100th NZ trained Chiropractor graduates this week

100th NZ trained Chiropractor graduates this week from the New Zealand College of Chiropractic

The NZ College of Chiropractic confirmed today that the 100th NZ trained Chiropractor will graduate from the college in a ceremony at the Auckland Town Hall at 3.00pm on Friday 27 February 2004; The Hon Ruth Dyson, Minister for ACC and Associate Minister of Health will deliver the commencement address.

The college, established in 1994 by the NZ Chiropractic Association, received NZQA accreditation in 1999 and has since then graduated ninety-three Doctors of Chiropractic, most of whom have elected to remain in New Zealand.

In 2001, five North American Chiropractic colleges joined the Board of Trustees, bringing to the college additional knowledge and expertise, which has helped contribute towards establishing the college’s growing international reputation.

Dr. Brian Kelly, NZCC President said, “ This is a wonderful time for the college, celebrating ten years of training and at the same time, graduating our 100th doctor.”

“Only a few years ago, New Zealanders wanting to study Chiropractic had to travel to Australia or the USA, which was not only expensive but lacked a unique New Zealand flavour. A New Zealand based college meets the demand for more New Zealand qualified doctors of Chiropractic and at the same time, allows students to study and graduate here rather than having to travel overseas.”

The international partnership with the five USA based Chiropractic colleges has lead to substantial technical innovation including a video conferencing programme of specialist lectures between the partner colleges scheduled to commence in 2005.

There is currently a shortage of Chiropractors in New Zealand as public demand for chiropractic services increases. Enrolments for the five-year course consisting of the Diploma in Applied Science at AUT, followed by the Bachelor of Chiropractic (B Chiro) are increasing, with a record number of first year students enrolled for 2004.

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