Starting your journey

You do not need an undergraduate degree to study with us, however there are specific prerequisite requirements.

These include completing five basic health science courses at an undergraduate level and three elective courses.

These prerequisite courses are: • Human Anatomy and Physiology (30 Credits) • Biochemistry (15 Credits) • Biophysics (15 Credits) • Microbiology (15 Credits) • Three elective courses (45 Credits)

All 120 credits of prerequisite study must meet NZQA level 5 standards or equivalent.

If you have not completed university level study in basic health sciences, it is important that you first apply to the College for guidance and approval of where you can study prerequisite courses. If you have completed tertiary study in the science field, we will assess whether these courses meet the prerequisite requirements for entry to the College and help you find appropriate courses if you need further study. Please send your transcript to our admissions team for guidance. There a number of universities in New Zealand that offer approved prerequisite programmes, with many of our international students choosing this pathway.

More information

Our experienced Recruitment Team are here to help. Whether you're looking for advice on the best way to start your chiropractic journey, or have specific questions about your next steps, please get in touch.

Phone: +64 9 393 9873 Email: admissions.assist@nzchiro.co.nz

For more information on the application process, visit chiropractic.ac.nz/apply

Become part of the family from day one

The lecturers, staff and students at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic form a strong family, all working towards the same mission of graduating the world’s best chiropractors. You will become part of that supportive environment from day one. In your first week you will get to know your class at Orientation and get fully immersed into the College spirit at Life 101 Camp. You will challenge yourself, support each other, and form friendships that will carry through your next four years of study.

Camp 101 is fun, exciting and an awesome experience. You build strong connections and leave feeling even more motivated and inspired to be a part of an amazing profession surrounded by some of the best people you will meet.”

Randall's Story

Meet Randall, a first-year student from Vancouver who was so keen to come to the College, she was willing to wait.

A natural fit Randall has been adjusted herself since she was an infant and was exposed to a range of healthcare modalities growing up, which she says gave her a clear understanding of the path she wanted to follow. After high school, Randall did an undergraduate degree in kinesiology and began exploring career options and shadowing a number of professionals to get a feel for each profession. “I shadowed my own family chiropractor a number of times and through that started to see myself enjoying the lifestyle as well as the instant gratification I could offer to people as a chiropractor.”

She researched a number of chiropractic schools in Canada and the west coast of the US before her family chiropractor suggested she attend the College's local information event, a suggestion that turned out to be a game-changer.

“I knew I was keen on the College's programme, but adding in the aspect of a new adventure and being able to travel was a big drawcard as well.”

Complementary cultures While she has experienced bouts of homesickness and has had to overcome some challenges with settling, Randall says she finds the College, her fellow students and Kiwis in general hugely supportive and welcoming. “Kiwis and Canadians are very similar, so it hasn’t been too much of a change there. Auckland is also very similar to the west coast of Canada, so there wasn’t really any culture shock per se.”

Now that she’s settled, Randall has joined the World Congress of Chiropractic Students (WCCS) and is finding new opportunities to connect with others and further broaden her horizons. “Being open minded and jumping right into opportunities was a big thing I promised myself I was going to do by coming here; it’s all part of the adventure.”

In no rush to leave As well as learning the skills to become a great chiropractor, Randall plans to make the most of the fact she’s living on other the side of the world. “I want to see every inch of New Zealand as much as I can while I am here.”

With three years of study ahead of her, Randall is excited to build her knowledge and skills and to use her internship years to put these into practice with a wide range of community members as she refines her future plans.

Katie's Story

Meet Katie, a second year student from Okotoks, a small town south of Calgary, who has dreamed of being a chiropractor since she was 15.

A clear vision Katie was a 15-year-old high school student when her father drove her to Calgary city to hear the College present its course to potential Canadian students - and she was instantly hooked. She sent in her application and, from that point, focussed her sights on doing what she needed to do to make her chiropractic dreams a reality, including selecting subjects in high school that would set her up well for her tertiary chapter, which she also hoped would allow her to explore new parts of the world. “I had never been to New Zealand but I had always had the idea that my University years would be a good time to get some travel in too, so having my chiropractic school of choice based in New Zealand allowed me to do both.”

Get stuck in! Since officially joining on campus, Katie has continued her passion for connecting and networking. “All the College events are great for meeting people, having fun, making connections, and networking with others in the profession.” Doing well together She says College community really has become her local family, with the College and students creating a strong support system for each other. “Even before I left Canada I had College staff helping with the administrative side of life in New Zealand. The College is so on to it with those sorts of things, you’re not left on your own.”

A world of opportunity Katie is excited to get stuck into her internship and Chiropractic Centre experience over the next two years. After that, she plans to sit her Canadian board exams, so that setting up a practice back at home is an option for her. She’s not planning to head straight back to Canada though, opting instead to stay in New Zealand for a couple more years to get some local practice as an associate and explore the country further.

“Coming to New Zealand has opened my mind to other options. My studies and connections here are opening up so many opportunities for me.”

It’s this flexibility and balance which Katie says she really appreciates about the chiropractic profession and plans to fully leverage in the years to come. “I want to help people but enjoy myself as well.”