CC71 - Master of Clinical Chiropractic

Overview

Course Overview

Successful completion of the Master of Clinical Chiropractic will equip you with the knowledge and clinical skills to meet the competencies required by the Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia and therefore apply for registration as a chiropractor in Australia. This course is designed as an extended (6 term) Masters to maximise clinical learning, which is largely undertaken in approved chiropractic clinics in the community and complemented by the availability of theoretical content by distance learning. Training in the process of reaching a logical diagnosis, planning a patient’s treatment and assessing the effectiveness of that therapeutic intervention is an essential skill that will run across all 6 terms.

As a graduate, you will be a practice ready, competent chiropractor with diagnostic skills that will be able to be applied in a professional, ethical and lawful manner. You will be required to demonstrate leadership within the health care sector, be an effective problem solver, and be able to communicate to consumers of chiropractic and related disciplines for the ultimate benefit of the health of the community.

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Career Information

The Master of Clinical Chiropractic provides a pathway for registration as a Chiropractor in Australia.

Opportunities for employment include employment in private practice, sports medicine, occupational health and safety, rehabilitation and other allied health fields.

Course Details
Duration 2 years full-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 postgraduate 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 Postgraduate Award
Qualification (post nominal) M
AQF Level Level 9: Masters Degree (Extended)
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2025
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $47,077.5
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $16,560
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $49,920
Indicative Year - 2024
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,946
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $30,600
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $15,360
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $30,720
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,298
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $28,860
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $22,500
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $45,000
Indicative Year - 2022
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,018
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $22,500
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $28,008
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $45,000

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
Not Applicable
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
Mackay

Term 1 - 2024

Brisbane
Mackay

Term 1 - 2023

Brisbane
Mackay

Term 1 - 2022

Brisbane
Mackay

Term 1 - 2021

Brisbane
Mackay

Term 1 - 2020

Brisbane
Mackay
Sydney

Term 1 - 2019

Brisbane
Mackay
Sydney

Term 1 - 2018

Brisbane
Mackay
Sydney

Term 1 - 2017

Brisbane
Mackay
Sydney

Term 1 - 2016

This program is only studied internally on the Mackay campus.
Mackay

Term 1 - 2015

Brisbane
Distance
Mackay
Sydney
Show All

International Availability

Term 1 - 2026

Brisbane

Term 1 - 2025

Brisbane
Mackay

Term 1 - 2024

Brisbane
Mackay

Term 1 - 2023

Brisbane
Mackay

Term 1 - 2022

Brisbane
Mackay

Term 1 - 2021

Brisbane
Mackay

Term 1 - 2020

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2019

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2018

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2017

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2016

This program is only studied internally on the Mackay campus.
Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2015

Sorry, no international availabilities found.
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 Requirements

Successful completion of the CQUniversity Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic) CB77. Applicants who have completed an undergraduate chiropractic course from another university which has been accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia (CCEA) will be considered on a case by case basis.

 

English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.

Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion within the last 5 years of:

  • A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
  • Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA of 4.0

Completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United states of America, which will meet the English proficiency.

If you do not satisfy any of the above you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:

  • An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 7.0 with a minimum 7.0 in each subset; or
  • An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBt - 94 or better overall and no score less than 24 for listening and reading, 27 for writing, and 23 for speaking; or
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 65 with no sub-score less than 65.

English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.

If you are an International student please visit International students English requirements for further information.

Each student will be assessed individually.

Chiropractic students’ English language skills are directly aligned with the requirements of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Assumed Knowledge

N/A

Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards Not applicable
Exit Awards Not applicable
Accreditation
  • Core

    Graduates of this course will meet the competencies required by the Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia and will therefore be eligible to apply for registration with the Chiropractic Board of Australia (CBA).

Residential School Requirements

No Residential School for this course.

Practicum/Work Placement

CHIR20002 - Placement in an approved Chiropractic clinic
CHIR20013 - Placement in the University Chiropractic clinic
CHIR20003 - Placement in an approved Chiropractic clinic
CHIR20006 - Placement in an approved Chiropractic clinic
CHIR20009 - Placement in the University Chiropractic clinic
CHIR20011 - Placement in the University Chiropractic clinic

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 86
2023 77
2022 77
2021 98
2020 94
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)
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 and vaccination requirements.
  • Complying with the requirements for student registration with CBA.
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.
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.
  • 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.
  • Complying with public safety considerations for mock patients and peers.
  • 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. Must be able to independently infer clinical data gathered during history and physical examination procedures.
  • Safely operating equipment.
  • Sufficient hearing to engage in verbal communication with other students, lecturers and patients 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.
  • Sufficient visual abilities to interpret fine detail on medical imaging, patient examinations and neurological assessments. 
  • Detecting anatomical or movement abnormalities e.g. palpating joints, muscles and soft tissues.
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 empathy when engaging with colleagues, professional and academic staff and patients.
  • Working in teams to achieve a shared goal/project.
  • Sensitively consulting with and eliciting information from others in sometimes challenging situations.
  • Identifying when therapeutic challenges occur and demonstrating skills in managing these challenges to ensure patient safety.
Reflective Skills
Examples are:
  • Accurately reflecting on the content taught during the course.
  • Considering and accepting feedback from academic staff or clinical supervisors during professional practice, and responding constructively.
  • Accurately reflecting on your clinical practice during professional practice.
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.
  • Developing an attitude and practice that prioritises public safety, protection, and person-centred care.
  • 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.
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, 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 using 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:

  • Incorporating literacy, numeracy, research and ICT skills into your chiropractic practice.
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. Deliver chiropractic care safely, competently and ethically in relation to the requirements of the accrediting body for the chiropractic profession
  • 2. Create, implement and articulate the outcomes of a research project on the body of specialised clinical practice using cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories
  • 3. Communicate effectively with both health care professionals and patients
  • 4. Assess patients in a manner appropriate to their gender, age and culture
  • 5. Form a differential diagnosis and use this to plan a patient management course including selection of appropriate therapy
  • 6. Take responsibility for implementing and assessing the outcome of the patient management course, including recommending further investigation when necessary.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Communicate, interact and collaborate with others effectively in culturally or linguistically diverse contexts in a culturally respectful manner
More Details

Work-Integrated Learning (Clinical Placement) in the Masters of Clinical Chiropractic 

Prior to being approved for observation and placement in a clinic external to the University, the student must provide evidence of:

  • Current National Police Check (not older than 3 years);

  • Current Level 2 First Aid Certificate that includes CPR;

  • Current Working with Children Check ("Blue Card");

  • Successful completion of Cultural Awareness training.

All students commencing CC71 Master of Clinical Chiropractic course are identified by the University to the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency and automatically become Registered Student Chiropractors, if not already registered. Students are required to comply at all times with the requirements and responsibilities of being a Registered Student Chiropractor with a focus on patient and public safety.

Equipment Requirements:

Students are required to have the following diagnostic instruments on their person for use whilst completing their clinical placement throughout the course: 

  • a reflex hammer 

  • a thermometer 

  • a sphygmomanometer 

  • a stethoscope 

  • a pen torch