Earning a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree opens the door to numerous possibilities in addition to seeing patients in private practice. You can also pursue additional education or clinical hours to specialize in a chosen field. Common chiropractic specialties and career paths for chiropractors include:
1. Chiropractor Acupuncture
University of Bridgeport offers a dual degree where students can earn their Doctor of Chiropractic Degree and a Master’s in Acupuncture. Chiropractic students can apply to the Master’s after their 2nd semester.
Acupuncture classes are offered in the evenings and on the weekends, so it won’t interfere with Chiropractic School. It generally takes students an additional 6 – 12 months after graduating with their DC to finish the clinical hours required for the Acupuncture Master’s. After graduating from the master’s, students may be eligible for acupuncture licensure depending on the state they live in. In Connecticut, Chiropractors can practice Acupuncture under their Chiropractic license.
2. Internal Medicine & Family Chiropractic
The American Chiropractic Association – Council on Diagnosis and Internal Medicine certifies chiropractors in the specialty of internal medicine. A chiropractic internist treats conditions beyond neuromusculoskeletal conditions. They can serve as a primary care provider in most US States (practice restrictions vary). Instead of using pharmaceuticals to treat ailments, they use a variety of natural methods such as nutritional recommendations and supplemental vitamins.
3. Neurological Chiropractor
Chiropractic Neurologists have taken 300 hours of post-doctoral studies and passed an additional exam by The American Chiropractic Neurology Board to receive their licensure.
At University of Bridgeport, chiropractic students have the opportunity to do an MRI neuroradiology rotation at Stony Brook Medical School and Hospital. This 6-week rotation is perfect for students considering a neurological specialization. During their rotation, UB chiropractic students learn alongside medical students and gain insight to reading advanced MRIs from professionals who specialize in neuroradiology.
4. Nutrition Chiropractics
After their 4th semester, doctor of chiropractic students can apply to the Master’s in Human Nutrition. This dual degree is perfect for students interested in learning how nutrition affects patient’s overall health.
Nutrition classes are offered entirely online, asynchronously (so you don’t have to login at a certain time for class). Students can graduate with both their master’s and doctorate at the same time. After graduating from the Master’s in Human Nutrition, students are eligible to sit for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) license exam. In addition to passing the exam, you need 1,000 clinical hours to receive the CNS license. At University of Bridgeport, students earn 255 hours towards this requirement. A Certified Nutrition Specialist can provide nutritional counseling, depending on state regulations. Each state has their own laws regarding licensing requirements for nutritional counselors. You can refer to the American Nutrition Association for more information and to find the requirements for your state.
5. Sports Chiropractor
The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians certifies chiropractors to specialize in sports medicine. Sports Chiropractors work with both professional and recreational athletes. They help with both recovery from injuries and prevention methods. At University of Bridgeport, chiropractic students have the chance to work with student athletes from our NCAA Division II Sports teams.
6. Veterinary Chiropractor
In order to work with animals, Chiropractors are required to attend a post-graduate program approved by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. Depending on the amount of schooling one receives, will depend on their title. In order to be certified as a Veterinary Chiropractor, you would need both a Chiropractic Doctorate and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Chiropractors who just go through a post-graduate program are considered “Animal Chiropractors” and in some states need to be supervised by a licensed veterinarian when treating patients.
7. VA Chiropractor
University of Bridgeport is one of four schools that offer a post-graduate residency with the Veterans Affairs (VA). This 12-month residency is paid and provides an in-depth understanding of hospital-based care. Completing this residency helps chiropractors to better market themselves when applying for positions at hospitals both within and outside of the VA.
8. Academia
Chiropractic Schools employ a number of faculty with Chiropractic Doctorates for both classroom and clinical training. Chiropractors can work as adjunct faculty and continue to run their practice or transition full time into academia. In addition to teaching, chiropractors can advance in the school to become program directors or deans. Many find great enjoyment from inspiring the future generation of chiropractors.
What Will You Do with a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree?
The first step to earning your Doctor of Chiropractic degree is to submit a free online application. If you have additional questions, feel free to email gradadmisssions@bridgeport.edu and we’re happy to assist you!