A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine. This profession provides a non-surgical, drug-free approach to health care, focusing on the body’s ability to heal itself. Chiropractors concentrate on the relationship between the body’s structure, particularly the spine, and its function, which is managed by the nervous system. The path to becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) requires extensive education and successful completion of multiple national examinations.
Foundational Education Requirements
The initial step toward chiropractic school involves meeting academic prerequisites, which are mandated by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). Prospective students must complete at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework, though many accepted students hold a bachelor’s degree. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is generally required for admission to D.C. programs.
A significant portion of the undergraduate preparation must be concentrated in the life and physical sciences, totaling a minimum of 24 semester hours. Required science courses typically include general biology, anatomy, physiology, general or inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. At least half of these science courses must include a laboratory component to provide hands-on experience with scientific principles. This foundational education ensures applicants possess the necessary background in human biology and physical mechanics.
The Doctor of Chiropractic Program
The core professional training is delivered through a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree program, a graduate-level program that typically spans four years. These programs are structured around a year-round trimester schedule and must be accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). The curriculum requires a minimum of 4,200 instructional hours in combined classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings.
The first phase of the program focuses on basic and clinical sciences, including gross anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and microbiology. Students then transition to clinical subjects, such as physical and laboratory diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, orthopedic evaluation, and spinal manipulation techniques. The later years incorporate extensive clinical training, where students serve as interns in supervised clinical settings for up to two years, applying their diagnostic and technical skills to actual patient cases under the guidance of licensed faculty.
National Board Examinations and Licensure
Graduation from a CCE-accredited program prepares candidates for the licensing process, which centers on the examinations administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE). The NBCE testing sequence is composed of four separate parts, all of which must be passed before a candidate can pursue state licensure. Part I covers six basic science subjects and is generally taken midway through the academic program, while Part II assesses six clinical subjects like general diagnosis and diagnostic imaging.
Part III focuses on clinical case management, and Part IV is a practical examination that tests clinical competency in areas such as diagnostic imaging interpretation, chiropractic technique, and case management skills. While the NBCE exams are a prerequisite for licensure in nearly all states, each state maintains its own specific requirements. These state-level mandates can include jurisprudence exams on state laws and regulations, and criminal background checks.
Post-Graduate Specialization and Residencies
After obtaining licensure, a Doctor of Chiropractic may choose to pursue optional advanced training to specialize in a particular field. This advanced education can take the form of residencies, fellowships, or board specialization programs. Residencies are supervised training programs that typically last between one and three years, and often provide a salary or stipend.
Common areas for specialization include:
- Chiropractic radiology
- Sports medicine
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Clinical rehabilitation
Completion of a residency or a diplomate program leads to board certification, a credential that signifies an advanced level of competency in a specific discipline. This certification, often recognized by state boards and insurance companies, allows the chiropractor to advertise advanced practice status.
Launching a Chiropractic Career
Newly licensed Doctors of Chiropractic have several distinct paths for entering the workforce. A common entry point is working as an associate in an established practice, where the new practitioner is an employee of a clinic owner. This arrangement provides a structured environment with a built-in patient base, allowing the new doctor to focus primarily on clinical care while gaining experience.
Alternatively, a chiropractor may choose to establish a solo private practice, which requires managing business aspects such as marketing, location selection, and compliance with healthcare regulations. A growing number of chiropractors are also finding opportunities in integrated healthcare settings, such as hospitals, Veterans Affairs (VA) systems, or multi-disciplinary clinics. These integrated models allow for collaborative patient care and often utilize the chiropractor as a primary-care provider for neuromusculoskeletal issues.
Career Outlook and Compensation
The profession demonstrates a favorable job outlook, with employment of chiropractors projected to grow at a faster-than-average rate compared to all occupations. This demand is influenced by an aging population, increased interest in non-invasive treatments for pain management, and a growing acceptance of chiropractic care by insurance policies and integrated health systems.
Compensation for chiropractors varies based on geographic location, practice type, and years of experience. The median annual salary for chiropractors is approximately $79,000, with earnings for the highest ten percent of practitioners exceeding $149,990 annually. Chiropractors who own their own practices or work in integrated settings often have the potential for higher earnings than those working as associates.