For both chiropractors and physical therapists, the process of becoming a full-fledged professional can be lengthy. Both of these professionals must earn a professional graduate degree after completing their undergraduate education. If you intend on becoming a chiropractor, it’s a good idea to research chiropractic schools before bachelor’s degree programs.
This is because various chiropractic schools have their own admission requirements. These can get rather specific with regard to the credit hours required in specific subjects. Before you even graduate from high school, it’s best to ensure that a particular bachelor’s degree program will qualify you to apply for admission to chiropractic school.
There is no one universal bachelor’s degree program that all chiropractors must complete. Rather, whichever degree you choose should include credit hours in both life sciences and physical sciences. Life sciences include biology and medicine, whereas physical sciences include chemistry and physics.
There is a four-part test to get a NBCE licensure though. All 50 states either require or accept that candidates take the test.1 The goal of this license give approved professional competency in chiropractic care.
In addition, you’ll need credit hours in the humanities and social sciences. These could include English, communications and psychology courses. In short, there are many degree possibilities for aspiring chiropractors, including a biology, pre-medicine or exercise science degree.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, the next step is to get into an accredited chiropractic school. Chiropractic school requires at least three years of full-time study. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree.
The curriculum at a chiropractic school is similar to that of medical school. It’s an intensive program consisting of thousands of hours of classroom instruction and laboratory work. It covers topics ranging from biochemistry to clinical neurology to chiropractic techniques. Students gain hands-on clinical experience during the course of their studies.
The final step in becoming a chiropractor is to pass a licensing exam. Each state has its own licensing requirements. However, you can generally expect to take a rigorous exam before being authorized to practice as a chiropractor.