Yes. Chiropractors hold a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, which requires a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary education — including a 4-year doctoral program covering the same foundational sciences as medical doctors, plus extensive training in spinal biomechanics, manual therapy, radiology, and musculoskeletal diagnosis. After completing their education, chiropractors must pass national board examinations and maintain registration with their provincial regulatory body. In Alberta, all chiropractors are registered with the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA) and are recognized as primary care providers — meaning you don’t need a referral from a medical doctor to see one.