Chiropractic Education and Training

You will be pleased to know that the formal education received by chiropractic physicians is extremely thorough and demanding. Aspiring doctors of chiropractic receive extensive training in the structure and functioning of the human body, disease processes, and how health is achieved and maintained. There is an emphasis placed on the management of spinal disorders and their role in the overall health and wellness of the individual.

The Undergraduate Education

Similar to the requirements of medical schools, prior to entering chiropractic college students must first complete 2-4 years of pre-med undergraduate studies - depending on the chiropractic college and state one wishes to practice in. During this time there is an emphasis on basic sciences including organic chemistry, general chemistry, physics, biology, and psychology. Many states, such as Florida, require the successful completion of a 4 year degree program before entering into Chiropractic College, as well as the prerequisite science courses.

Chiropractic Education

Upon successful completion of undergraduate studies, those students who matriculate into a chiropractic college enter a 4-5 year academic program, which is similar in content to medical school. Course work includes an extensive study in gross anatomy, physiology, embryology, obstetrics, gynecology, pathology, neurology, radiology, biomechanics, nutrition, biochemistry, geriatrics, spinal & extremity adjusting techniques, and a variety of public health-related areas.

The primary focus of the chiropractic education is to teach the student how to recognize and effectively treat a wide variety of soft tissue disorders in order to reduce pain and discomfort, allow for effective healing and reduce scar formation, restore normal joint biomechanics and improve overall health. In order to treat such conditions, students are taught a number of different techniques and methods including chiropractic spinal adjusting techniques. Students review the scientific literature on how adjustments positively influence the body and organ systems through the neurological system. An emphasis is also placed on other aspects of health including stressors, diet, exercise, nutrition and wellness. Furthermore, students receive comprehensive training identifying those conditions which are beyond the Chiropractic Physician's scope of practice and which require outside Medical referral.

During the academic 4-5 year program, students must successfully complete 5 National Board examinations (parts I-IV and physiotherapy), which are required for licensure. In addition, students must spend several hundred hours of internship in which they treat patients suffering from true health ailments while under professional supervision. Some schools actually begin introducing and training students in the clinical setting while in their second year of studies. This ensures that the graduating doctors of chiropractic will have all the necessary education, skills and clinical experience to provide exceptionally safe and effective chiropractic health care. Many colleges have additionally employed externship programs in which student doctors assist field doctors in their private practices prior to graduation, as well as hospital rounds in conjunction with medical students.  

National & State Licensure

Upon graduation and the passing of all 5 national board exams, students undergo state board examination for the state which they wish to practice in. In Florida the state board consists of 3 separate parts and all must be passed to receive licensure. After passing, the doctor of chiropractic will receive his or her license for the practice of chiropractic in that state.

  Continuing Education

Once licensed, all states require the Chiropractic Physician to attend annual seminars in order to maintain a high level of competency and keep technical skills sharp and as current as possible. Failure to do so will result in the revocation of the doctor's license. Florida requires ongoing didactic education in AIDS/HIV, and the prevention of medical errors as well.  

Postgraduate Studies

Many doctors further their knowledge and skills by completing post-doctoral certifications and education. These one to three year programs provide the information to place the doctors at the pinnacle of the health care field. Some of the areas of study include orthopedics, neurology, spine trauma, radiology, sports, rehabilitation, nutrition, pediatrics and research. After completion of the coursework, as well as passing written and practical exams, doctors receive certification. Some certifications are denoted with additional initials or credentialing.

Curriculum Comparison Between DC's and MD's

Many are surprised to learn that chiropractic physicians receive more didactic study compared to their medical counterparts in various important subjects. The largest differences are due to the fact that medical physicians are trained more in emergency, pathology, pharmacology, and surgery. Chiropractic physicians are trained more in diagnosis, neurology, rehabilitation, radiology, and joint manipulation. The respective differences are important due to the separate and distinct roles each doctor provides for the patient, and the community as a whole.

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