3. Welcome
Welcome to the first college of chiropractic in the Mediterranean
region.
The Barcelona College of Chiropractic opened its doors in October
2009 to all those interested in embarking on a career in chiropractic.
The enthusiasm for the BCC in the broader health care community
has been matched by the willingness of two of Spain’s premier public
universities, the Universitat Pompeu Fabra and Universitat de Girona,
to formally collaborate with the BCC.
A team of world-class teachers deliver the 5-year long full-time cur-
riculum. Throughout the programme of study students develop their
clinical skills, first by observation and with time by actually provid-
ing care in the BCC Chiropractic Centre. The two official languages
of the school are Spanish and English. The programme of study is
structured, with the help of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra’s language
department, so that by the time students graduate from the BCC they
will be fluent in both languages.
On the 12th of November 2010, the BCC was granted candidate for
accredited status with the European Council on Chiropractic Educa-
tion (ECCE). The BCC is now working hard towards achieving full ac-
credited status with ECCE. Students who graduate from accredited
colleges are eligible to apply for registration to practice as a chiro-
practor in other countries.
Thank you for your interest in a career in chiropractic and for consid-
ering the BCC in your future. Given the enormous pressure that the
traditional health care system is under and the position of chiroprac-
tic as a leader in the pursuit of natural health and well-being, there
has never been a better time to become a chiropractor and serve
your community.
Adrian Wenban, B.Sc., B.App.Sc., M.Med.Sc., MACC.
Principal, Barcelona College of Chiropractic
4. The BArcelonA Vision, mission, aims and objectives
college of Vision - We, at the BCC, ascribe to a vision that sees human beings and
society developing sustainably through the cultivation and enrichment
chiroprAcTic
of the human body, mind and spirit. We believe that educating chiro-
practors has an integral role to play in bringing that vision to fruition.
Mission - Our mission is for the BCC to deliver a programme of study
that leads to the graduation of compassionate, bilingual chiropractors
committed to the pursuit of personal development and excellence, and
capable of integrating the philosophy, science and art of chiropractic in
providing high quality cost-effective chiropractic care.
Aims and Objectives - We aim, amongst other objectives, to provide
chiropractic students with the educational opportunity to gain the atti-
tudes, knowledge, skills needed to become competent primary contact
health care providers capable of practicing either independently or in a
collaborative setting.
Institutional Support
Spanish Chiropractic Association (Asociación Española de
Quiropráctica, AEQ)
The AEQ is the national association representing chiropractors in
Spain. The AEQ was founded in 1986 and legalised the same year by
the Ministry of the Interior with the approval of the Ministry of Health.
It is a member of the European Chiropractors’ Union (ECU) and the
World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC).
In October of 2007 the members of the AEQ voted in the affirmative
to support the further development of the Barcelona College of Chi-
ropractic. Moreover, representatives from the AEQ and the Fundació
Privada Quiropráctica have now signed a collaborative agreement
wherein it was agreed that the two entities would work together to-
ward the further development of the BCC.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
The Barcelona College of Chiropractic has signed several collabora-
tive agreements with the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), one of the
most prestigious public universities in Spain. The UPF has gained an
international reputation in terms of both research and teaching.
As part of these agreements, the BCC delivers the majority of its class-
es on the UPF’s campus (idEC building located on Calle Balmes).
4
5. Established in 1993, idEC is the UPF’s institute of continuing edu-
cation. It aims to develop continuing education and training pro-
grammes for professionals. With its strong focus on quality and aca-
demic excellence idEC has now consolidated a prestigious reputation
by offering masters and postgraduate programmes.
Additionally BCC students attend the language programme, offered
by the Programa d’Ensenyament de Idiomes (PEI or Programme
of Teaching of Languages), which is given on the UPF’s Ciutadella
campus. The agreement also opens the way towards the UPF being
involved in the further development of the BCC’s final year of study.
Universitat de Girona
The agreement with the Universitat de Girona (UdG) takes the form of
a collaborative agreement related to the BCC’s use of the anatomi-
cal dissection rooms and other specialised laboratories, which are
the most modern in the region. Additionally, practical classes for the
BCC’s science subjects are delivered with the assistance of appropri-
ately trained UdG teaching staff. A second collaborative agreement
with the UdG provides for BCC students and staff to have access to the
UdG’s on-campus library facilities (including the digital library).
Educational Resources
The curriculum of the Barcelona College of Chiropractic is delivered
using the following educational resources:
• idEC
Lectures and seminars in both the basic and clinical sciences are
taught in the idEC building in Calle Balmes. In addition, BCC stu-
dents may use the cafe and other idEC facilities.
• UdG
Practical classes related to basic science subjects are delivered
in the dissection rooms and other specialised laboratories located
in the UdG’s Faculty of Medicine. Students also have access to the
UdG’s on-campus and digital library facilities.
• UPF Library
BCC Students also have access to the UPF library and UPF IT
resources.
• BCC Chiropractic Centre
At the BCC Chiropractic Centre students will, during their early
First year lectures translated simultaneously
5
6. years, observe experienced chiropractors caring for their pa-
tients. During the later years of study students will provide the
care themselves whilst under the close supervision of appropria-
tely trained BCC staff.
• Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
The VLE ia an on-line learning and support system. This virtual
forum allows for lecture and administrative material to be displa-
yed. It also provides the students with the ability to communicate
with BCC staff on-line.
Accreditation
In the USA and some European countries, chiropractic is a govern-
ment regulated primary contact health care profession that forms
part of both the private and public health care systems. In Spain,
however, legislation related to chiropractic has not yet been devel-
oped and therefore the practice of chiropractic is still not specifically
regulated.
The accrediting agency in Europe for programmes of study in chiro-
practic is the European Council on Chiropractic (ECCE), which has
been a full member of the European Association for Quality Assur-
ance in Higher Education (ENQA) since 2010. On the 12th of Novem-
ber 2010, the ECCE’s Committee on Accreditation granted the BCC
candidate for accredited status.
The BCC is now working towards being granted full accredited status
with ECCE which, provided all goes well, will be granted once the
BCC graduates its first class of students (2014). Once a College has
full accredited status with ECCE, graduates are eligible to sit entry
examinations worldwide.
Life in Barcelona
Regarded as one of the best places in the world to live and among
the most important European cultural hubs, Barcelona is a perfect
location for studying to become a chiropractor. Positioned between
the Mediterranean and the striking Pyrenees mountain range, this
city in Spain’s North East is perfect for all year round outdoor activi-
ties, and is rapidly becoming recognised as the health care capital of
the country.
6
7. STudieS The BCC Curriculum
With the assistance of curriculum development experts, and feed-
back from major stakeholders, the BCC has developed its unique
curriculum that strives to marry the discipline of chiropractic with
advanced teaching, learning and assessment strategies.
Science, Art and Philosophy
philoSophy
—Why?—
Traditionally, chiropractic was seen to be based on three pillars: Sci-
ence, Art and Philosophy. Finding the balance between these three
pillars in the curriculum is a priority for our academic team. In keep-
ing with chiropractic principles, the curriculum combines the study
of basic and clinical sciences with a deep reflection on the body’s
innate ability to optimise its own health.
Science ArT Bilingual College
—What?— —How?—
The BCC is an international college with two official languages -
Spanish and English. During the first year, the College provides si-
multaneously translated lectures and supportive language courses,
to enable students to follow classes while improving their language.
During the last two years, all theory classes are taught in English
while practical experience takes place in Spanish.
Research
From the beginning our curriculum enables students to acquire un-
derstanding and practice of the scientific method, investigation and
evidence-based practice and critical/analytical thinking. Students
are well prepared for carrying out a major research project in the
final years of the programme of study.
Personal Development Planning and Reflective Practice
These modules aim to enhance the students’ ability to understand
what and how they are learning and to help them review, plan and
take responsibility for their own learning, while discovering that
learning is always linked to action and theory to practice.
Clinical Experience
Contact with patients is essential from the very beginning and thus,
the BCC offers its students the opportunity to observe and interact
with experienced chiropractors caring for patients in the BCC Chiro-
practic Centre. Throughout much of the 4th and 5th years, students
provide chiropractic care to patients whilst under the close supervi-
sion of trained professionals.
7
8. progrAMMe The BCC’s Programme of Study in Chiropractic is a five year full-
time scheme of 310 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits.
of STudy
The list of modules and credits of the five years of study is outlined
below. All modules are compulsory.
YEAR OnE 70 ECTS
Semester one modules
• Human Structure and Function I 10
• Molecules of Life (Introduction to Biochemistry) 5
Semester two modules
• Human Structure and Function II 10
• Neurology I (Including Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology) 5
Year long modules (semesters 1 & 2)
• Clinical Biomechanics and Chiropractic Technique I 15
• Chiropractic in Society I (History and Philosophy) 5
• Introduction to the Study of Human Tissues 10
• Personal Development Planning and Reflective Practice I 5
• English or Spanish 5
YEAR TWO 60 ECTS
Year long modules (semesters 1 & 2)
• Clinical Biomechanics and Chiropractic Technique II 10
• Clinical Skills I (Clinical Examination, Special Imaging
and Problem Solving) 10
• Chiropractic in Society II (Contemporary Studies) 5
• Neurology II (Including Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology
and Introductory Clinical Neurology) 15
• Microbiology and Public Health 5
• Pathophysiology 10
• Personal Development Planning and
Reflective Practice II 5
YEAR ThREE 60 ECTS
Semester one modules
• Clinical Approaches to Special Needs 5
Semester two modules
• Clinical Toxicology 5
8
9. Year long modules (semesters 1 & 2)
• Advanced Chiropractic Technique I (Special needs
and Ancillary Techniques) 10
• Clinical Skills II (Clinical Examination and
Problem Solving) 15
• Radiology/Radiography and Special Imaging 15
• Chiropractic in Society III (Non-biological causes
of health and disease) 5
• Clinical Practicum I 5
YEAR FOUR 60 ECTS
Semester one modules
• Advanced chiropractic Technique II 5
Semester two modules
• Advanced chiropractic technique III 5
Year long modules (semesters 1 & 2)
• Clinical Skills III (Integration) 15
• Chiropractic in society IV (Trends in health care
and Health promotion) 5
• Clinical Practicum II 30
YEAR FIVE 60 ECTS
Year long modules (semesters 1 & 2)
• Clinical skills IV (Integration) 5
• Chiropractic in society V (Overview and ethics
in clinical practice) 5
• Research 20
• Clinical Practicum III 30
Title Awarded
Once students have satisfactorily completed and passed all modules
included in the five years of study, they will be awarded the follow-
ing title - Título Superior en Quiropráctica del Barcelona college of
chiropractic – escuela Superior internacional.
9
10. AdMiSSion In order to be admitted into the programme of study offered by the
Barcelona College of Chiropractic:
reQuireMenTS candidates who have completed their secondary education in
Spain- The applicant will need to show that they have completed
preferably the Bachillerato de Ciencias de la Naturaleza y la Salud or
the Bachillerato Tecnológico*, and that they have passed the Span-
ish University Access Tests (“Pruebas de acceso a la universidad”,
PAU), or that they have passed the special exam for entrance into
universities in Catalonia for students over 25 years of age.
candidates who have completed their secondary education in a eu
country or Switzerland- The applicant will need to have a qualifica-
tion equivalent to the Bachillerato from his/her home country and
have studied enough science modules, preferably Biology or Chem-
istry*.
candidates who have completed their secondary education over-
seas (all countries except eu countries and Switzerland)- The ap-
plicant will need to have the equivalent to the Bachillerato from his/
her country and demonstrate that he/she has studied enough sci-
ence modules, preferably Biology or Chemistry*.
language – The BCC is an international college whose two official
languages are Spanish and English. Students are expected to have
a high level of knowledge of at least one of the two languages and
basic knowledge of the other.
computer Knowledge - In all cases, applicants must have user-level
knowledge of computers.
interview - The admission process will be concluded with a personal
interview.
Please, visit www.bcchiropractic.es for details on requirements of
admission to the BCC.
*
Candidates who have completed the Ciclo Formativo de Grado Superior might be considered for entrance into the programme depending on
the subjects taken and will be considered on a case by case basis. Exceptionally, good candidates with an insufficient level of sciences to enter
the programme, will be invited to prepare and attend the BCC science entrance examination and, upon passing this, will be accepted into the
programme.
10
11. courSe feeS The annual fee to study at the Barcelona College of Chiropractic is
€9,800.00. Please visit www.bcchiropractic.es to get more informa-
tion about flexible ways of making payment.
The annual fee includes:
• Teaching: lectures and seminars, and any other compulsory edu-
cational activity related to the programme of study.
• Basic science practicals (these take place at the Universitat de
Girona)
• Travel to and from the Universitat de Girona
• Linguistic support and simultaneous translation service (in the
first year)
• Leadership weekend (first year)
• Access to the BCC Virtual Learning Environment
• Student support services
• Student insurance
• Library services
• Use of a BCC laptop computer
• Internet access within the BCC’s premises
• Educational Starter Pack
• Induction
• Administrative fee
This price does not include the preparatory September courses for
the first year (language and sciences) as they are not mandatory for
all students.
Payment options
The BCC has several options to facilitate students in meeting their pay-
ment commitments (monthly installments, mentoring programmes
and bank loans). Please contact BCC staff for more information, as
each applicant will be considered on a case by case basis.
11
12. Dr. Adrian Wenban, Principal of the BCC
Dr. Adrian Wenban graduated from the University of New South
Wales with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, major in anatomy, in
1987. In 1990 he graduated from the Phillip Institute of Technology
(now RMITU) with a bachelor of applied science, major in chiroprac-
tic, and subsequently (1990-91) presented as a postgraduate lecturer
in chiropractic pediatrics for Phillip Institute of Technology. In 1999
he graduated from the University of Newcastle’s Center for Clinical
Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CCEB) with a Master in Medical Sci-
ence (Clinical Epidemiology).
In his 20 years as a chiropractor Dr. Wenban has worked in over 60
different practices spread over 5 different countries. He has served
as an Associate Governor of the Australian Spinal Research Founda-
tion for many years.
Dr. Wenban presently lives in Barcelona, Spain with his wife, also a
chiropractor, and two children. He is currently the principal of the
Barcelona College of Chiropractic, and is a member of the Spanish
Chiropractic Association (AEQ), a foreign member of the Chiroprac-
tic Association of Australia (CAA), a member of the Association for
Medical Education in Europe and a member of the Australian Epide-
miological Association.
Dr. Martyn Walker, Chiropractic Technique Teacher
Dr. Martyn Walker graduated from the Welsh Institute of Chiroprac-
tic, University of Glamorgan with a BSc (Hons) Chiropractic in 2002,
and graduated with a diploma in Sports Science in 1997. In 2003 Dr.
Walker began his academic teaching career as a senior lecturer and
senior clinical floor tutor at the University of Glamorgan teaching
the final year chiropractic students Clinical Patient Management and
Clinical Diagnosis and Facilitation of Appropiate Clinical Care Pro-
tocols through an Evidence Based Model of Health Care. Dr. Walker
was also at that time an assistant lecturer for third year students.
Dr. Walker also worked for the General Chiropractic Council (GCC)
as an external examiner/consultant for the test of competence. He is
currently a member of the General Chiropractic Council.
Dr. Walker is also a fully licensed, Certified Chiropractic Extremity
Practitioner (CCEP). He has worked as an associate in a number of
12
13. chiropractic centers in the UK, and has previously been the director
of two chiropractic practices in Wales.
Dr. Walker currently lives in Barcelona with his wife, a kinesiologist,
and with their young daughter. He currently teaches the Chiropractic
Biomechanics and Chiropractic Technique modules at the Barcelona
College of Chiropractic.
Dr. Pablo Pérez de la Ossa, Course Leader
Dr. Pablo Pérez de la Ossa graduated from the Universitat de Bar-
celona with a BSc in Biology, major in Biochemistry, in 1990. He did
his doctorate at the same university, and received his PhD award in
1995. Dr. Pérez de la Ossa did postdoctoral research at the New York
University from 1996 to 1999. In 2000 he entered the Biochemistry
Department of the Faculty of Medicine of the Universitat de Barce-
lona as a biochemistry teacher.
During his professional career he has carried out research related to
human metabolism, molecular mechanisms of the cancer and heart
transplant dynamics.
He is presently Course Leader at the Barcelona College of Chiro-
practic and teaches biochemistry and cellular biology.
13
14. Practical classes for students.
foundATion The fundació privada Quiropràctica (fpQ), a non-profit foundation
compliant with the Spanish Law of Foundations, was founded in 2007
and is now registered as a foundation in the Generalitat de Catalunya
with the following registration number: 2427.
According to its articles, the objectives of the FPQ are the “promotion
of chiropractic, the promotion of activities and research aimed to im-
prove the capabilities and opportunities of chiropractic professionals
and the promotion of activities that increase the scientific knowledge
of chiropractic professionals”.
Barcelona College of Chiropractic
In order to achieve its objectives, the FPQ’s Board of Governors have
to date focused their efforts on, and passionately pursued, one proj-
ect: the Barcelona College of Chiropractic.
Donations
The Fundació Privada Quiropràctica is the non-profit government
registered entity responsible for overseeing the development and
management of the BCC, for signing contracts and agreements and
for receiving donations and funds related to the Barcelona College
of Chiropractic.
If you would like to support the Barcelona College of Chiropractic
by making a much appreciated donation, or if you would like more
information related to donating, please contact Marc Pastor at (+34)
93 476 53 10 or send an e-mail to the following address:
donations.fpq@bcchiropractic.es
14
15. � Barcelona College of Chiropractic (Offices)
��
�
��
��
��
�� Calle Mallorca 364, 2º1ª
��
���
��
��
��
�� �
�
��
�
�
��
��
08013 Barcelona. Spain.
�
�
�� Tel. (+34) 93 476 53 10
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
Fax (+34) 93 476 43 59
��
��
��
��
��
��
Email: info@bcchiropractic.es
��
��
�
��
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
�
��
���
��
��
�����
��� Barcelona College of Chiropractic
�
�� ���
� ����
(Chiropractic Centre)
�
��
��
��
��
�
�
Calle Mallorca 364,bajos
Tel. (+34) 93 208 04 19
idEC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra
�� ���
��
�� ��� ��
�
Calle Balmes 132-134 (Corner of C.Rosselló)
�
�� ��
��
���� �
��� �
��
�
���� 08008 Barcelona
��
��
�
��
���
��
�� � Public transportation:
�� ��
� ��
���
��
�
Metro (Diagonal Station: L3, L5)
�� �� ��
�� �� �� Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya
�� �� �� ��
�� ��
��
�� ��
� �� �
(Provença Station)
���
�� �� ��
��
�� �
��
�
��
Buses: 7, 15, 16, 17, 27, 28, 32, 33, 34, 54, 66.
��
�
Universitat de Girona
Medical Faculty
Calle Emili Grahit, 77
17005 Girona
HOW DO I APPLY?
Thank you for your interest in our programme of study. To start the application process:
1 Go to www.bcchiropractic.es
2 Click on the enrolment tab
3 Read the Entry Requirements document
4 Fill in and return the Application Form
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AT info@bcchiropractic.es
• Timetable examples and academic calendars
• Information about accomodation in Barcelona
• Chiropractic seminars with BCC participation
• Financial information
16. www.bcchiropractic.es
c. Mallorca 364, 2º1ª
Barcelona 08013
Spain
(+34) 93 476 53 10
info@bcchiropractic.es
With the support and collaboration of:
