How to Become a Chiropractor in the USA

The human spine is comprised of 33 vertebrae.

The term "chiropractic" is a Greek word derived from two parts: "chir" referring to the hand, added to "prassein," which means "to do". When the two parts are combined the literal meaning would be, to do, or to manipulate, with the hands. Chiropractors manipulate the spine using their hands, to adjust the vertebrae that comprise the human spine. The belief behind this practice is that if the spine is out of alignment (subluxation), pressure will be placed on the nerves that run through the spinal column, causing various painful conditions or disorders.

Instructions

1. Attend college biology, psychology, physics, and inorganic and organic chemistry classes.

2. Accumulate at least 90 hours of college and maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or above throughout.

3. 

   There are 19 accredited chiropractic institutions in the US.

   Enroll in a chiropractic institution accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).

4. Complete a four-year chiropractic program, consisting of 4,200 hours of combined classroom, laboratory and clinical experience.

5. 

   Chiropractic was founded in the 1890s by Daniel David (D.D.) Palmer in Davenport, Iowa.

   Qualify for license by passing 4 (some jurisdictions require 5) examinations from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Tips & Warnings

• Most states require chiropractors to attend 12 to 50 hours of continued education annually.

References

• MedicineNet.com-Definition of Chiropractor