Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to receive free career info. Chiropractic Training Career Resources Chiropractic School & Career Resource Guide Get in-depth chiropractor information and find chiropractic schools... Everything You Need to Know to Become a Chiropractor Learn about chiropractic education, certification, salary, career growth and more... Interview with a Professional Chiropractor Dr. James Wiley discusses the chiropractic clientele, schedule, practice setting and more... Interview with a Chiropractic Professor Get chiropractic expertise from Dr. Donald Christy... Evolution of the Chiropractic Profession Learn the history of the chiropractic profession, which dates back to Hippocrates... School Spotlight Logan College of Chiropractic prepares its students for a successful career in chiropractic by offering an excellent curriculum taught by highly qualified faculty. In fact, both Logan College and the school's graduates have received impressive chiropractic awards, including the following: Heritage Award Tower of Chiropractic Award Alumnus of the Year Award Distinguished Service Award From the Heart Award Biofreeze Humanitarian Award Related Chiropractic & Natural Health Articles Alternative Medicine's Wellness Boom Careers in Natural Healing Find Chiropractic Schools Compare Accredited Chiropractic Schools and Request Program Info Directly From School Admission Officers Popular Natural Health Specialties Massage Career Center Massage Therapist Training Massage Licensure Personal Trainer Career Center Personal Trainer Education Personal Trainer Certification Ayurveda Chiropractic Herbal Medicine Homeopathy Naturopathic Medicine Nutrition Related Chiropractic Specialties Acupressure Aromatherapy Ayurveda Bioenergetics Chair Massage Energy Healing Flower Essences Healing Touch Herbal Medicine Holistic Health Practitioner Hot Stone Therapy Lomi Lomi Massage Therapy Myofascial Release Naturopathic Medicine Polarity Therapy Reflexology Reiki Rubenfeld Synergy SHEN Therapy Spiritual Healing Thai Bodywork Tui Na Zero Balancing

Chiropractic School and Career Guide
Get Information on Becoming a Chiropractor

General Chiropractic Information

The Definition of Chiropractic

Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the spinal column and the nervous system. Through spinal adjustments, chiropractic doctors alleviate problems caused by the misalignment of the vertebrae. DCs do not use surgery or drugs in their practice, but they may also incorporate many other natural therapies besides spinal manipulation, including: craniosacral therapy, visualizations, breathwork, herbal or vitamin supplements, and so on.

Chiropractic History

D.D. Palmer (1845-1913) founded the first chiropractic college in Davenport, Iowa. Today, there are sixteen chiropractic colleges recognized by the Council on Chiropractic Education. More than 50,000 DCs are licensed in the US and make up the largest single body of natural health practitioners.

Chiropractor Career Description

Chiropractors, also known as doctors of chiropractic (DC) or chiropractic physicians, diagnose and treat patients whose health problems are associated with the body's muscular, nervous and skeletal systems, especially the spine. Chiropractors believe interference with these systems impairs normal functions and lowers resistance to disease. They also hold that spinal or vertebral dysfunction alters many important body functions by affecting the nervous system, and that skeletal imbalance through joint or articular dysfunction, especially in the spine, can cause pain.

The chiropractic approach to health care is holistic, stressing the patient's overall well-being. It recognizes that many factors affect health, including exercise, diet, rest, environment and heredity. Chiropractors use natural, drugless, non-surgical health treatments, and rely on the body's inherent recuperative abilities. They also may recommend lifestyle changes to their patients (regarding eating, exercise, and sleeping habits, for example). When appropriate, chiropractors consult with and refer patients to other health practitioners.

Like other health practitioners, chiropractors follow a standard routine to secure the information needed for diagnosis and treatment. They take the patient's medical history, conduct physical, neurological, and orthopedic examinations, and may order laboratory tests. X-rays and other diagnostic images are important tools because of the emphasis on the spine and its proper function. Chiropractors also employ a postural and spinal analysis common to chiropractic diagnosis.

In cases in which difficulties can be traced to involvement of musculoskeletal structures, chiropractors manually manipulate or adjust the spinal column. Many chiropractors also use water, light, massage, ultrasound, electric and heat therapy and may apply supports such as straps, tapes and braces. They may also counsel patients about wellness concepts such as nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes, and stress management, but do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery.

Some chiropractors specialize in sports injuries, neurology, orthopedics, nutrition, internal disorders or diagnostic imaging.

Many chiropractors are solo or group practitioners who also have the administrative responsibilities of running a practice.

Careers in Chiropractic Medicine

Chiropractor Work Environments

Approximately 70 percent of active chiropractors are in solo practice. The remainder are in group practice or work for other chiropractors. A small number teach, conduct research at chiropractic institutions, or work in hospitals and clinics.

Career Opportunities for Chiropractors

Job prospects are expected to be good for persons who enter the practice of chiropractic. Employment of chiropractors is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2008 as consumer demand for alternative medicine grows. Chiropractors emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyles and do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery. As a result,chiropractic care is appealing to many health-conscious Americans. Chiropractic treatment of back, neck, extremities, and other joint damage has become more accepted as a result of recent research and changing attitudes about alternative health care practices.The rapidly expanding older population, with their increased likelihood of mechanical and structural problems, will also increase demand.

Demand for chiropractic treatment is also related to the ability of patients to pay, either directly or through health insurance. Although more insurance plans now cover chiropractic services,the extent of such coverage varies among plans. Increasingly, chiropractors must educate communities about the benefits of chiropractic care in order to establish a successful practice.

In this occupation, replacement needs arise almost entirely from retirements. Chiropractors usually remain in the occupation until they retire; few transfer to other occupations. Establishing a new practice will be easiest in areas with a low concentration of chiropractors.

Chiropractic Financial Aid

Traditional financial aid is available at all the US chiropractic colleges including most applicable state and federal programs such as the Stafford Loans. The Canadian college participates in Canadian student loan programs. Many colleges also offer scholarships funded by private endowments.

Chiropractic Laws and Licensure

All 50 states and the District of Columbia in the United States regulate the practice of chiropractic and grant licenses to chiropractors who meet educational requirements of the State and pass a State approved board examination.

For licensure, most state boards recognize either all or part of the four-part test administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. State examinations may supplement the National Board tests, depending on state requirements. All state boards recognize academic training in chiropractic programs and institutions accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (see below for further educational requirements).

To maintain licensure, almost all states require completion of a specified number of hours of continuing education each year. Continuing education programs are offered by accredited chiropractic programs and institutions, and chiropractic associations. Special councils within some chiropractic associations also offer programs leading to clinical specialty certification, called "diplomate" certification, in areas such as orthopedics, neurology, sports injuries, occupational and industrial health, nutrition, diagnostic imaging, thermography and internal disorders.

Learn more about chiropractic licensure.

Chiropractor Licensure Prerequisites

It is recommended that students have earned a baccalaureate degree in the arts or sciences from an accredited college or university, completed with minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale. Most chiropractic schools require applicants to have at least 60 semester hours in English, the social sciences or humanities, organic and inorganic chemistry, biology, physics, and psychology as part of their undergraduate studies. Check with the chiropractor school to make sure that you have enough hours in each discipline. Several American chiropractic colleges now offer a BS degree for students interested in career in chiropractic medicine.

States That Require Both a Bachelor's Degree
and a DC Degree to Practice Chiropractic

Florida, Kansas, Montana, Rhode Island, Wisconsin and the US Virgin Islands all require DCs to have a bachelor's degree as well as the chiropractic degree. Most chiropractic colleges now recommend getting a bachelor's degree either before or concurrently with the DC degree.

Requirements to Study Chiropractic Medicine in Canada

The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College has the same prerequisite as most of the American colleges (it's also accredited by the same organization, the CCE). They require three years of undergraduate work including a set number of hours in the sciences, but recommend that students get a BA or BS degree before entering.

An additional consideration would be the stiff competition to get into the Canadian college. Admission often closes early, and simply having the prerequisites may not be enough to gain admittance—admission requirements should be seen as the minimum needed. If there's a lot of competition for space, you may need more than the minimum to get into the school. The Canadian college recommends that applications be sent approximately one year prior to the desired admission date. The college admits one class a year in September.

Graduating From a Canadian Chiropractic
School and Practicing in the US Without CCE Accreditation

CMCC, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, had a reciprocal accreditation agreement with the CCE so their students could meet US requirements. Obviously, if practicing in the US is the your prime concern, ask the career counselor at the college how many graduates are licensed in the United States and ask if you can contact any of these graduates.

Due to the large number of chiropractic colleges in the US, it might be easier to go to a chiropractic college in the country where you intend to practice. If you lack the undergraduate credits necessary to enter a US college, you may be able to enter as a BS candidate at the college (not all schools offer undergraduate degrees) and then enter the DC program once the undergraduate credits are satisfied. The US programs also qualify for a variety of federal and state aid programs, which may make attending a US school more affordable than you thought.

Sources:
Educational & Career Opportunities in Alternative Medicine, 2007
US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2006
JobEmploymentGuide.com, 2007
Salary.com, 2007

Where can I get training?

Alabama

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

Texas Chiropractic College - Training in Pasdena, TX

Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic - Training in Spartanburg, SC

Alaska

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Arizona

Life Chiropractic College West - Training in Hayward, CA

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in San Jose

Southern California University of Health Sciences Chiropractic (LACC) - Training in Los Angeles, CA

Arkansas

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Cleveland Chiropractic College - Kansas City - Training in Kansas City, KS

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

Texas Chiropractic College - Training in Pasdena, TX

California

Life Chiropractic College West - Hayward

Cleveland Chiropractic College of Los Angeles - Los Angeles

Palmer College of Chiropractic - San Jose

Southern California University of Health Sciences Chiropractic (LACC) - Whittier

Canada - Alberta

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in San Jose

Canada - British Columbia

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in San Jose

Canada - Manitoba

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Canada - Ontario

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

Southern California University of Health Sciences Chiropractic (LACC) - Training in Los Angeles, CA

New York Chiropractic College - Training in Seneca Falls, NY

Canada - Saskatchewan

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Colorado

Life Chiropractic College West - Training in Hayward, CA

Cleveland Chiropractic College - Kansas City - Training in Kansas City, KS

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in San Jose

Southern California University of Health Sciences Chiropractic (LACC) - Training in Los Angeles, CA

Connecticut

University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic - Bridgeport

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Delaware

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

Florida

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Port Orange

National University of Health Sciences - Chiropractic - Training in Chicago, IL

Life University - Training in Marietta, GA

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

Southern California University of Health Sciences Chiropractic (LACC) - Training in Los Angeles, CA

Texas Chiropractic College - Training in Pasdena, TX

Georgia

Life University - Marietta

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

Texas Chiropractic College - Training in Pasdena, TX

Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic - Training in Spartanburg, SC

Hawaii

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in San Jose

Idaho

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in San Jose

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

Illinois

National University of Health Sciences - Chiropractic - Lombard

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Life University - Training in Marietta, GA

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

Indiana

National University of Health Sciences - Chiropractic - Training in Chicago, IL

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Cleveland Chiropractic College - Kansas City - Training in Kansas City, KS

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

Iowa

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Davenport

National University of Health Sciences - Chiropractic - Training in Chicago, IL

Cleveland Chiropractic College - Kansas City - Training in Kansas City, KS

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

Kansas

Cleveland Chiropractic College - Kansas City - Overland Park

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

Kentucky

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

Louisiana

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

Texas Chiropractic College - Training in Pasdena, TX

Maine

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

Maryland

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

Massachusetts

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

Southern California University of Health Sciences Chiropractic (LACC) - Training in Los Angeles, CA

New York Chiropractic College - Training in Seneca Falls, NY

Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic - Training in Spartanburg, SC

Michigan

National University of Health Sciences - Chiropractic - Training in Chicago, IL

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Cleveland Chiropractic College - Kansas City - Training in Kansas City, KS

Life University - Training in Marietta, GA

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic - Training in Spartanburg, SC

Minnesota

Northwestern Health Sciences University Chiropractic Program - Bloomington

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Mississippi

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

Texas Chiropractic College - Training in Pasdena, TX

Missouri

Logan University Programs - Chesterfield

National University of Health Sciences - Chiropractic - Training in Chicago, IL

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Cleveland Chiropractic College - Kansas City - Training in Kansas City, KS

Life University - Training in Marietta, GA

Montana

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in San Jose

Nebraska

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Cleveland Chiropractic College - Kansas City - Training in Kansas City, KS

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

Nevada

Life Chiropractic College West - Training in Hayward, CA

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in San Jose

Southern California University of Health Sciences Chiropractic (LACC) - Training in Los Angeles, CA

New Hampshire

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

New Jersey

Life University - Training in Marietta, GA

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

New York Chiropractic College - Training in Seneca Falls, NY

New Mexico

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in San Jose

Texas Chiropractic College - Training in Pasdena, TX

New York

D'Youville College - Buffalo

New York Chiropractic College - Seneca Falls

National University of Health Sciences - Chiropractic - Training in Chicago, IL

Life University - Training in Marietta, GA

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

Southern California University of Health Sciences Chiropractic (LACC) - Training in Los Angeles, CA

North Carolina

Life University - Training in Marietta, GA

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

New York Chiropractic College - Training in Seneca Falls, NY

Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic - Training in Spartanburg, SC

North Dakota

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Ohio

National University of Health Sciences - Chiropractic - Training in Chicago, IL

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Cleveland Chiropractic College - Kansas City - Training in Kansas City, KS

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

New York Chiropractic College - Training in Seneca Falls, NY

Oklahoma

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Cleveland Chiropractic College - Kansas City - Training in Kansas City, KS

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

Texas Chiropractic College - Training in Pasdena, TX

Oregon

Western States Chiropractic College - Portland

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in San Jose

Southern California University of Health Sciences Chiropractic (LACC) - Training in Los Angeles, CA

Pennsylvania

National University of Health Sciences - Chiropractic - Training in Chicago, IL

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Life University - Training in Marietta, GA

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

New York Chiropractic College - Training in Seneca Falls, NY

Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic - Training in Spartanburg, SC

Rhode Island

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

South Carolina

Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic - Spartanburg

Life University - Training in Marietta, GA

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

South Dakota

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Tennessee

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

Texas Chiropractic College - Training in Pasdena, TX

Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic - Training in Spartanburg, SC

Texas

Parker College of Chiropractic - Dallas

Texas Chiropractic College - Pasadena

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

Utah

Life Chiropractic College West - Training in Hayward, CA

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in San Jose

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

Southern California University of Health Sciences Chiropractic (LACC) - Training in Los Angeles, CA

Vermont

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

Virginia

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

Southern California University of Health Sciences Chiropractic (LACC) - Training in Los Angeles, CA

Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic - Training in Spartanburg, SC

Washington

Life Chiropractic College West - Training in Hayward, CA

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in San Jose

West Virginia

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Port Orange, FL

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic - Training in Spartanburg, SC

Wisconsin

National University of Health Sciences - Chiropractic - Training in Chicago, IL

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in Davenport, IA

Logan University Programs - Training in St. Louis, MO

Wyoming

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Training in San Jose

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