How to Become a Chiropractor

Individual Chiropractic schools may have other requirements beyond the following minimum. In the United States, the minimum requirement for prospective students is set by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), the accreditation organization for Doctor of Chiropractic Programs.

Chiropractic Pre-Requisites

Currently, candidates for chiropractic school must have at least 90 semester credit hours with specific course requirements that include; Physics, Biology, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Psychology, English, and Social Studies or Humanities. Ninety credit hours is equivalent to three academic years and is the same minimum requirement for medical or dental school. There is no specific requirement for an undergraduate degree so long as you completed the above mentioned credit hours, though most successful applicants to a chiropractic college have completed a four-year degree.

In what is believed to be a means to reduce competition, some states like Florida, Kansas, Maryland, and Rhode Island, instituted a requirement that an undergraduate degree must be obtained before matriculation to chiropractic college, or you will not be able to be licensed in those States. In the future, US-based chiropractic schools may require a four-year degree as minimum requirement. The CCE policy regarding chiropractic prerequisites will change in 2014  making the minimum required GPA 3.0.

After pre-requisite courses are completed, you can apply to specialized four-year programs offered at chiropractic institutions. As of 2007, the Council on Chiropractic Education had accredited a total of sixteen chiropractic institutions. An excellent curriculum vitae and academic record is certainly an advantage in applying to a chiropractic program.

Four-Year Chiropractic Program

The first two years of chiropractic study are commonly preliminary work. The program covers physiology, pathology, anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, public health, and laboratory work. The third and fourth years of chiropractic program focus on practical instructions on spinal manipulation. In addition, hands-on learning on patient and laboratory diagnosis in clinical orthopedics, physiotherapy, neurology, geriatrics, and nutrition is needed.

A chiropractic student completes the same classes as medical students, differing only on the methods used in treating conditions. Finishing a minimum of three years of pre-chiropractic and a four-year chiropractic program entitles students to a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree.

Doctor Of Chiropractic License

After achieving a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree, you need to acquire a license to practice. In the US, depending on which state you want to practice, you must pass the test from National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Many states, require taking state boards in addition to passing national boards.

Chiropractors are usually only allowed to practice in the state where they acquired the license. However, some states collaborate to allow chiropractors to practice in other states through reciprocity without additional exams, as long as the state requirement are met.

Continuing Education

Like any health related careers in the US, except in New Jersey, licensed Chiropractors are required to take continuing education trainings to keep their license in their state. They can even take advanced post-doctoral education for further knowledge, and additional credentials.