Chiropractors specialize in spinal adjustments.
There are several different chiropractic prerequisites, including earning a bachelor’s degree, attending chiropractic school, and obtaining a state license in the United States. A state license cannot be obtained until the aspiring chiropractor takes and passes an exam. During their education, the future chiropractor should excel in relevant scientific areas of study as well as hands-on experience with real patients.
Before treating patients, a chiropractor must take national and state licensing exams.
One of the main educational requirements for chiropractic is earning a bachelor’s degree, usually in some form of science. Chiropractors specialize in aligning the joints of the human body, which generally includes manipulation of the spine; therefore, the aspiring chiropractor must be well versed in the natural sciences, from biology to chemistry, in order to safely treat patients. Common college courses may include the life sciences as well as the social sciences, such as psychology.
Chiropractic prerequisites often require hands-on clinical experience.
Most degree courses must be completed before the chiropractic school curriculum begins. This specialized program lasts approximately four years; students will delve into the physiology and anatomy of the human body. Additionally, courses may cover work with geriatric patients and children to ensure that the aspiring chiropractor can safely treat people of all ages. Before choosing a chiropractic school, it is good practice to select an institution that is accredited by the government; unaccredited programs do not meet the official chiropractic prerequisites for practicing in the United States.
Chiropractic prerequisites generally require mastery of scientific theory as well as hands-on clinical experience. The first two years of chiropractic school typically involve focused lectures and studies on the human body; the final two years, however, allow the student to work in a real clinical setting. Students will manage and treat patients under supervision to enhance their understanding of chiropractic skills.
Completion of chiropractic school prepares the student for a state exam. Every state within the United States requires a license to practice chiropractors. The student must test in the state in which she intends to work; the license will not be valid in another state. For example, obtaining a license in Delaware does not qualify a chiropractor to practice in Maine.
Many chiropractic schools offer exam preparation classes to their students. The exam generally includes scientific theory questions as well as clinical application investigations. Prep classes explain the exam format and even provide practice exams to get each student comfortable with the process. As a result of this preparation and practice, the student will generally feel more confident about taking the official state exam.