Are chiropractors allowed to call themselves Dr. (Doctor)?

Short answer: yes—when done correctly in Canada.

In Alberta, licensed chiropractors may use the protected titles “Doctor of Chiropractic” and “Chiropractor” (and the abbreviation DC) under provincial law.

Best practice: pair “Dr.” with the profession (e.g., “Dr. Matt, Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)”) so it’s crystal-clear we’re not medical physicians, and never mislead the public. CanLII+2Alis Alberta+2

So the answer is - Yes, chiropractors are legally allowed to use the title "Doctor" (Dr.) in many places, including all of Canada and the U.S., because they earn a doctoral degree (Doctor of Chiropractic - DC) and are licensed healthcare professionals.

But it can be confusing as they aren't medical doctors (MDs) and don't practice medicine like prescribing drugs or surgery, focusing instead on spinal adjustments and movement.

The usage is regulated, with laws often specifying that the title applies within their licensed scope, but it's common for the public to mistake them for medical doctors, leading to debate.

Key takeaways

Alberta law authorizes the titles Doctor of Chiropractic / Chiropractor / DC for registered members. Using “Dr.” is acceptable when you clearly identify the profession. CanLII

1. Chiropractors are not medical physicians; title use must not mislead. We always state our profession alongside “Dr.” for clarity. theccoa.ca

2. Education is rigorous: ≥4,200–4,500 hours in a four-year DC program after prior university study; Alberta recognizes seven years post-secondary as typical. chirofed.ca+2CMCC+2

3. Family medicine residencies in Canada are 24 months post-MD—different degrees, different scopes, both regulated. cfpc.ca+1

4. At Axiom, Dr. Matt completes 24 hours of CE annually, and we co-manage or refer when appropriate.

What Alberta law says

Alberta’s Chiropractors Profession Regulation (under the Health Professions Act) authorizes registered members to use “Doctor of Chiropractic,” “Chiropractor,” “Registered Chiropractor,” and “DC.”

These are protected titles; only licensed members can use them. The regulator (College of Chiropractors of Alberta) also maintains Standards of Practice—including proper use of protected titles—to prevent misleading the public.

Practically, that’s why we sign as “Dr. Matthew Anderson, DC — Doctor of Chiropractic.” CanLII+1

Why clarity matters

We’re often called “doctor,” but not as medical physicians (MDs).

The title refers to our doctoral degree (Doctor of Chiropractic) and regulated status, not to a physician license.

To keep it transparent, we always pair “Dr.” with Chiropractor / DC, in print and conversation.

This helps patients compare options honestly and choose the right provider for the job. theccoa.ca

How we list credentials

You’ll see versions like:

• Dr. Matt, DC (Doctor of Chiropractic)

• Dr. Matthew Anderson — Chiropractor (DC)

• In long form: Doctor of Chiropractic (registered in Alberta)

Training: side-by-side

Becoming a Calgary chiropractor requires years of focused study and clinic time.

In Canada, accredited chiropractic programs (e.g., CMCC and UQTR) deliver ≥4,200–4,500 instructional hours over four academic years, following prior university study.

Alberta’s career profile summarizes this as ~7 years post-secondary. chirofed.ca+2peqab.ca+2

Chiropractor (DC) pathway

1. Pre-req university (minimum 3 years typical)

2. Doctor of Chiropractic: four years, ~4,200–4,500+ hours (basic sciences, diagnosis, MSK imaging, rehab, ethics, clinical internships) CMCC+1

3. Licensure: national exams + Alberta registration

4. Ongoing CE: Axiom standard 24 hours/year (headaches, spine, rehab)

Family physician pathway

1. MD/medical school, then Family Medicine residency: 24 months in Canada (competency-based, supervised patient care)

2. Different scope (primary care/medicine) vs. chiropractic’s non-pharmacological MSK focus

3. Both are regulated professions serving complementary roles. cfpc.ca+1

Ethics: how we communicate

Our job is to help, not hype. That means plain-English titles, accurate scope, and smart referrals.

Our in-clinic standard

• Use “Dr.” only with the profession (Chiropractor / DC)

• Explain what we do (assessment, diagnosis, non-pharmacological MSK care)

• Be clear about what we don’t do (we’re not MDs; no prescribing/imaging privileges without referral)

• Co-manage with your family doctor, physio, dentist, or specialist as needed

When we refer out

If we spot red flags, unclear neurologic signs, persistent non-response, or anything outside scope, we coordinate with your family physician or the appropriate specialist. Clear titles + clear pathways = safer, faster care for you.

FAQs we hear often

1. “So… are you a real doctor?”
   We hold a doctoral degree (DC), are regulated, and can assess/diagnose/treat MSK conditions. We are not medical doctors. Different licenses; complementary roles. CanLII+1

2. “Why do you use ‘Dr.’ then?”
   Because Canadian law permits Doctor of Chiropractic to use the “Dr.” honorific with proper identification of the profession. We always pair it with Chiropractor/DC so nobody’s misled. CanLII

3. “How long did you study?”
   Typically ~7 years post-secondary including a four-year DC with ~4,200–4,500+ hours and clinical internships, plus board exams. Then 24 hours CE/year at Axiom. CMCC+2peqab.ca+2

Want to read more?

If you’re comparing a chiropractor near me, these resources help:

• Understanding roles & scope: Neck Pain Treatment in Calgary

• Injury examples and co-management: Sciatica Treatment in Calgary

• Family & preventative care: Pregnancy Chiropractic in Calgary

(If any of these aren’t on your blog yet, I can swap to other live posts—or draft them next!)

Prefer to just chat with a Calgary chiropractor and get a plan? It’s easy to Book with Axiom Chiropractic.

Or learn about our team and approach at Chiropractor Calgary.

Sources (Canada/Alberta)

• Titles permitted: Chiropractors Profession Regulation (Alta Reg 277/2006) — authorizes “Doctor of Chiropractic,” “Chiropractor,” “DC,” etc. CanLII

• Regulator/standards: College of Chiropractors of Alberta — Standards of Practice and protected-title guidance. theccoa.ca

• Program length/hours: CMCC Doctor of Chiropractic ≥4,500 hours; CCEC minimum ≥4,200 hours; Alberta profile ~7 years post-secondary. Alis Alberta+3CMCC+3peqab.ca+3

• Family medicine training: CFPC residency 24 months (standards/overview). cfpc.ca+1