Chiropractic Medicine
"Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the body's main structures – the skeleton, the muscles and the nerves – and the patient's health. Chiropractors believe that health can be improved and preserved by making adjustments to these structures, particularly to the spinal column. They do not prescribe drugs or perform surgical procedures, although they do refer patients for these services if they are medically indicated.”-Association of Chiropractic Colleges
Chiropractors, also known as doctors of chiropractic or chiropractic physicians, diagnose and treat patients whose health problems are associated with the body's muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, especially the spine. The chiropractic profession is associated with Complementary and Alternative Medicine due to its focus on holistic health care. Chiropractors often treat neck, back and joint pain without traditional medications or surgery.
Prerequisite Coursework
According to the Association of Chiropractic Colleges Most chiropractic programs require that applicants have at least 3 years of undergraduate education, and an increasing number require a bachelor's degree. In either case, your undergraduate studies must include a prescribed number of prerequisite courses, as defined by the field's accrediting body, the Council on Chiropractic Education. Prerequisite coursework varies per school; please check admission requirements for the schools of your choice.
Biological Sciences
BIOL 1800- Principles of Ecology and Evolution
BIOL 1820- Plant and Animal Physiology
*BIOL 3200- Anatomy and Physiology I
*BIOL 3250- Anatomy and Physiology II
*BIOC 3820- Biochemistry I
*- Not required but highly recommended
Chemistry
CHEM 1130- General Chemistry I
CHEM 1140- General Chemistry II
or CHEM 1150- Advance General Chemistry
CHEM 3450- Organic Chemistry I
Mathematics
Some chiropractic schools require a basic math course or statistics. Please check with the schools of your choice.
MATH 1130 - Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics
MATH 1150 – Pre-calculus
PSY 1340 or QMBE 1310- Statistics
Physics
Some chiropractic schools require only a semester of Physics while others do not have a Physics requirement. Please check with the schools of your choice
PHYS 1230- General Physics I
PHYS 1240- General Physics II
or
PHYS 1150- Algebra based Physics I
PHYS 1160- Algebra based Physics II
Social Sciences
Most chiropractic schools require General Psychology. Additional social sciences coursework varies per school. Please check with the programs that you are planning on applying to.
PSY 1330- General Psychology
English
Most chiropractic schools recommend that applicants take at least two semesters (8 credits) of college level English courses. Hamline students can take:
ENG 1110- Writing and Reading Texts
ENG 1800- Introduction to Professional Writing and Rhetoric
ENG 3010- Textual Studies and Criticism
ENG 3020- Literary and Cultural Theory
Relevant Tests
Many chiropractic schools do not require an entrance exam, however, some programs might ask applicants to take the GRE. Please check with the programs that you are planning on applying to.
Degree Programs
Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.)
The Doctor of Chiropractic Degree takes 3.5 to 4 four years. After completion of the Doctor in Chiropractic Program, graduates must take four examinations administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) to practice in the United States.
The main difference between a chiropractor and a physician is their training. Chiropractors are not licensed physicians and have not completed residency training in a hospital. The scope of chiropractic practice is defined by statute as “including the diagnosing and locating of misaligned or displaced vertebrae and, through manual manipulation and adjustment of the spine and other skeletal structures, treating disorders of the human body. The practice of chiropractic does not include the use of drugs or surgery, or the practice of osteopathy, obstetrics, or any other branch of medicine”. -Association of Chiropractic Colleges and American Chiropractic Association
Application Resources