Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that focuses on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, with special emphasis on the spine. It focuses on manual therapy including spinal manipulation and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation and includes exercises and health and lifestyle counselling.
Today, it’s the most widely practiced form of alternative medicine and Bournemouth is home to the Anglo European College of Chiropractic (AECC), the largest of its kind in Europe. The AECC was established back in 1965 as the first chiropractic clinic in Europe to be recognised and supported by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) and today it has a global reputation as a leader in musculoskeletal healthcare.
Global expertise
The AECC offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of study as well as extensive research through its own institute IMRCI, a range of clinical training programmes and continued professional development (CPD) for healthcare professionals. People who study here come from various professions and educational backgrounds including science, sport, exercise science, medicine, physiotherapy, osteopathy, nursing and radiography.
The college moved to its grand premises – previously Boscombe Convent – in 1982 and since has achieved a number of milestones including affiliation with Bournemouth University and the opening of a state-of-the-art teaching college, with 34 treatment rooms, exercise centre, x-ray facilities and ultrasound. The College is also home to the British Society for the History of Chiropractic, which documents and preserves the heritage of this profession and practice, archiving vital resources for research and critical analysis.
Top-flight partnerships
With its global reputation, it’s no surprise that the AECC has built trusted partnerships with top-level sports, education and clinical establishments. The College is the Official Performance and Rehabilitation Supporter of Premiership football team AFC Bournemouth, providing chiropractic training and working with the club’s medical and sports science staff in the treatment and rehabilitation of injured players. Four AECC interns work alongside AFC Bournemouth physiotherapist Steve Hard, a great opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field of top-flight sport. The AECC is also proud to work with and support the players of Bournemouth Rugby Club.
Leading the way
The College is currently applying for University College status, which is due to be in place by September 2017. In readiness, it has already been granted Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP) by the Privy Council. These are awarded after rigorous assessment by the Quality Assurance Agency and enables the AECC to validate, deliver and award its own degree programmes.
Established for over 50 years now, the AECC is still making strides in innovation and excellence and the fact 100% of its students go on to employment or further study within 6 months is testament to the institution’s reputation and quality of education. The College received an outstanding 96% overall satisfaction rating in the latest National Student Survey, beating the average score by ten points.