The chiropractor educational requirements for chiropractors are similar to that of medical doctors. Prior to entering chiropractic college students must first complete 4 years of premed undergraduate studies. During this time there is an emphasis on basic sciences including organic chemistry, general chemistry, physics, biology, and psychology.

Undergraduate study is followed by a one-year internship at a college clinic. Many chiropractic colleges rotate interns through hospital rounds with medical students. Many chiropractors also undertake four to five additional years of advanced or post-graduate study in a clinical area.

The primary focus of the chiropractic education is to teach the student how to recognize and effectively treat a wide variety of soft tissue disorders in order to reduce pain and discomfort, allow for effective and proper healing, restore normal body biomechanics and improve overall health.

In order to treat such conditions, students are taught a number of different techniques and methods. An emphasis is also placed on other aspects of health including diet, exercise, nutrition and wellness.

After obtaining their Doctor of Chiropractic degree, chiropractors must complete at least two board exams‚ the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exam and the board exam from the state in which they practice.

Credentials

All 50 states license Doctors of Chiropractic to practice. All chiropractors must meet certain requirements, including:

  • Completion of a four- or five-year chiropractic college course of study at an accredited program leading to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
  • Satisfactory completion of board exams.
  • Ongoing continuing education courses or programs offered by accredited chiropractic programs and institutions, as well as chiropractic associations.

Chiropractors also are able to obtain certification in such areas as orthopedics, neurology, sports injuries, occupational and industrial health, nutrition, diagnostic imaging, thermography, spinal rehabilitation, and internal disorders.