.
- Evaluating patients who have varying physical capacities e.g. those who are positioned on chiropractic tables, on mats on the floor, on chairs and when standing, in a safe and effective manner.
- Performing assessment techniques e.g. evaluation of hand sensation and joint movement.
- Performing treatment techniques, demonstrating use of adaptive equipment for safety and comfort, demonstrating fine motor tasks during daily activities.
Examples are:
- Relating positively and communicating with a wide variety of colleagues and stakeholders in the professional environment.
- Creating and maintaining rapport, empathy and at times use diplomacy to ensure effective working relationships and outcomes with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Being highly consultative in the processes of creating and sustaining effective working relationships and outcomes with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Creating cultural competence, sensitivity and willingness to work with a vast array of people in the community.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements apply to this course and as such are subject to compulsory pre-placement conditions referred to as mandatory checks and are outlined in the health, security and other compulsory requirements sections. Mandatory checks are determined by industry, organisations, legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures. To be eligible for a WIL placement, students must first achieve compliance with mandatory checks by each closing date prior to a WIL placement and maintain current evidence for the duration of the course.
Health requirements for this course are recommended only, and not mandatory. These include immunisation and vaccination evidence (and serology where required) as a recommendation only to the following diseases: Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella, Pertussis, Influenza, and Tuberculosis screening.
Mandatory security requirements include an Australian Federal Police clearance and working with children check.
Other mandatory requirements include a First Aid and CPR certificate, student agreement to privacy and confidentiality, fitness to participate in WIL student declaration, jurisdictional and site-specific compulsory requirements, and other training modules.
- 1. Systematically analyse and apply the fundamental knowledge, principles and concepts related to chiropractic.
- 2. Communicate and act in a professional manner appropriate for chiropractors and health care workers in all disciplines.
- 3. Evaluate and research new information and evidence from a range of sources relevant to basic chiropractic diagnosis, assessment and management including health and well-being.
- 4. Conduct health and spinal assessments of patients based on knowledge and techniques appropriate to commencing supervised clinical practice.
- 5. Critically reflect on one’s own work and third-party performance feedback to identify and action learning opportunities and self-improvements.
| Course Learning Outcomes | |||||
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| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | |||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | |||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | |||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | |||||
| 5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | |||||
| 6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | |||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | |||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | |||||
| KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | |||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | |||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner | |||||
- Complete the core structure
| Number of units: 24 | Total credit points: 144 |
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Students seeking to complete the program in 2 calendar years must qualify for exemption from each of the following 6 courses: Science Communication, Fundamentals of Chemistry, Human Body Systems 1 and 2, Introduction to Biochemistry, and Physics for Health Sciences, and be prepared to add Introduction to Chiropractic in Term 1 and Assessment of the Spine in Term 2 in their first year of study. See "Recognition of Prior Learning" below.
Students not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, South Africa or USA are required to meet an English Language Prerequisite by (i) an academic IELTS completed within the last 2 years (from the term you are applying to start) with a minimum achievement of 7.0 in each band and overall; or (ii) a secondary or university qualification which is not more than 5 years old (from the term you are applying for entry into) with a satisfactory level of achievement of at least 2 years in duration from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, South Africa or USA.
The English Language Proficiency requirements may also be satisfied by an Occupational test - Result of ‘A' or ‘B' (results are to be no older than 2 years from the start of term).
| Year 3 - Term 2 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| CHIR13004 | Integrated Diagnosis and Management | |
| CHIR13003 | Integrated Clinical Skills | |
| SOCL19081 | The Body Sexuality and Society | |
| MEDI11004 | Professional Practice | |
| Year 2 - Term 2 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| CHIR12002 | Neuroanatomy and Systemic Pathology | |
| CHIR12003 | Low Back Presentations in Chiropractic Practice | |
| BIOH12008 | Human Pathophysiology | |
| NUTR19001 | Nutrition | |
| Year 3 - Term 1 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| CHIR13001 | Clinical Skills – Neurology and Orthopaedics | |
| CHIR13002 | Head and Neck Presentations in Chiropractic Practice | |
| PHRM19001 | Pharmacology and Toxicology | |
| CHIR13005 | Chiropractic Approaches To Improve Community Wellbeing | |
| Year 1 - Term 1 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| CHIR11001 | Foundations of Chiropractic Practice 1 | |
| BMSC11001 | Human Body Systems 1 | |
| ESSC11004 | Study and Research Skills for Health Science | |
| CHEM11042 | Fundamentals of Chemistry | |
| Year 2 - Term 1 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| MBIO12013 | Microbiology for Health Care | |
| CHIR12001 | Chiropractic Assessment of the Spine | |
| BMSC12007 | Neurological Physiology & Measurement | |
| ALLH12006 | Evidence Based Practice for Health Professionals | |
| Year 1 - Term 2 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| MEDI11002 | Physics for Health Sciences | |
| BMSC11002 | Human Body Systems 2 | |
| BMSC11005 | Foundations of Biochemistry | |
| CHIR11002 | Introduction to Chiropractic Radiography | |
Application for Credit Transfer
Credit for a unit may be granted to students who are able to demonstrate appropriate prior learning or experience. Credit is normally granted only for units satisfactorily completed in the last 2 years for clinical units and in the last 5 years for theoretical units at a recognised educational institution.
The normal maximum amount of credit which may be granted to a prospective student enrolling into the Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic) is 72 credit points - this is based on previously completed equivalent studies.
Refer to the Credit Transfer website at http://www.cqu.edu.au/credittransfer for further details on the guidelines and application process or contact your Course Advisor.
You can apply for direct credit against CQUniversity units, if equivalent tertiary level study has been completed. You must supply relevant documentation (study guides, unit profiles, etc) to do this. If your study was undertaken more than 5 years ago, you will not be eligible for credit.
Further Study
Full registration as a chiropractor requires completion of a Masters level qualification and/or additional clinical experience. Completion of the CQU University Master of Clinical Chiropractic course will render graduates eligible to apply for registration as a chiropractor with the Chiropractic Board of Australia.
Equipment Requirements
Students are required to have the following diagnostic instruments by 3rd year.
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A reflex hammer
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A thermometer
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A sphygmomanometer
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A stethoscope
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A pen torch
Computing requirements
It is a requirement of enrolment in this course that students have access to the CQUniversity website. Students may be required to undertake various components of study in the course using email and the Internet. Students should also have access to their own notebook or laptop, or tablet, or smart phone.
It is strongly recommended that students have access to a broadband connection or higher to access online student resources that would include but not limited to, email, internet, video streaming, electronic assessment submission.