AECC University College is a small specialist health sciences institution, providing clinical education, patient care and applied research. It delivered clinical education since its inception in 1965 as a pioneering and influential provider of evidence-based chiropractic education and training. It now has a broader scope of provision, including a growing portfolio of courses in radiography, ultrasound, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, psychology, sport and exercise sciences and physical activity, with a vibrant programme of short courses and continuing professional development. Facilities include two onsite clinics hosting a range of musculoskeletal services, an open upright MRI scanner, ultrasound clinic, digital fluoroscopy and X-ray suite. As part of its growth it gained taught degree awarding powers and university status in 2017, is working with a partner to validate its own research degrees for 2022. In early 2021 it was awarded £2.7m of Dorset LEP funding to create a new state-of-the-art Integrated Rehabilitation Centre. It also submitted to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) for the first time, expanding and strengthening its research environment.

Its lifelong education commitment is evidenced by its Access to Health and Gateway programme at level 3, undergraduate provision, Graduate Entry programmes at level 7 and a range of specialist radiography short courses aimed at medical doctors, nurses, midwives, radiographers, physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors. Plans include developing a broader range of short courses, pre-registration postgraduate health-related programmes, supportive local and regional workforce needs and providing graduates and mature learners with the flexibility to pursue a second career in a highly valued sector.