How Do You Get Certified As an Equine Chiropractic?

Equine athletes benefit from chiropractic care.

Receiving certification as an equine chiropractor takes many years of disciplined education and hands-on experience with horses. Like equine massage therapists and nutritionists, equine chiropractors are gaining in popularity among horse enthusiasts. This extremely physical career is especially in demand in the high levels of international equestrian sport, such as show jumping, dressage and three-day eventing. Those who practice natural horsemanship also tout the benefits of equine chiropractic adjustments. The American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) issues certification.

Things You'll Need

• Degree in veterinary medicine or chiropractic medicine
• Proof of postgraduate course work in equine chiropractic
• Examination candidate handbook from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association

Instructions

1. 

   Chiropractors are eligible for an equine chiropractic program.

   Complete a degree in veterinary medicine or chiropractic medicine. Only licensed doctors in these fields are eligible for certification.

2. 

   Multiple postgraduate programs in equine chiropractic are available.

   Demonstrate competency in animal chiropractic principles as taught in postgraduate courses.

3. 

   The candidate handbook is your study guide.

   Send your passing exit exam from the approved postgraduate to the AVCA. In turn, you will receive an Examination Candidate Handbook. This handbook is a study guide to help prepare you for a written and clinical examination.

4. 

   The final examination is a written and clinical test.

   Sit for your ACCC examinations, conducted by the Examining Board. You must demonstrate mastery of equine chiropractic principles in both written and clinical forms within the year following your postgraduate work.

5. 

   Certification is granted upon passing your final test.

   Receive your certification. An AVCA certification in equine chiropractic medicine is good for three years. You must renew your certification at that point.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not sit for your final examination within the year following your postgraduate course, you must audit a modified version of the classes to be eligible.

References

• American Veterinary Chiropractic Association

Resources

• Healing Oasis Wellness Center
• Options for Animals
• Parker College of Chiropractic