Chiropractic Education
Dr. Meeker, President of Palmer College- West, and Dr. Erica Heppe presenting Dr. SCott heppe his doctor of chiropractic diploma.
A 2016 gallup poll showed us that the majority of the public is unsure of the requirements it takes to become a doctor of chiropractic. Most people are often surprised to discover that the education received at a chiropractic college is quite similar to the education received in medical school. To become a chiropractor a person must go through an immense amount of schooling in order to receive a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree.
Schooling includes:
- Graduating from a four year college, where at least two years of undergraduate study, is focused on the sciences.
- Four years of Chiropractic Education including national board exams
- Take mandatory internships/preceptorships/residencies at a V.A. or hospital.
- Work at least 900 hours of work in a Chiropractic Clinic.
- After graduating, pass written and oral board exams, at national and state levels. The board exams are broken up into multiple parts, like the USMILE exams.
Here is a quick breakdown of the classroom hours for each degree.
A Chiropractor may also opt to choose to advance their degree in an area of specialty. These areas include: Chiropractic neurology, radiology, sports medicine, as well as many other fields.
