If you have made a commitment this year to advancing your career and taking the next steps in your chiropractic journey, then start by investing in the Australasian Institute of Chiropractic Education (AICE). Established in 2019 by the ACA, AICE is your institute to promote advanced clinical competency and knowledge transfer through the establishment of credentialed learning pathways.
Being a part of AICE means members are supported through improving skills and knowledge, facilitating research and developing policy, which impact the entire profession. AICE now has five clinical focus faculties, covering vast areas of interest for all chiropractors. These groups include:
- Sports & Exercise;
- Paediatrics;
- Neurorehabilitation;
- Pain Management; and
- Wellbeing & Lifestyle Management.
With a comprehensive structure, numerous member benefits, and flexibility depending on your level of involvement, discover all AICE has to offer.
AICE Member Benefits
Being an AICE chiropractor means that you are making a commitment to improving your patient-centred care, as well as enhancing the profession and advancing your practice. There are several benefits to being an AICE Clinical Practice Group member including:
- formal recognition of experience and qualifications by peers, the community and employers;
- the opportunity to attract new patients directly and by referral;
- being a part of an exclusive network of credentialed chiropractic professionals;
- unify clinical practice with scientific research; and
- enhanced marketability and advertising opportunities as a credentialed practitioner.
Head of AICE, Adjunct Professor Henry Pollard, believes AICE is not only a means to obtain best methods for chiropractors but best practice measures for the public they serve.
“We believe the development of AICE is a way to gain formal recognition of experience and qualifications that chiropractors have obtained in special interest areas, and a way for the community, employers and others can feel comfortable that these elevated qualifications and experience will be a great benefit to the public,” Adj Prof Pollard said.
AICE Levels
To cater to the different requirements and needs of chiropractors, each AICE Clinical Practice Group (CPG) has four levels.
First off, the Clinical Interest Group (CIG) level is for ACA members and students only. This level follows a similar structure to the ACA interest groups, in that it is designed for chiropractors who simply have an interest in the field and do not wish to pursue recognised titling.
The following three levels: Member, Titled Member and Fellow are open to all chiropractors (ACA and non ACA members) and are ideal for practitioners who wish to gain additional skills and experience or already have these skills in a particular area of interest. The role of these levels within the CPG is to:
- recognise experience and qualifications relevant to each special interest area;
- foster open enquiry and debate among practitioners and the wider healthcare community;
- encourage further and relevant continuing clinical professional development;
- review, disseminate and develop the evidence-base in each special interest area; and
- support CPG members in developing and extending clinical skills and knowledge in relevant special interest areas.
The entry level category is the Member level. This is ideal for chiropractors who have an interest in one of the five AICE disciplines, however this is an untitled level and members cannot use the post nominals or advertise a special interest area.
A Titled Member means you have obtained high-level knowledge and competence in your given area. Amongst the other benefits, Titled Members will also have the ability to display their AICE titles and post nominals as well as advertising rights of advanced credentials and titles.
A Fellow of AICE means you have obtained the highest of knowledge and competence in your given area. It comes with much of the same benefits as a Titled Member, including advertising rights, but Fellows are also leaders within their field and have the ability to become mentors to other chiropractors.
Each faculty will have different entry requirements for each level, but with the current flexibility offered, now is a better time than ever to join AICE.
“My advice to chiropractors interested in AICE is to get involved now while we are in the ‘grandparenting’ phase. This means that in 2024, the standard entry requirements will rise and require chiropractors to have obtained a Master’s degree as well as go through an extensive examination assessment process,” said Adj Prof Pollard.
Interested in AICE?
If you’re interested in becoming a part of one of these leading groups or want to learn more about becoming an AICE chiropractor, get in touch with the leader of the faculty or speak to the friendly team at ACA. They can answer any questions you may have, guide you through the process and get you started on your AICE journey.
“The chiropractor that goes through AICE will become a leader in their area here and overseas, to benchmark best practice for the profession and market their status to the public.”
Advance your career, your practice and your patient care by becoming a part of AICE. Visit aice.org.au to find out more.
