Doctor Training and Education

To become a Doctor of Chiropractic, a candidate receives extensive, demanding professional education much like a medical doctor (MD) and osteopath (DO). To receive the Doctor of Chiropractic degree (DC), candidates must complete extensive undergraduate prerequisites, an additional 4 years of graduate-level instruction, plus an in-depth, hands-on internship at an accredited chiropractic institution. A Doctor of Chiropractic must have a comprehensive knowledge of all systems of the body and diagnostic procedures in order to thoroughly evaluate a patient, address disorders relating to the spine, and determine the best strategy to effectively assist the patient toward recovery.

Once this training is complete, the Doctor of Chiropractic is required to pass rigorous national and state chiropractic board examinations prior to being granted a license to practice chiropractic.