Chiropractic Education and Training

Chiropractic arose as a separate health care technique with an underlying philosophy quite different from that of allopathic medicine. The educational requirements of chiropractic reflect this, and the study of chiropractic today, while rigorous, is completely separate from that of medical doctors. Like M.D. programs, however, chiropractic degrees combine academic work in the sciences, time in the laboratory, and clinical experiences practicing chiropractic.

The Basics

• Chiropractic school takes four years to complete.
• Applicants to chiropractic programs must have completed at least two years of undergraduate work (90 credit hours).
• The Council on Chiropractic Education is the most important accrediting body in the United States for chiropractic colleges.

The first step to becoming a licensed chiropractor is to attend chiropractic college. Students may not apply to these programs with only a high school diploma, however; at least two years of undergraduate work is required, and most applicants apply after earning a bachelor’s degree. The reason for this is that particular course work, notably in the natural sciences, is necessary for understanding the concepts of chiropractic medicine. Other requirements in English, the humanities, and psychology help ensure that chiropractors are well rounded and can successfully interact with patients.

What Students Learn in Chiropractic Degree Programs

Doctor of chiropractic degrees require a mixture of course work in science and medical subjects, health care history and background, and clinical and medical techniques. The total time spent in the classroom, the lab, and in clinicals totals around 4,200 hours for most doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) programs.

Foundational courses in physical and natural sciences such as cell physiology, chemistry, and immunobiology are included in all D.C. degree programs. Anatomy courses like head and neck physiology and neuroanatomy are required as well. To understand the health care system, many programs require courses in public health.

Labs and courses in clinical and medical techniques make up the practical course work of chiropractic programs. In labs, students study the physical body through hands-on assignments. Classes in medical techniques, such as diagnosis, wellness care, and nutrition prepare students to interact with patients and provide competent treatment. Many courses focus on treating particular areas of the body or specific patient populations, such as dermatology, obstetrics, and geriatrics.

Finally, clinicals, where students use the chiropractic techniques they’ve learned on real people, give students actual experience diagnosing ailments and treating patients via chiropractic adjustments. Many chiropractic programs also require students to intern in a chiropractic office before completing their degree.

For More Information:

• List of Accredited Chiropractic Programs

Sources:

Doctor of Chiropractic Program Curriculum. (2011) Cleveland College of Chiropractic.

Chiropractors. (2011) Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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