| -The average chiropractic degree program takes 3.3 years or longer to complete and contains an average of 4,620 educational hours. -Combined with 3-4 years of undergraduate prerequisites work before chiropractic college, becoming a chiropractor requires 7-8 years of school. To become a chiropractor individuals must undergo a rigorous and specialized education that encompasses a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, and chiropractic techniques. Educational Prerequisites: Before beginning their chiropractic education, students must obtain 90 credit hours, many in relevant fields, such as biology, chemistry, kinesiology, or a related science. Most receive a bachelor’s degree before entering chiropractic college. This undergraduate education lays the foundation for the specialized knowledge and skills required in chiropractic college. Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) Program: The average chiropractic degree program takes 3.3 years or longer to complete and contains an average of 4,620 educational hours. These programs are taught at accredited chiropractic colleges, where students delve deep into the science and art of chiropractic care. -Classroom Education: The first part of the DC program focuses on foundational sciences, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and microbiology. Students acquire a comprehensive understanding of the human body’s structure and function, gaining the knowledge necessary for diagnosing and treating various musculoskeletal conditions. The classes at the start of a chiropractic degree are very similar to what students in medical school are learning at the start of their degrees. -Clinical Education: The latter half of the DC program emphasizes chiropractic techniques and clinical education, allowing students to apply their knowledge in an actual clinic. Students are trained in methods such as spinal adjustments, mobilization, and soft tissue therapies. Clinical internships and externships provide hands-on experience working with patients under the supervision of experienced chiropractors. This phase is crucial for honing diagnostic skills, developing treatment plans, and gaining proficiency in chiropractic techniques. National Boards: Upon completion of the DC program, graduates must obtain a license to practice chiropractic. A multi-part board exam given by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners must be passed in order to apply for a state license. The exam parts are as follows: Part I -basic sciences Part II -clinical sciences Part III -clinical competency Part IV -practical skills PHT -physiotherapy Continuing Education: Chiropractic education doesn’t end with obtaining a license. All licensed healthcare professional must complete regular continuing education hours to renew their license. Chiropractors are committed to lifelong learning to stay current on the latest advancements in healthcare and refine their skills. It took me 8 years after high school to become a chiropractor. I received a bachelors degree in biology before going to Palmer College of Chiropractic. Although the average chiropractic program is 4,620 hours, with the additional electives I took, I had 4,845 educational hours while in chiropractic college. The following is a list of classes I took at Palmer College of Chiropractic (2004-2008): -Neuroanatomy I -Gross Anatomy I -Embryology -Spinal Anatomy I -Rights and Responsibilities -Biochemistry I -Fundamentals of Neurophysiology -Philosophy I -Gross Anatomy II -Spinal Anatomy II -Information Literacy -Biochemistry II -Cellular Physiology -Neurophysiology -Endocrinology -Philosophy II -Organ Histology -Neuroanatomy II -Fundamentals of Pathology -Immunology and Communication Disease -Microbiology -Cardiovascular Pulmonary Physiology -Advanced Neurophysiology -Palpation -Systems Pathology -Public Health -Digestion/Nutrition -Renal Physiology -Philosophy III -Radiology I -Toggle Recoil Adjustment -Instrumentation -Neuromuscular System Diagnosis I -Physical Diagnosis -Toxicology -Radiology II -Cervical Spine Adjustment Technique -Biomechanics -Intro to Clinical Practice -Neuromuscular System Diagnosis II -Obstetrics/Pediatrics -Philosophy IV -Physiotherapy I -Physiotherapy II -Radiology III -Logan Basics Adjustment -Thoracolumbar Adjustment Technique -Pelvic Adjustment Technique -Chiropractic Practice -Clinical Methods -Emergency Procedures -Visceral Disorders and Laboratory Interpretation -Clinical Psychology -Radiology IV -Thompson Adjustment Technique -Technique Principles & Practice -Extremity Adjustment Technique -Financial Management -Special Topics -Legal Issues -Clinic I -Clinical Case Correlations I -Gender Disorders -Philosophy V -Lumbar Distraction Adjustment Technique -Activator Adjustment Technique -Practice Management -Regulatory Issues -Clinic II -Clinical Case Correlations II -Geriatrics -Philosophy VI -Evidence Based Chiropractic -Practice Success -Clinic III -Clinical Case Correlations III |