Higley Chiropractic Powhatan, Amelia, Cumberland, Goochland, VA

Education of a Chiropractor

How does one become a Doctor of Chiropractic and earn a D.C. degree?  As with any school of advanced learning, pre-requisites - that is, subjects required before admission - are needed for chiropractic college.

Entrance into a chiropractic college requires at least two years college under-graduate work (Associate Degree) with credits in biology, chemistry, and other "pre-med" subjects.  The exact pre-requisites vary slightly from college to college.  Chiropractic colleges are generally four year institutions.  Approximately 25% of chiropractic school graduates are women, with that percentage steadily growing.

In addition to classroom work, training includes an internship period where student chiropractors take care of patients under the supervision of chiropractic instructors, and an externship period where students may assist field chiropractors in their offices.  The majority of the school work, however, is done in the classroom and the laboratories.

After graduation the new chiropractor must pass license exams in the states in which he or she wishes to practice.  Each state has its own licensing laws and licensing examinations.

Course(in classroom hours)

Chiropractic

Medicine

540

Anatomy

508

240

Physiology

326

360

Pathology

401

165

Chemistry

325

120

Microbiology

114

630

Diagnosis

324

320

Neurology

112

360

X-Ray

148

60

Psychiatry

144

60

Obstetrics

148

210

Orthopedics

156

3,065

Total Hours

2,706


Other Required Subjects

Spinal Adjustments Pharmacology
Manipulation Immunology
Advanced Radiology General Surgery

Grand Total Class Hours
4,485 4,248

* Information provided by:  Ted Korean, D.C.  "Chiropractic, Bringing Out the Best in You"