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CB77 - Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic)

Overview

Compulsory Residential School

Some units in this course require you to attend a compulsory Residential School or Work Integrated Learning. Please see Course Features in the Getting Started tab for further information.

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic) aims to develop clinical skills in the diagnosis and management of patients presenting for care. You will develop a range of spinal and patient assessment procedures and basic therapeutic approaches to common musculoskeletal presentations. You 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.

Course Details
Duration 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time
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 One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term.
Course Type Undergraduate Award
Qualification (post nominal) BSc(Chiropr)
AQF Level Level 7: Bachelor Degree
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2025
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $10,294
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $30,732
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $19,860
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $40,500
Indicative Year - 2024
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $9,888
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $29,517
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $19,140
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $38,820
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $9,172
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $18,000
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $36,720
Indicative Year - 2022
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,016
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $18,000
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $36,720

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
International Students
CRICOS Codes
Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
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.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 1 - 2026

Brisbane

Term 1 - 2025

Brisbane

Term 1 - 2024

Brisbane

Term 1 - 2023

Brisbane

Term 1 - 2022

Brisbane

Term 1 - 2021

Brisbane
Mackay

Term 1 - 2020

Brisbane
Mackay
Sydney

Term 1 - 2019

Brisbane
Mackay
Sydney

Term 1 - 2018

Students 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.
Brisbane
Melbourne
Mackay
Sydney

Term 1 - 2017

Students 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.
Brisbane
Melbourne
Mackay
Sydney

Term 1 - 2016

Students 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.
Brisbane
Mackay
Sydney

Term 1 - 2015

Brisbane
Mackay
Sydney

Term 1 - 2014

Brisbane
Mackay
Sydney
Show All

International Availability

Term 1 - 2026

Brisbane

Term 1 - 2025

Brisbane

Term 1 - 2024

Brisbane

Term 1 - 2023

Brisbane

Term 1 - 2022

Brisbane

Term 1 - 2021

Brisbane
Mackay

Term 1 - 2020

Brisbane
Mackay
Sydney

Term 1 - 2019

Brisbane
Mackay
Sydney

Term 1 - 2018

Students 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.
Brisbane
Melbourne
Mackay
Sydney

Term 1 - 2017

Students 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.
Brisbane
Mackay
Sydney

Term 1 - 2016

Students 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.
Brisbane
Mackay
Sydney

Term 1 - 2015

Brisbane
Mackay
Sydney

Term 1 - 2014

Brisbane
Mackay
Sydney
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
Rank Threshold SR 69 | ATAR 69
Entry Requirements

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 units from STEPS.

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 6.5 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.

Assumed Knowledge

It is recommended that potential applicants also complete either Biology, Chemistry or Physics to a Yr 12 level.

Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards Not applicable
Exit Awards Not applicable
Accreditation
  • Professional Practice: Core
    Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia (CCEA)

    This course along with the Master of Clinical Chiropractic seeks accreditation from the Chiropractic Council on Education Australasia on behalf of the Chiropractic Board of Australia (CBA). All enrolled students will be registered as student members with the Australian Health Practitioner's Registration Agency (AHPRA)

Residential School Requirements

Compulsory Residential School Students who select to study some units via distance may be required to attend compulsory residential schools.
Click here to view all Residential Schools

Practicum/Work Placement

CHIR13008 - Students are required to spend time with a practicing chiropractor and are required to demonstrate a greater level of cognition. They are required to clinically reflect, interpret from case scenarios and demonstrate clinical reasoning skills at a basic level. This continues to be at the 'competent' level (as above) using the Dreyfus model.
CHIR12006 - Students are required to spend time with a practicing chiropractor and are required to understand underlying principles in a chiropractic practice and clinically reflect on simple case scenarios. This is 'competent' using the Dreyfus model.
CHIR13009 - Students are required to spend time with a practicing chiropractor and are required to demonstrate a higher level of clinical interpretation and reasoning skills. The skill level is aimed at the 'proficient' according to the Dreyfus model. At the completion of Professional Chiropractic Practice 2 students should have a strong ability to clinical reflect and interpret from case scenarios. Their clinical reasoning skills are beginning to develop.
CHIR12005 - Students are required to spend time with a practicing chiropractor and asked to reflect on real life scenarios. They are also required to understand contextual frameworks of chiropractic practice. This is 'advanced beginner' using the Dreyfus model.

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 154
2023 183
2022 192
2021 210
2020 224
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

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.

Ethical Behaviour

Examples are:

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and 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
Behavioural Stability

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.
Legal Compliance

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).
Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

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.
Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

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.
Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)

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 
Relational Skills

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.
Reflective Skills

Examples are:

  • Accurately reflecting on the content taught during the course.
  • Accepting feedback from academic staff and respond constructively.
  • Accurately reflecting on your own work.
Sustainable Performance

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.
Strength and Mobility (Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills)

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.
Interpersonal Engagement

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.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities

Examples are:

  • Applying knowledge and skills associated with the use of computers and associated technologies.
Compulsory Requirements
Health Requirements

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. 

Security Requirements

Mandatory security requirements include an Australian Federal Police clearance and working with children check.

Other Compulsory Requirements

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.

Core Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Explain the fundamental knowledge, principles and concepts required of a chiropractor.
  • 2. Apply the fundamental knowledge, principles and concepts in preparation for clinical practice training.
  • 3. Assess and explain musculoskeletal and spine related conditions, in preparation for clinical practice training.
  • 4. Demonstrate some of the required competencies, in accordance with the requirements for external professional accreditation.
  • 5. Communicate effectively, behaving in a professional and ethical manner.
  • 6. Reflect on one’s own work and third-party performance feedback, to identify and action learning opportunities and self-improvement.
  • 7. Evaluate current evidence from a range of sources relevant to diagnosis, assessment and management, including health and wellbeing.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
Number of units: 24 Total credit points: 144

Applicants to the undergraduate course are advised that the English language proficiency requirement for entry to the Master of Clinical Chiropractic Course are higher than for the undergraduate course. The Master course requirement is aligned with the requirement of the national regulatory body for entry to practice in Australia. This proficiency requirement includes an academic IELTS minimum score of 7.0 in each band.

Students seeking to complete the course in 2 calendar years must qualify for exemption from each of the following 6 units: Fundamentals of Chemistry, Human Body Systems 1 and 2, Study and Research Skills for Health Science, Foundations of Biochemistry, and Physics for Health Science, and be prepared to add Foundations of Chiropractic Practice 1 in Term 1 and Foundations of Chiropractic Practice 2 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 6.5 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 2 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
CHIR12005 Foundations of Chiropractic Practice 3
BMSC12007 Neurological Physiology & Measurement
MBIO12013 Microbiology for Health Care
CHIR12004 Neuromusculoskeletal Anatomy 1
Year 2 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
CHIR12006 Foundations of Chiropractic Practice 4
MPAT12001 Medical Pathophysiology
MEDI12008 Foundations of Radiation Science
CHIR12008 Neuromusculoskeletal Anatomy 2
Year 3 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
CHIR12007 Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis 1
Year 3 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
CHIR13007 Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis 3
CHIR13009 Professional Chiropractic Practice 2
NURS13117 Research in Health Care
Year 3 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
CHIR13008 Professional Chiropractic Practice 1
CHIR13010 Systems and Pathology
PMSC13001 Mental Health for Paramedics
Year 3 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
CHIR13006 Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis 2
Year 1 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
CHIR11001 Foundations of Chiropractic Practice 1
BMSC11001 Human Body Systems 1
CHEM11042 Fundamentals of Chemistry
ESSC11004 Study and Research Skills for Health Science
Year 1 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BMSC11002 Human Body Systems 2
BMSC11005 Foundations of Biochemistry
CHIR11003 Foundations of Chiropractic Practice 2
MEDI11002 Physics for Health Sciences
More Details
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.

  • A reflex hammer

  • A thermometer 

  • A sphygmomanometer

  • A stethoscope 

  • 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.