What Does it Take to Become a Chiropractor?
Like any licensed health care professional, a chiropractor must fulfill the licensing requirements in the state or states in which he wants to work. While the requirements for chiropractic licensing vary between states, a chiropractor must usually complete his education at an accredited, four-year chiropractic school and pass one or more state exams before practicing chiropractic independently.
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Undergraduate Education
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The undergraduate education requirements for aspiring chiropractors varies by state and school. Some states only require prospective chiropractors to have 60 hours of undergraduate pre-chiropractic education, though schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for the Council on Chiropractic Education must require applicants to complete at least 90 hours of undergraduate education. Applicants must complete undergraduate coursework in chemistry, physics and the biological sciences. Some states, such as South Dakota, require licensure candidates to hold a bachelor's degree.
Chiropractic School
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After completing their undergraduate work, students must complete a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree at a chiropractic school. Each state sets its own criteria for whether education received at a chiropractic school meets state licensure requirements. In most states, licensure candidates must receive their graduate education at a school accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. Chiropractic education includes training in physiology, anatomy and spinal manipulation as well as treatment of all the major body systems. Clinical training is an essential part of any doctor of chiropractic program.
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Licensure Examinations
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Before receiving her license to practice chiropractic, a graduate of a chiropractic college must complete her state's licensing examination requirements. This usually includes completing and passing an exam provided by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. However, many states require candidates to pass additional examinations, including those on chiropractic law and additional areas of medical knowledge.
Continuing Education
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Most states require chiropractors to complete continuing education courses regularly as a condition of license renewal. State licensing boards vary in their continuing education requirements, with some specifying continuing education topics, while others allow chiropractors to make their own educational decisions. In some cases, a licensing board may require a chiropractor to complete a sequence of courses as part of a disciplinary procedure.
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References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Chiropractors
- American Chiropractic Association: Chiropractic Education
- The Council on Chiropractic Education: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards: South Dakota
- Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards: Illinois
- Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards: California
