A chiropractor is a member of a regulated health profession, regulated by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. In order for anyone to practise as a chiropractor or use the title of “chiropractor” in Ontario, an individual must meet the registration requirements of CCO. These requirements include graduation from an accredited chiropractic college, successful completion of clinical competency and legislation and ethics examinations, and completion of an application for registration with CCO. Doctors of chiropractic complete a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary education before becoming registered with CCO. As well, as part of being a member of a self-regulated health profession, chiropractors are required to participate in life-long learning, which includes continuing education and professional development, self-assessment and peer and practice assessment.
Chiropractors are authorized to use the “Doctor” title in providing patient care and communicate a diagnosis within the chiropractic scope of practice.
The scope of practice of chiropractic in Ontario is defined in the Chiropractic Act, 1991, as follows:
The practice of chiropractic is the assessment of conditions related to the spine, nervous system and joints and the diagnosis, prevention and treatment, primarily by adjustment, of,
(a) dysfunctions or disorders arising from the structures or functions of the spine and the effects of those dysfunctions or disorders on the nervous system; and
(b) dysfunctions or disorders arising from the structures or functions of the joints.
Chiropractors practise within the scope of practice to examine, diagnose and provide care to patients with a variety of health concerns related to the spine and joints and the effect on the nervous system, such as low back, shoulder and knee pain, sports injuries, and overall wellness care. Chiropractors focus on patient-centred care, use manual therapies, and often work in collaboration with other regulated health professionals.
Patients can expect from their chiropractor:
Chiropractors can be found practising in a wide variety of health care settings, such as in solo practice, multi-chiropractor offices, multi-disciplinary settings, family health teams and hospitals. Many chiropractors are also involved in education, research, government, advocacy and regulation.
For More Information
Please explore www.cco.on.ca for more information about the regulation of chiropractors, including:
Contact us at:
77 Bloor Street West, Suite 600
Toronto, ON M4S 1M2
Phone: 416-922-6355
Toll Free: 1-877-577-4772
Fax: 416-925-9610
Email: cco.info@cco.on.ca
CCO will be holding the next sitting of the legislation and ethics examination and record keeping workshop on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at The Old Mill Resort and Spa, 21 Old Mill Road, Toronto, ON M8X 1G5, 416-232-3700.
Please complete the legislation and ethics examination application and submit it to Ms Madeline Cheng, Registration Coordinator to apply for the examination. Please contact Ms Madeline Cheng at mcheng@cco.on.ca or 416-922-6355 ext. 113 for any questions.
Please see the record keeping workshop information sheet and apply using the record keeping workshop application form and submit it to Ms Rose Bustria, Administrative Assistant, to apply for the workshop. Please contact Ms Rose Bustria at bustria@cco.on.ca or 416-922-6355 ext. 101 for any questions.
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