How a chiropractor qualifies to treat patients in Alberta

CCOA accomplishes its regulatory role of protecting the public and patients in accordance with the Health Professions Act by:

• Registering Alberta Chiropractors who meet the initial and continuing requirements for a practice permit.
• Establishing a Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, Bylaws and other practice guidelines.
• Establishing, monitoring and evaluating professional, clinical and ethical standards.
• Establishing a continuing professional competency program for all members.
• Investigating complaints and initiating disciplinary proceedings when necessary.

In Alberta, chiropractors must:

• Have obtained a degree from an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic program, including treating patients in a supervised clinic setting for two years, approved by the CCOA Council. Their chiropractic education is on top of earning an undergraduate degree.
• Pass the national two-part written and clinical competency examination.
• Participate in the CCOA continuing competence program for professional development.
• Renew their practice permit annually.
• Be trained in trauma-informed care.
• Maintain certification in Basic Life Support including CPR
• Meet good character requirements and advise CCOA immediately of any criminal charges or complaints and discipline from other regulators or associations.
• Follow all standards, directives and rules of CCOA.

The Health Professions Act and the Chiropractic Regulation authorizes registrants of CCOA to use the following titles, abbreviations and initials:

• Chiropractor
• Doctor of Chiropractic
• D.C.
• Registered Chiropractor
• Doctor or Dr., only when providing a health service that is within the practice of chiropractic.