If you are considering becoming a chiropractor, you are on your way to a rewarding and fulfilling career path.
With a median annual salary of $75,380, an employment growth rate of nine percent by 2032, and flexible hours, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the chiropractic industry remains a popular choice amongst individuals interested in the healthcare industry.
So, how do you become a chiropractor? Though students may know this path requires graduate school and a professional degree, they are occasionally concerned about the expected workload and responsibilities, often asking, ‘Is it hard to become a chiropractor?”
This guide will assist prospective students in understanding how to become a chiropractor, what to expect from chiropractic school, and how flexible programs are integral to streamlining the path to a chiropractic career.
What is a Chiropractor?
First and foremost, students should understand what a chiropractor is and does. Chiropractors are holistic healthcare professionals who address the health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system (nerves, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments).
By focusing on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the spine and joints, chiropractors will manually provide treatment through water, heat therapy, and physical support to relieve their patients of pain.
Though they are doctors by holding a Doctor of Chiropractor (DC) degree, they are not medical doctors (MDs), meaning they do not prescribe medications or do surgery. Instead, they offer treatment in outpatient facilities and private practices.
How Do You Become a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors must earn their advanced Doctor of Chiropractic degree, pass all four parts of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exam, and fulfill any specific state license or certification requirements to practice and treat patients legally.
Step 1: Apply and Enroll in a Chiropractic Program
Many students will apply to graduate Chiropractic programs upon completion of their undergraduate education and Bachelor’s degree. However, many programs, like the program at University of Bridgeport, admit students with a minimum of ninety completed undergraduate credits.
Every school and university will have different program requirements, so students should research to understand their desired school’s requirements and focus on programs that the Council of Chiropractic Education accredits.
At University of Bridgeport, chiropractic school applicants must:
- Earned a Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of ninety credits completed
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher within the ninety credits
- Minimum of twenty-four physical/life sciences credits, with a C or better—half of which must contain labs.
- Application
- Official transcripts
- One letter of recommendation from a healthcare practitioner
- 250-500 word personal statement
Once students complete ninety credits or a Bachelor’s degree, apply, and enroll in a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program, they can expect to complete the program in about three to four years. Remember that the timeline will also depend on whether the program follows a semester, trimester, or quarterly schedule, which could result in students taking classes all year.
Step 2: Pass the Chiropractic National Board Exams and Chiropractic Certifications
Upon graduating with a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, students must pass the national board exams through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
Many schools will have students take parts one and two of their boards during their program and take parts three and four within six months of graduating. These scores are also essential in earning one’s chiropractic license in their chosen state.
Additionally, candidates can obtain additional certifications and specializations, and chiropractors are also required to maintain a high level of proficiency and stay current on the latest research and methods in the field.
Step 3: Find a Job as a Chiropractor
After graduation and licensure, graduates are ready to apply for in-demand chiropractic jobs, working in a solo or group chiropractic setting, often alongside other healthcare professionals, including physicians and physical therapists.
Other job positions and career paths that chiropractors can take include:
- Educators
- Researchers
- Sports team chiropractors
- Healthcare administrator
At UB, we’ll set you up for a successful and fulfilling Chiropractic career! But don’t take our word for it — check out what some of our Chiropractic students had to say about their experience!
Is Chiropractic School Hard?
Students in a Chiropractic school should understand the body’s healing mechanisms, the musculoskeletal systems, patient diagnoses and pain management, and health promotion, and develop a multidisciplinary approach to care.
They do so by taking courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, biomechanics, pathology, metabolism and nutrition, and pharmacology and receiving hands-on clinical experience where they can make diagnoses and practice adjustment techniques, spinal assessments, and manipulation.
Doctor of Chiropractic programs are challenging, especially with the amount and intensity of science hours, but by working hard, reminding yourself of your passion for helping others live healthier lives, and reaching out to your peers and faculty for support, students will be able to attain their degree and pursue a rewarding career path.
Students should look into the support services available at their desired college or university and take advantage of their professor’s office hours.
University of Bridgeport’s Renowned Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) Program
At University of Bridgeport, we are committed to helping students make meaningful differences in their community as chiropractors by focusing on holistic, evidence-based methods to rehabilitate the human body and reduce patient discomfort.
We also ensure students can fulfill their personal and educational responsibilities by offering the only semester-based Chiropractic degree program, lasting four years with eighteen-week semesters. We admit students twice yearly, in January and August, with an eight-to-one student-to-faculty ratio.
Our format allows students to have their first two summers off from school, enabling them to study for their boards, work and pursue internship opportunities, and gain essential shadowing hours.
If you are ready to take your next step toward an exciting career as a chiropractor, apply today or contact us for more information about our affordable, flexible, and ultimately achievable Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Let’s crush your academic and career goals—together!