Welcome from the Dean of the School

Associate Professor Brian Nook

We wish you a warm welcome to the School of Chiropractic and Sports Science at Murdoch University

In September, 2006 Murdoch University School of Chiropractic was informed by the Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia Inc. that its program had become fully accredited. The accreditation of the School of Chiropractic allows each graduate the ability to register in any state, territory or country that recognises CCEA Accreditation. This meets the industry standard for all chiropractic programs worldwide.

The Chiropractic profession is emerging as an integral part of the Health Care system in Australia and, as such, we need to ensure that our graduates are fully equipped, both academically and technically, to become valued members of this profession, able to cope with all that being a chiropractor entails.

The School of Chiropractic academic curriculum is innovative and entrenched with hands on practical experience. A foundation of basic science units in the first two years develops the student's knowledge base. The following three years integrate clinical thinking, decision making and practical application to develop an evidence based practitioner ready to provide "best practice" quality of care to their patients and society. The academic and general staff of the School of Chiropractic are committed to the educational development and welfare of our students. Contact between students and staff is frequent and varied and something that we treasure. We are very proud to have created a challenging yet supportive environment, one that you will find demanding yet enjoyable.

As a student in our five year course of study you will enjoy many important and unique opportunities including a patient based, clinical integrated curriculum, the opportunity for interaction with students in other health disciplines, the support of the chiropractic profession, academic and general staff, the development of research skills and the progressive building of professional attitudes that will serve you as a responsible member of the chiropractic profession.

In July 2005 Murdoch University Chiropractic Clinic opened its doors to the general public. This teaching clinic is a "state of the art" facility including digital radiology, paperless clinical records and a 160sqmtr rehabilitation facility with strength training and conditioning equipment. This clinic provides care to the general public treating various conditions of the neuromusculoskeletal systems and general ailments of all ages. The student interns providing the care are directly supervised by registered chiropractors at all times. This provides a unique service to the public and the ability to provide exceptional care in a modern facility whilst the patient's case is continually monitored by these experienced registered chiropractors.

Our School is committed to the development of research, both basic science and clinical as it relates to the profession of chiropractic. Emphasis for the past five years has been on the development of the core curriculum and the undergraduate programs for Murdoch University. We are excited that we are now entering a time where more emphasis can be placed upon generating research relating to chiropractic. We currently have several honours students, summer research projects and PhD students conducting research as part of our School. We will also be developing postgraduate studies. Currently, we have programs relating to neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports chiropractic.

In 2008 our School was officially renamed the School of Chiropractic and Sports Science as we now offer a three year undergraduate Sports Science degree as well as the Chiropractic degree. Our staff numbers have subsequently increased dramatically to enable us to ensure quality teaching in both degree programs.

Thank you for your interest in the Murdoch University School of Chiropractic and Sports Science and we hope that our website assists you in answering any of your questions. Feel free to contact my office at any time as per the details below.

Brian Nook
Tel: (08) 9360 7690
e-mail: b.nook@murdoch.edu.au