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.
Please explore www.cco.on.ca for more information about the regulation of chiropractors, including:
Contact us at:
59 Hayden Street, Suite 800
Toronto, ON M4Y 0E7
Phone: 416-922-6355
Toll Free: 1-877-577-4772
Fax: 416-925-9610
Email: cco.info@cco.on.ca
CCO has scheduled an online sitting of the Legislation and Ethics Examination for February 15, 2024. The deadline to apply for this examination is January 29, 2024. Due to the online delivery of the examination, candidates should make themselves available for the entire day. Please complete the application form 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.
More information about the legislation and ethics examination, including study material, can be found at the following link, under “Legislation and Ethics Examination”. Information about the February 15, 2024 sitting of the examination can be found at the following link.
Information about the online delivery of the examination can be found in the following document and video.
CCO will be holding a virtual workshop on Regulatory Excellence for CCO Members (formerly titled the Record Keeping Workshop) on February 16, 2024, 8:30 am – 1:00 pm. Please email Rose Bustria at rbustria@cco.on.ca if you are interested in attending this virtually.
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