Chiropractic doctors practice holistic health, diagnosing and treating patients with natural methods rather than with drugs or surgery. They work from the premise that problems with the musculoskeletal system can cause wide-reaching health disorders. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts good job prospects for chiropractors through at least 2018. All states mandate licensing for chiropractors, which requires many years of education beyond high school.
Job Features
Chiropractic doctors focus on the client's overall health and the many factors affecting health, including diet, exercise, sleep and ability to deal with stress. They believe the body has inherent abilities for recovery. Because a main principle says spinal misalignments result in lower resistance to disease and in diminished health, many chiropractic treatments involve manipulation of the spine for proper alignment.
Undergraduate Considerations
Although some licensing requirements vary by state, all students must complete three to four years of undergraduate coursework before beginning chiropractic school. All chiropractic colleges mandate at least 90 semester hours for admission, and some require a bachelor of science degree for admission. In addition, some states require the bachelor of science degree in addition to the doctor of chiropractic degree for licensing. Confirm all details with the licensing board of the state where you want to practice, advises the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse. Even if your state does not require a bachelor of science degree, obtaining one lays groundwork in case you eventually decide to move.
Specifics
The 90 undergraduate credits for admission to chiropractic school include courses in English, social sciences and physical sciences. Northwestern College of Chiropractic, for example, requires the applicant to have completed courses in biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, psychology, English or speech and 15 credits in the humanities and social sciences. Some recommendations for electives include marketing, small business management, technical writing, medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, cell biology, immunology and genetics.
Doctoral Degree
Licensing requires a doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) degree from a program accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. As of 2009, a total of 16 chiropractic programs in the United States held this accreditation, as noted by the BLS. Chiropractic programs require at least 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience to complete the degree, which may take three to five years. Most programs emphasize classroom and laboratory work during the first two years. Some courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pathology, biochemistry and public health. During the later years, the student focuses on learning spinal manipulation and adjustment, and gaining clinical experience. These schools also provide postdoctoral education for chiropractors wanting further training in areas such as neurology, nutrition, orthopedics, family practice, pediatrics and sports injuries.
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