A DC degree is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a professional doctoral degree required to practice as a chiropractor in the United States. The program typically takes four years to complete and focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those involving the spine. Like an MD or a DO, a DC is a doctoral-level healthcare credential, but it prepares graduates for a distinct scope of practice centered on non-invasive, hands-on treatment.
What the Degree Covers
A Doctor of Chiropractic program trains students to evaluate patients, identify problems in the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissue), and treat them primarily through manual adjustments. Spinal adjustments are the most well-known technique, but the curriculum also covers physical therapy methods, nutrition, exercise prescription, and lifestyle counseling.
Chiropractors do not prescribe medications or perform surgeries. Their approach is built around the body’s ability to heal itself, using non-invasive methods to relieve pain, restore mobility, and support overall function. That distinction shapes the entire degree program: coursework emphasizes anatomy, biomechanics, radiology (for diagnostic imaging), and hands-on clinical technique rather than pharmacology or surgical training.
Prerequisites and Admission
You don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree to enroll, though some states require one for licensure. Most DC programs require at least 90 semester credit hours of undergraduate coursework, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with a GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 may still qualify if they have at least 24 semester credits in life and physical sciences.
The recommended prerequisite courses closely resemble a pre-med track: general biology, anatomy, physiology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and exercise physiology, along with corresponding lab courses. Coursework in kinesiology and exercise science is also considered. Some credits can be earned through proficiency exams like CLEP, but those cannot count toward the required science prerequisites, and a maximum of 20 credit hours earned this way is allowed.
How Long It Takes
The DC program itself runs four years. Combined with the three or more years of undergraduate work needed to qualify for admission, most chiropractors spend seven to eight years in higher education before they’re eligible to practice. The first two years of the doctoral program typically focus on classroom and lab coursework in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and diagnostic techniques. The final two years shift heavily toward supervised clinical experience, where students work with real patients under faculty oversight.
Licensing After Graduation
Earning the DC degree is only one part of becoming a licensed chiropractor. After graduating from an accredited chiropractic college, you must pass a series of national board exams administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE). These include four computer-based written exams (Parts I, II, III, and a Physiotherapy exam) plus a hands-on practical exam (Part IV). The written portions test foundational science, clinical knowledge, and diagnostic skills, while Part IV evaluates your ability to perform techniques on a live patient.
Beyond the NBCE exams, each state has its own licensing requirements. Some states mandate additional jurisprudence exams covering state-specific laws and regulations. Once you hold a valid state license, you can open your own practice or join an existing clinic.
What Chiropractors Actually Do
Most chiropractors treat patients dealing with back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint problems. A typical visit involves a physical examination, sometimes diagnostic imaging, and one or more spinal adjustments, where the chiropractor applies controlled force to a joint to improve alignment and range of motion. Many chiropractors also provide soft tissue therapy, corrective exercises, and ergonomic advice.
Because chiropractors can’t prescribe drugs or perform surgery, they often work alongside medical doctors, physical therapists, and other providers. Patients with conditions that fall outside the chiropractic scope of practice are referred to the appropriate specialist. This collaborative model is increasingly common in integrated health systems and sports medicine settings.
Salary and Job Outlook
Chiropractors earned a median annual wage of $79,000 as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Earnings vary widely depending on whether you work for an established practice or run your own. Self-employed chiropractors who build a strong patient base can earn well above the median, while those starting out or working as associates in someone else’s practice typically earn less.
Job growth for chiropractors is projected at 10% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. Growing interest in non-pharmaceutical pain management and an aging population that increasingly seeks treatment for musculoskeletal issues both contribute to steady demand.
DC vs. MD and DO
All three are doctoral-level healthcare degrees, but they lead to very different careers. An MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) can prescribe medications, perform surgery, and practice across the full spectrum of medicine. A DC is limited to musculoskeletal diagnosis and non-invasive treatment. The educational paths reflect this: medical school includes extensive training in pharmacology, surgical technique, and hospital-based residencies, while chiropractic programs emphasize manual therapy, spinal biomechanics, and outpatient clinical rotations.
One practical difference worth noting: chiropractors use the title “Doctor” and hold a doctoral degree, but they are not medical doctors. This distinction matters when evaluating a provider’s qualifications for a specific health concern. For musculoskeletal pain and spinal issues, a DC is specifically trained in that area. For conditions requiring medication, surgery, or complex medical management, an MD or DO is the appropriate provider.