Become a Chiropractor with RMIT: A Rewarding Career in Healthcare

1. —Become a Chiropractor with RMIT Dr.DeinVindigni Head Discipline of Chiropractic School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

2. What is Chiropractic? • Emphasises the relationship between the spine and nervous system • Diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions (eg pain, disability) • Is a hands-on healthcare profession • Is a recognised and respected part of the health care system • Is a regulated practice in all Australian States and Territories • Is a rewarding career choice

3. What do Chiropractors do? • Engage in the diagnosis and management of functional disorders of the (mechanical) musculoskeletal system • Have knowledge of the effect of these disorders on the musculoskeletal system • Refer to other health care practitioners when indicated • Promote healthy living • Attempt to optimize your health status

4. Where do Chiropractors work? • Private practice as an: • Associate • Partner • Sole practitioner • Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary practices • Working with sporting clubs and teams • University (Academic and Researcher)

5. Career Outlook • Private practice as an: • Associate • Partner • Sole practitioner • Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary practices • Working with sporting clubs and teams • University (Academic and Researcher)

6. Fast Facts Prerequisites: • Duration: 5 year double degree • Campus: Bundoora • 2018 ATAR: 63.30 • Entrance Requirements: Successful completion of an approved Year 12 (e.g. VCE) or equivalent program of study. • Units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 25 in any English (except EAL) or at least 30 in English (EAL). Mature age: • Competitive, competing with health sciences backgrounds with partially or completed degree. • Vocational qualification (massage, remedial massage, myotherapy)

7. Bundoora campus Focused on health and biomedical sciences, allows you to immerse yourself in a professional community for the very start of your studies • Facilities replicate real-life environments • Prepares you for industry placement • Dedicated facilities • On-campus accommodation

8. Program Structure • Double degree program • 4 courses per semester • 30 - 60 hours per course • 12-week semesters • Approximately 20-25 hours per week contact • 3 weeks of examination per semester • In Year 4 and 5, clinic attendance throughout • the year

9. Program Structure • First 3 years mainly lectures / practical sessions • Years 4 and 5 add clinical rotations • Final semester is mostly in external practices with online lectures • Throughout the course there are visiting / observing chiropractors and opportunities to engage with the chiropractic profession

10. What do you need to study to become a chiropractor? • Chemistry • Biology of the Cell • Principles of Human Biology • Introduction to Biosciences • Anatomy • Physiology • Neuroscience • Pathology • Medical examination • Differential Diagnosis for Chiropractors • Diagnostic Imaging • Chiropractic Clinical Practicum

11. Research Mission Statement of School of Health and Biomedical Sciences The School advances human health through excellent research and work-ready graduates who are compassionate and resilient. • Year 1 Research for Health Sciences • Permeated through program • Clinical Research Project • Critical analysis • Critical self reflection • Strong consumers of research literature • Exploration of new knowledge • Higher Degree by Research: Masters and PhD Dr Amanda Kimpton

12. Current Research • Neck problems and falls in older patients • Postural imbalance and osteoarthritis • Impact of chiropractic care on pain and disability in older patients • Changes in gait and balance seen in patients with leg length discrepancy • Community health research • Dr Julie Kendall

13. —Industry Experience

14. Why RMIT? Global experience Job ready Accreditation

15. Job ready • Work placement is an integral part of Health and Biomedical Sciences at RMIT University. • You will be given opportunities to observe clinical practice on-campus and off-campus. • Supervised clinical practice at the RMIT University Health Sciences Clinic at University Hill, Bundoora and community clinics . • Chiropractic community clinics for people who experience social or financial disadvantage.

16. Health Sciences Clinic • Located at University Hill, Bundoora • Provides clinical training for students • Prepares them for independent practice when they graduate and meets registration requirements • Multi-disciplinary clinic offering Chinese medicine, chiropractic, osteopathy and psychology • Provides clinical diagnosis, health advice and treatment for a range of conditions • Open to the public

17. Global Experience • RMIT University may offer you the opportunity to tour, work or study overseas. • We have previously undertaken outreach clinical activities in various international locations such as India, Samoa and Japan. • Their availability depends upon risk assessment and Government Travel Advice.

18. Accreditation • Recognised by peak bodies • Registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) • Accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (Australasia) for the Chiropractic Board of Australia • Chiropractic students are active in the World Congress of Chiropractic Students (WCCS)

19. Contact Us • School of Health and Biomedical Sciences • RMIT University Phone 03 9925 7376 • Email shbs@rmit.edu.au • www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-education/academic-schools/health-and-biomedical-sciences/

20. Questions