Education of a Doctor of Chiropractic

To become a Doctor of Chiropractic, it takes 6000 hours of study spread over 6 years of university. 

Entry into a chiropractic college requires at least 2 years of study with credits in biology, chemistry, and other subjects necessary and compatible with the study of medicine. 

Subsequently, chiropractors are trained over four academic years, in which theoretical classes are combined with subjects such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, neurology, orthopedics and other health and biological sciences, with the internship as intern doctors in Chiropractic clinics, under the close supervision of experienced doctors. 

After graduation, recent graduates must pass national exams and be licensed by the state where they want to practice. In addition, up to 50 hours of ongoing training per year is required to maintain a practice license.  

Comparative table of teaching hours of certain subjects between Chiropractic and Medical universities after two years of study. 

Why is Chiropractic different?  

Chiropractic is the only health specialty that focuses on the existence of subluxations. 

Doctors of Chiropractic are the only health specialists trained specifically to detect subluxations and perform chiropractic adjustments. 

Today Chiropractic represents the third most extensive doctorate in a health-related profession, after medicine and stomatology.  

La Quiropráctica no es una alternativa a ninguna otra profesión de salud, no constituye un complemento a otros procedimientos. Aunque reconoce que en ciertos momentos el cuerpo puede necesitar ayuda temporal o permanente de otros profesionales de la salud, y no duda en referir a un paciente a otros profesionales más capacitados para ayudarle. 

Los doctores en Quiropráctica no utilizan la cirugía, ni recetan medicamentos. En vez de ello, realizan una aproximación de curación natural, de forma manual. Como suministradores de cuidados primarios, necesitan años de rigurosa educación y formación para obtener la licenciatura.  

Because chiropractic training focuses on health and not disease, the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) will also especially evaluate lifestyles, which include nutrition, exercise, and stress management.  

To graduate and obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, each candidate must pass the demanding National Board Examination. Doctors then apply for a government or professional license and must pass another exam before they can get the privilege of practicing the profession.  

Chiropractic education never ends. Most doctors complete their post-graduated instruction with a license renewal and by staying abreast of the latest chiropractic scientific research.