After obtaining a DC degree, chiropractors must also pass a State Examination, which may vary in content and format from one state to another. This examination assesses the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective chiropractic practice in that state.

Specialization opportunities exist for chiropractors who wish to enhance their expertise further. This often involves an additional two to three years of residency training in specific areas of chiropractic care, such as sports chiropractic, pediatric chiropractic, or neurology. Specialization broadens their clinical skills and allows them to offer more tailored treatments to their patients.

Even with their extensive education and training, chiropractors must maintain high professional standards. To ensure they remain knowledgeable about the latest advancements in chiropractic research and techniques, they must engage in continuing education courses annually. These courses help chiropractors stay informed about new methodologies, evidence-based practices, and innovations in the field, ultimately enhancing the quality of care they provide to their patients.

Chiropractic four-year graduate curriculum involves courses in:

  • Biochemistry

  • Anatomy

  • Physiology

  • Pathology

  • Psychology

  • Clinical orthopedics

  • Nutrition

  • Obstetrics/Gynecology

  • Pediatrics

  • DermatologyImaging interpretation (X-ray, MRI, and CT)

  • Research methods

  • Integrated chiropractic care

  • Practice management

  • Chiropractic principles

  • Ethics and jurisprudence. 

  • Clinical internships and rotations in hospitals or clinics

Doctors of Chiropractic are primary healthcare professionals focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing spine and other musculoskeletal disorders and their associated effects on body systems. A chiropractor uses a noninvasive, personalized, holistic treatment that addresses the whole body and gives patients the best quality of life possible.

Chiropractors can specialize in areas such as: 

    • Orthopedics 

    • Neurology 

    • Sports 

    • Nutrition 

    • Rehabilitation 

    • Radiology 

    • Family practice 

    • Pediatrics 

    • Geriatrics

What is chiropractic?

Over 70,000 licensed chiropractors work in the United States today. A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree is equivalent to an MD or a PhD. Before chiropractic college, one must earn a Bachelor's Degree in health sciences like biology, chemistry, or physiology. After completing undergraduate studies, aspiring chiropractic students enter a four-year chiropractic university.

Upon graduating from an accredited chiropractic college, aspiring chiropractors must successfully navigate the challenging National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Exam. This exam is a crucial step in their professional journey, as it assesses their knowledge and competency in various areas of chiropractic practice. Once they pass the NBCE, they can apply for a chiropractic license in their respective state.

In the United States, each state requires that chiropractors obtain their Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from a college formally accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). This accreditation ensures that the educational institution meets specific standards of quality and rigor necessary for preparing students for their professional roles.