Education and Training Requirements for a chiropractor

How to become a Chiropractor

Becoming a chiropractor requires a combination of academic preparation, hands-on clinical training, and licensure. Below is a general roadmap to help you pursue this healthcare career:

• Complete Pre-Chiropractic Studies: Most aspiring chiropractors begin with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent undergraduate coursework to meet the prerequisites for chiropractic school. While some students choose majors like biology, kinesiology, or health sciences, any major is acceptable as long as foundational science courses are completed. These typically include anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biology, and physics. This step ensures eligibility for admission to an accredited chiropractic program and helps prepare students for success once enrolled.
• Earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Degree: Enroll in an accredited chiropractic college and complete a Doctor of Chiropractic program, which typically takes four years. This training combines classroom instruction in anatomy, physiology, neurology, and diagnostic imaging with extensive hands-on clinical practice.
• Gain Clinical Experience: During the D.C. program, complete supervised clinical internships where you treat patients under faculty oversight. This experience is essential for developing diagnostic skills, learning spinal adjustment techniques, and building confidence in patient care.
• Pass National Board Examinations: After or near graduation, pass the required examinations from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. These exams assess knowledge of basic sciences, clinical sciences, and practical skills needed for safe practice.
• Obtain State Licensure: Apply for a chiropractic license in the state where you plan to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state but typically include board exam results, background checks, and continuing education commitments.
• Consider Specialization or Continuing Education: After becoming licensed, some chiropractors pursue additional training in areas such as sports chiropractic, pediatric care, or rehabilitation. Ongoing education helps maintain licensure and keeps skills current throughout a career.
• Build a Professional Practice or Join a Clinic: Chiropractors may open a private practice, join an established clinic, or work in multidisciplinary healthcare settings. Success often depends on strong patient communication, ethical practice, and consistent professional development.

Specialization
After becoming a licensed chiropractor, many professionals choose to pursue a specialization to deepen their expertise and focus on a particular patient population or treatment approach. Specializations typically require one to two years of additional post-graduate training, depending on the area and certification program.

• Sports Chiropractic: Focuses on treating athletes and active individuals. Chiropractors in this area help prevent injuries, improve performance, and manage musculoskeletal issues related to sports. Training often includes advanced adjustment techniques, rehabilitation strategies, and performance optimization.
• Pediatric Chiropractic: Specializes in treating infants, children, and adolescents. Techniques are adapted for growing bodies, addressing posture, spinal alignment, and musculoskeletal discomfort. Certification programs usually involve coursework and supervised practice with pediatric patients.
• Rehabilitation or Functional Rehabilitation: Emphasizes recovery after injuries or surgeries. Chiropractors combine spinal adjustments with exercises, stretching, and therapy techniques to restore mobility, strength, and function. Training may include hands-on labs and case study reviews.
• Neurology or Functional Neurology: Focuses on nervous system disorders, balance, coordination, headaches, or chronic pain. Chiropractors use neurological assessments and targeted therapies alongside spinal care. Programs often require specialized courses and clinical practice.
• Orthopedic or Structural Chiropractic: Concentrates on complex musculoskeletal problems, including chronic pain, joint dysfunction, and postural issues. Orthopedic training teaches advanced evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
• Wellness or Lifestyle Chiropractic: Centers on preventive care, posture correction, exercise, and overall health. Training emphasizes long-term wellness strategies and lifestyle counseling in addition to standard chiropractic care.