Chiropractor Education and Training

Chiropractors complete 2 to 4 years of undergraduate education, a 4- or 5-year chiropractic college program, and must be licensed by the state in which they practice. The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, is responsible for accreditation of programs and institutions that offer the Doctor of Chiropractic degree.

During the first 2 years of the chiropractic program, students focus on the sciences such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pathology. The final 2 years concentrates on manipulation and spinal adjustment techniques. Clinical experience in diagnosis, geriatrics, healing sciences, neurology, nutrition, orthopaedics, and physiotherapy, is gained.

Chiropractic colleges offer continuing education programs in many fields to allow chiropractors to specialize in an area of interest. Some doctors of chiropractic specialize in neurology, orthopaedics, sports medicine, physical rehabilitation, or other fields.

Chiropractors are licensed in all 50 states. Licensing requirements include a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from an accredited program, successful completion of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiner's clinical competency examination, and completion of yearly continuing education offered by chiropractic associations.

To ensure that your chiropractor graduated from an accredited institution, visit www.cce-usa.org. To find your state's chiropractic licensing board, go to www.fclb.org.