Chiropractic Education
Educational Requirements
Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among
the most stringent of any of the health care professions. Once
accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements
become even more demanding — four to five academic years of
professional study are the standard. Because of the hands-on
nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a
significant portion of time is spent in clinical training.
Source: American Chiropractic Association
Chiropractors spend
thousands of hours and many years mastering the science and art of
locating and correcting subluxations. After college requirements are
fulfilled, students spend over four years of chiropractic study,
which includes classroom, laboratory and internship training.
After graduation the new chiropractor must pass exams in the
states in which he or she wishes to practice. Each state has its own
licensing laws and licensing examinations, as it does for dentistry,
osteopathy, medicine, law and other professions.
Chiropractors also participate in required continuing education.
Comparison of Medical and Chiropractic Education
| Course Description | Chiropractic Student Hours | Medical Student Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy | 520 | 508 |
| Physiology | 420 | 326 |
| Pathology | 271 | 335 |
| Chemistry | 300 | 325 |
| Bacteriology | 114 | 130 |
| Diagnosis | 370 | 374 |
| Neurology | 320 | 112 |
| X-Ray | 217 | 148 |
| Psychiatry | 65 | 144 |
| Obstetrics & Gynecology | 65 | 198 |
| Orthopedics | 225 | 156 |
| Specialty Courses | 1598 | 1492 |
| Total Hours | 4,485 |
4,248 |