Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who focus on diagnosing, treating, and preventing neuromuscular disorders, primarily through manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine. The path to becoming a licensed chiropractor requires extensive education, passing national standardized exams, and following state-specific licensing protocols. For those aspiring to practice in Michigan, the process is clearly defined to ensure that only qualified individuals enter the profession.
Complete the Educational Prerequisites
The first step toward a career in chiropractic care is an undergraduate education with a focus on science. While chiropractic colleges do not mandate a specific bachelor’s degree for admission, they expect a strong academic background. Prospective students should focus on courses like biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics.
Most chiropractic schools require applicants to have completed at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework, though many applicants hold a full bachelor’s degree. A competitive grade point average, typically 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, is also a standard expectation for admission.
After completing undergraduate prerequisites, the next step is earning a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. This four-year, graduate-level program requires that the degree be from a college accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (C.C.E.). The C.C.E. is the national agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for ensuring the quality of chiropractic education, and its accreditation is a requirement for licensure in Michigan.
The D.C. curriculum covers subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, and diagnostic imaging. Students also receive extensive hands-on training in chiropractic techniques and patient management through clinical internships, combining classroom instruction with practical experience.
Pass the National Board Examinations
During their doctoral studies, aspiring chiropractors must pass a four-part examination administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE). These exams are a standard requirement for licensure across the United States. Passing these boards is a mandatory step before an individual can apply for a license in Michigan.
The exam sequence aligns with the progression of the chiropractic curriculum. Part I is typically taken after the first year of the D.C. program and covers six basic science subjects: general anatomy, spinal anatomy, physiology, chemistry, pathology, and microbiology.
Part II is generally taken during the second or third year of study and shifts focus to clinical sciences. This section evaluates knowledge in areas like general diagnosis, neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, and principles of chiropractic practice.
The final two parts, Part III and Part IV, are taken closer to graduation. Part III is a written clinical competency exam covering case history, physical examination, and diagnosis. Part IV is a practical exam that assesses skills in diagnostic imaging interpretation, chiropractic technique, and case management.
Fulfill Michigan Specific Licensing Requirements
Once educational and national exam prerequisites are met, the final step is to apply for licensure with the Michigan Board of Chiropractic. This board operates under the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and is responsible for upholding the standards of practice in the state.
An applicant must submit the official application form online, along with the required fee. Official transcripts verifying the Doctor of Chiropractic degree must be sent directly from the C.C.E. accredited college. Similarly, official transcripts from the NBCE confirming passing scores on all four parts must be sent directly to the board.
Michigan also requires all applicants to undergo a criminal background check. This is initiated after the application is submitted, and instructions for completing the required fingerprinting are provided once the application is processed.
A unique requirement for Michigan licensure is the completion of a one-time training course on identifying victims of human trafficking. This training must meet the standards outlined in the state’s administrative rules to be accepted.
Maintain Your Michigan Chiropractic License
A Michigan chiropractic license marks the beginning of a career-long commitment to professional development. The state requires chiropractors to renew their licenses regularly and complete continuing education (CE) credits to ensure they remain current with advancements in the field.
The Michigan Board of Chiropractic mandates that licenses be renewed every two years. To be eligible for renewal, a licensed chiropractor must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education during each two-year cycle.
The state specifies that certain topics must be included within the 30 required CE hours. These mandates include:
- At least one hour in pain and symptom management
- At least one hour in ethics
- At least one hour covering sexual boundaries
- Specific hours dedicated to physical measures and the performance and ordering of tests
A portion of the CE credits must be obtained through live, in-person programs to ensure practitioners engage directly with instructors and peers.