Overview
Becoming a chiropractor requires broad higher education, extensive clinical training, and licensure. How long it will take to become a licensed chiropractor depends on the previous educational background one has, the chiropractic school attended, chosen, and specific state’s requirements for licensure. It usually takes about 7 to 8 years from the beginning of a college education up until earning a chiropractic license.
The step-by-step process of becoming a chiropractor will be discussed in this article, with a breakdown of the time that each stage will take.
1. Bachelor’s Degree (3-4 years)
Before entry into a chiropractic program, most chiropractors must first complete a bachelor’s degree or acquire a minimum of 90 undergraduate semester hours. While there is no specific undergraduate major that aspiring chiropractors must study, many students major in biology, kinesiology, or health sciences, as these courses address many of the basic areas in chiropractic studies.
Key Classes in Undergraduate Studies:
- Biology
- Chemistry (Organic and Inorganic)
- Physics
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Psychology
- Pre-med or healthcare-related electives
Time Commitment: Most students complete their bachelor’s degree in about 4 years, but some will get into a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program after completing 3 years if they have completed the minimum prerequisite credit requirements.
2. Chiropractic School for 4 Years
After completing the pre-requisite undergraduate studies, one goes ahead to enrol in the credited D.C. program, which is four years, through classroom learning and clinical practice.
Overview of the Chiropractic Program:
- Years 1-2: The first two years are dedicated to coursework, including studies in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and chiropractic techniques.
- Years 3-4: The clinical training’s practical part starts in a student clinic that is specific and supervised, where the emphasis would be on the care of a patient in a natural environment. Spinal manipulation techniques, diagnostic imaging, the promotion of health and wellness may be examples of courses taken during this period.
Some chiropractic colleges and universities offer quicker paths to completion, such as 3.5 years, but these programs generally are nonstop study.
Time Commitment: The chiropractic program typically takes 4 years to complete.
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3. Passing the National Board Exams
Apart from completing the chiropractic care program, aspirants must undergo and successfully complete the examinations provided by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. The NBCE examinations are composed of four parts: Parts A, B, III, and IV, which include a variety of subjects such as basic sciences, clinical sciences, diagnostic imaging, and case management.
NBCE Exam Breakdown:
- Part I: Basic Sciences, e.g. general anatomy, spinal anatomy, physiology
- Part II: Clinical Sciences-eg, Chiropractic Practice, Diagnosis, Diagnostic Imaging
- Part III: Clinical Case Studies (e.g. diagnosis and management)
- Part IV: Practical examination that includes spinal manipulative and diagnosis of the patient
These exams may be taken during chiropractic school Parts I-III and after graduation Part IV. This process is usually several months in length.
Time: Preparation and passing of the NBCE exams require an additional period of 6 months to a year, depending on the exam-taking schedules and preparation rates.
4. Obtain a License for the State
Following the NBCE exams, chiropractors will apply for licensure in their respective states where they want to practice. Requirements for licensure differ among the states; however, all of the states require candidates to pass the NBCE exams. Other states may require additional exams or continuing education.
How long it will take depends on the administrative process of licensure in the state and how prepared the chiropractor already is. Some states may require additional jurisprudence exams for state laws and regulations.
Time commitment: The time required to obtain state licensure ranges from just a few weeks to several months.
5. Postgraduate Specialization-elective, 1-3 years
Specialized Certifications While not specifically mandatory for a license to become a chiropractor, there are specialized certifications such as:
- Chiropractic sports
- Pediatric chiropractic
- Orthopaedics
- Neurology
All these postgraduate courses take varying time, from a few months to 3 years, depending on the field of specialization and nature of the course.
Total Time Breakdown
Summary of total time to become a Chiropractor:
- Bachelors: 3 – 4 years
- Chiropractic School: 4 years
- Licensing NBCE exams and state licensure: 6 months – 1 year
Total Time to be a Chiropractor: 7-8 years
Factors That May Affect the Time Frame
Factors That May Affect Timescale Determinants of the duration one would want to become a chiropractor include:
- Accelerated Programs: Some chiropractic schools offer an accelerated program whereby one can complete the same courses in less than 3 years.
- Part-time Study: Some students may opt to study on a part-time basis, which involves taking a longer time in completing the program.
- Prerequisite Coursework: Additional undergraduate coursework may be required for applicants with non-science majors.
- Licensing Delays: Some candidates take longer to pass the NBCE exams or obtain state licensure.
Conclusion
It generally takes 7 to 8 years to become a licensed chiropractor, although that might vary with an individual. The path to becoming a chiropractor includes higher undergraduate study, chiropractic school, and then the national board and state licensing on the road to licensure. This is an investment in time and effort for those committed to a career in chiropractic care and can be very rewarding by helping patients manage pain and improve their health in general.
