How Long Does it Take to Become a Chiropractor

Chiropractor is one of the high-in-demand career in the medical field. They are medical professionals that take care of bones and muscles. Building a career in this field is worthwhile considering the benefits.

But the question is, what does it take to become a chiropractor? How long does it take? What is the salary range? These questions and more are what we will discuss in this article.

So, if you are inquisitive about getting answers to the above questions, don’t be too fast to close this tab.

In this article, we have provided detailed information how everything you need to know about becoming a Chiropractor and how long it takes to become a Chiropractor. Carefully read through!

Who is a Chiropractor?

A Chiropractor is a medical person or professional that handles a range of health conditions such as joint pain, spine issues, musculoskeletal disorders, and any other posture and mobility problems that have to do with bones and muscles in the body. They work in any healthcare organization, like rehabilitation centers and hospitals.

What a chiropractor does

Chiropractors focus on treating neuromuscular, digestive, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Other roles they play include:

They help patients build and develop treatment plans.
They give patients massage therapy using acupuncture.
Chiropractors also give patients advice on the type of exercise, diet, and sleep techniques that can help them.
Although they are not medical doctors, they can order patients to go run an x-ray in some rare cases.
Some of them often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive, noninvasive care tailored to each patient’s needs.

How to Become a Chiropractor

Here is a step-to-step guide on how to become a Chiropractor:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s degree (Bachelor of Science)

The first step to becoming a chiropractor is getting a college degree or a bachelor’s degree. You can get a degree program in kinesiology, exercise science, or biology.

During the program, you will gain basic knowledge of science, health science, anatomy, and many other related topics. Most times, the coursework is 90 hours.

All you need to do is to decide on the college you want to attend and the degree program you want to pursue. Afterwards, make inquiries about the requirements and get enrolled.

2. Attend a chiropractic school

Next step to becoming a chiropractor is attending chiropractic school. Chiropractor schools offer academic programs that give hands-on experience and strong clinical and also an in-depth knowledge of the human body and how it works or functions.

You can choose to get a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, which is a four-year degree. During this program, you will learn more about the human body, especially the necks and spinal cords and how to adjust them or correct any dysfunction.

You will also be expected to take series of exams organized by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE). Passing these exams will qualify you to be called a licensed chiropractor.

3. Obtain a license

To get a license to practice chiropractic, you must have taken and passed the series of National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams, which are always taken during the second year of chiropractic school.

The exam is in 4 parts. Part I is taken in the second year, and it covers anatomy, pathology, chemistry, and microbiology. Part II will be taken in the third year, and it covers chiropractic practice, diagnosis tools, and other specialized topics.

Part III covers case management, clinical exams, and chiropractic techniques, and IV can be taken after graduation. Same with PART IV.

Passing these exams qualifies you to get a license. After the exams, you can then apply for licensure in your state. Some states like Florida, Missouri, Oregon, and Oklahoma have their state exam administered by the NBCE. Note, the license is being renewed yearly.

4. Have an Area of Specialization

You’ll have the chance to focus on a particular aspect of chiropractic care while you’re in school.

Specializations can increase your earning potential, attract more patients, and make you a more desirable candidate for a practice partner or position.

Even though some schools incorporate them into their regular courses, the majority call for 300–400 hours of extra instruction. Among the chiropractic specialist certificates that are available are:

The use of acupuncture
Nutrition in clinical settings
Disorders of development
forensics
The study of neuroscience
Workplace health
Young children
Radiology
Sports medicine

5. Acquire experience in the workplace

After receiving your state-issued chiropractic license, it’s time to consider your long-term professional objectives and ideal workplace.

Chiropractors can open their own business or join an established one with other chiropractors, just like other medical professionals.

You might join a practice as an associate because, as a recent graduate, you are keen to get experience and pay off your school loans.

You might prefer starting your own private practice and simply getting experience as an associate for a brief period of time, whereas others might appreciate working as associates for the duration of their careers.

Additionally, you may discover that you like working as an independent contractor.

6. Get Specialty Certifications

You can get specialised certifications to advance your knowledge. Getting certification will require you to pursue a postgraduate program. The American Board of Chiropractic Specialties (ABCS) offers several certifications such as:

American Board of Forensic Professionals Diplomate (DABFP)
American Chiropractic Neurology Board Diplomate (DACNB)
American Board of Chiropractic Acupuncture Diplomate (DABCA)
American Board of Chiropractic Internists Diplomate (DABCI)
Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition Diplomate (DCBCN)
American Board of Chiropractic Pediatrics Diplomate (DABCP)
American Chiropractic Rehabilitation Board Diplomate (DACRB)
American Chiropractic Board of Occupational Health Diplomate (DACBOH)

Other specializations you can earn from independent chiropractic boards include:

Certification in animal chiropractic by the Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission (ACCC) of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA)
National reflexology certification is offered by the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB).

What qualifications are required to work as a chiropractor?

Proficiency in problem-solving, dexterity, and effective communication are essential for becoming a chiropractor.

Chiropractors spend the majority of the day on their feet and using their hands. Additionally, they have to deal with a wide range of patients with various needs. It’s crucial to determine how to support each individual and share pain management plans.

Working with patients will require a certain amount of empathy and compassion. Patience is another skill that serves a chiropractor well, especially when working with younger patients.