Future chiropractors have begun their studies in the new Bachelor of Chiropractic Science at Victoria University (VU) - the only Victoria-based university course open to new students for this in-demand career.
The program forms part of a five-year Bachelor/Master pathway and the curriculum has a strong evidence-based focus designed to develop both technical expertise and the professional capabilities required to deliver patient-centred care.
Clinical education is a key component of the program. Students will undertake supervised clinical learning with outpatients at VU clinics under the supervision of registered chiropractors and other healthcare professionals.
Australia's chiropractic workforce continues to grow, with the number of registered chiropractors increasing by more than 10 per cent in the past five years.
Most graduates enter private practice, while a clinical qualification also provides pathways into research, academia and health policy.
"Allied health professionals play a vital role in supporting Australians with musculoskeletal conditions and improving quality of life," Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer, Professor John Germov said.
"Our new chiropractic program will give students access to outstanding facilities and clinical training while helping grow Victoria's healthcare workforce."
VU offers a pathway into the program from its Diploma of Remedial Massage - much to the delight of diploma graduate Hussein Al Sadani.
Mr Al Sadani has been dreaming of becoming a Chiropractor for years, was one of the first to apply for the new program. He attended his first classes this week and hopes to open his own practice one day.
"I've always been fascinated by this field, and it's so rewarding, as you are helping people through their day-to-day activities, helping them function properly, and that makes me happy," he said.
I've been working as a remedial massage therapist and can't wait to combine it with the skills I learn in this course. I was over the moon to see that Victoria University was opening it up and I applied straight away.
Students will benefit from VU's specialist health teaching facilities, including anatomy and physiology laboratories at the St Albans Campus and biomechanics facilities at Footscray Park. The chiropractic program will be centred at the City Tower campus in Melbourne's CBD, which offers a range of collaborative learning and study spaces.
VU's Block Model allows students focus on their chiropractic studies one subject at a time over four weeks, instead of juggling multiple subjects, in smaller, workshop-style interactive classes.
