The term “chiropractic” originates from two Greek words meaning “treat by hand.” Academic chiropractic sees itself as a symbiosis between medical expertise and manual techniques, which combine in an exciting and varied course of study.
The goal of chiropractic is to help people with spinal complaints and limitations in a natural way, preferably without medication or surgery, and to restore mobility in their everyday lives. It focuses on the spine and nervous system through the four pillars of diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention. As true experts for complaints of the musculoskeletal system, chiropractors provide treatment on an individualized basis. Chiropractic occupies an important position alongside other disciplines such as orthopaedics, neurology, internal medicine and rheumatology. An interdisciplinary cooperation between the various disciplines in the field of the spine is part of the daily work.
*ECCE accreditation is intended.
In cooperation with the German Chiropractors‘ Association, the establishment of an internationally recognized course of study is aimed at Germany at Gifhorn in Lower Saxony beginning with the winter semester of 2023/2024. This is a great opportunity to study in this exciting and holistic field. |
Structure and content in chiropractic studies
Chiropractic studies are carried out worldwide according to uniform, internationally standards, checked regularly for compliance by independent accreditation organizations. The focus is on a holistic understanding of the body. Thus, both basic medical knowledge and manual techniques are learned to alleviate spine-related restrictions in a natural way. For this purpose, theory and practice are taught in a balanced way. This course of study will prepare you to treat patients as a skilled practitioner. The chiropractor’s most important tools are the hands, as he or she employs various manual techniques to remedy functional disorders or dysfunctions of a joint or to increase mobility.
- Type of degree: Bachelor's degree, subsequent Master's postgraduate studies possible
- Duration: 6 semesters Bachelor, 4 semesters Master
- Start of studies: Winter semester
- Language: German/English
- Course form: Full-time
- Tuition fees: yes
- Course requirements: University entrance qualification, e.B. general university entrance qualification
| Chiropractic diagnostics and therapy The degree programme offers training in chiropractic diagnosis by means of palption, movement tests, gait patterns, interpretation of MRI, X-ray or CT findings. The student learns individual examination steps leading to appropriate treatment of the patient. All importan competences are taught that enable effective chiropractic work. |
| Medical and biological basics Medical knowledge is the cornerstone of chiropractic treatment. In chiropractic studies, anatomy, biology, physiology are taught in order to better understand the functioning of the human body and to esnure safe treatment. |
| Social communicative skills After graduation, you will be able to explain your therapeutic actions to the patient in a comprehensive and scientifically sound manner. |
| Competence in scientific work In the course of study, scientific methods are thoroughly taught, which enables you to work with research results and to conduct your own research. |
Scholarship Program of the DCG/GCA
The German Chiropractors‘ Association will support you in financing your studies, and full and partial scholarship programmes are being developed to help with tuition fees that are expected to amount to 600 to 800 euros per month. Full and partial scholarships are therefore planned. Further information will be available here shortly.
Advantages of a recognised course of study
There are a variety of ways to learn chiropractic or parts of it in Germany. However, only an accredited course of study according to the standards of the Councils on Chiropractic Education and the WHO "Guidelines on Minimum Requirements for Study and Safety in Chiropractic" guarantees a sound education and thus patient safety. A complete understanding of chiropractic and a sustainable record of treatment success is only ensured by several years of recognized training.
Until now it was not possible to start an internationally recognized chiropractic course in Germany. Prospective students had to take up expensive studies abroad. Costs of several 10,000 euros per semester were the norm. This shall change with the range of courses at the Gifhorn location. Accreditation by the independent, European accreditation body ECCE (European Council of Chiropractic Education) should of course also follow for the range of courses in Gifhorn and is currently being prepared. In this way, a well-founded training in all relevant basics is ensured - not just learning simple techniques. After your studies, you will be able to use safe, responsible and effective treatment based on qualified training and a lot of experience.
With a chiropractic degree, you have excellent career prospects!
Beginning a few years ago, chiropractic gained increasing, widespread recognition, both from the medical profession and from patients. The need for chiropractic is obvious: more people people have problems with the musculoskeletal system. 75% of Germans complain of back pain at least once a year. At the same time, back pain is the most common cause of absenteeism (Central Institute for Statutory Health Insurance). Demographic developments also show that people are living longer. However, diseases of the musculoskeletal system can severely impair the quality of life, while imposing high socio-economic costs. People also want to remain active and mobile into old age. In addition, sedentary activities, accidents, poor posture and much more often make treatments of the musculoskeletal system necessary at a young age. As a chiropractor, you will contribute in a holistic way to the significant improvement of the quality of life of many people.
Studying in Gifhorn
The idyllic town of Gifhorn is conveniently located in southern Lower Saxony, between Hanover, Braunschweig and Wolfsburg. In the city of around 42,000 inhabitants, you will find ideal conditions for learning and living. Gifhorn's most famous landmark is the International Mill Museum in the heart of the city with its collection of authentic mills and extensive park grounds. Water, cycling and hiking fans will get their money's worth in Gifhorn. The city also impresses with a picturesque old town, owner-managed gastronomy and a committed cultural scene. The annual Old Town Festival or concerts in the cultural station are just a few examples. Daily necessities are within walking distance in family friendly Gifhorn. The city of Gifhorn supports you in reconciling family and career, but also in topics such as finding accommodation. We offer modern and affordable apartments and rooms exclusively for our students.
Two train stations in Gifhorn guarantee ideal transport connections. In less than 30 minutes you can reach the adventure city of Wolfsburg or the university location Braunschweig; in 45 minutes you are in the state capital Hannover. The proximity to the German Chiropractors‘ Association based in Braunschweig will prove useful, as will the high density of recognized practices in northern Germany, which guarantees teaching with a high degree of practical relevance.
