collageConsidering a career as a chiropractor? Or just want to learn more about the profession? Then our guide should tell you all you need to know about before, during and after chiropractic school.
Today there are over forty chiropractic schools around the world and 100,000 qualified chiropractors, with the profession look set to grow year on year.
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The History of Chiropractic Teaching
Chiropractic care was founded by Daniel David Palmer in 1895. He’d used and witnessed chiropractic techniques, however no one had ever looked at what the care actually provided.
He established himself as a chiropractor in 1895 and demonstrated his skill by improving the hearing of a deaf janitor who had suffered from back pain for most of his life.
Palmer went on to create the first chiropractic school and here began the history of chiropractic teaching.
1897 – The first chiropractic school originated in the US and was established by Daniel David Palmer, once referred to as the Palmer Chiropractic School and Cure, and now known as the Palmer College of Chiropractic.
1904 – Palmer worked to help establish a second school in Oregon, the Marshes’ Chiropractic School and Cure, which became Western States Chiropractic College in 1932.
1906 – A graduate of Palmer’s school, John Fitz Allen Howard, went on to become the founder of the National School of Chiropractic.
1935 – The National Chiropractic Association forms a Committee on Education Standards, now known as The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).
1908-1990 – Throughout the next 80 years the profession grew and schools of chiropractic opened across the US including Sherman College of Chiropractic in Iowa, Cleveland Chiropractic College and Life Chiropractic College West in California.
1994 – The Association of Chiropractic Colleges was formed to give the community of chiropractic schools a voice and provide support to promote chiropractic education centers.
Today – There are now 19 chiropractic schools across the US with over 20 more schools across the world.DID YOU KNOW?
Daniel David Palmer, the founder of chiropractic treatment, was once thought of as a ‘quack’ and indicted for practicing medicine without a license, spending time in jail for his offence.
Preparing for a Career as a Chiropractor – What are the prerequisites?
If you’re considering a career as a chiropractor there are a number of common prerequisites required to secure a place on a Doctor of Chiropractic program.
The prerequisites vary from school to school so it’s worth looking at the particular college you’re interested in, (see an example of a school pre-requisite here) however there are a number of key things you need to apply for a course:
Credits – You must have, or have the equivalent of, three academic years of undergraduate study, which is 90 semester hours.
Required Courses – Both lecture and laboratory components in coursework from the life and physical sciences (biology, physics and chemistry) are required, with a minimum of 24 semester hours.
Minimum GPA – 3.0, however some schools appear to consider a lower GPA if other criteria are met, so it’s certainly worth still looking into if you don’t have the required GPA.
Soft Skills – As well as the educational pre-requisites to consider, there are a number of soft skills the course providers and eventually employers and patients will be hoping to find.
Strong communication skills, for example, to help put people at ease and a sense of empathy so you are able to understand the patient’s pain. Passion for chiropractic care is also important, to progress and best showcase the technique.
Can you get into a chiropractic school without a bachelor’s degree?
What to look for in a Chiropractic School
There are many different things to consider when you’re choosing the chiropractic school that is right for you:
Rankings – The simplest way to look at the performance of a school is the official rankings published by the TFE Times, this provides a great overview and is based on results and graduation rates.
Accreditations – The Council on Chiropractic Education has a list of accredited courses on its site, so you can check whether the course is reputable and has the necessary accreditation.
Cost – Prices can vary greatly between schools, see more on cost below, so it’s certainly worth balancing up the points above and work out what you’re getting for your money. Plus it’s not just thinking about the cost of the school but also any relocation or living costs that may be involved.
School Reviews – There are a number of sites online, including Students Review, where you can read candid advice from other students about both the school and the course to give you an honest and open insight.
Are there chiropractic schools for animal care?
Easiest Chiropractic School To Get Into
If you’re asking yourself which is the best chiropractic school, according to the TFE Times rankings, below are the top 10 best chiropractic schools in the USA.
| RANK | CHIROPRACTIC SCHOOL | LOCATION | NBCE (NATIONAL BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC EXAMINERS) EXAM PASS RATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parker University | Dallas, Texas | 85% |
| 2 | National University of Health Sciences | Lombard, Illinois | 88% |
| 3 | University of Western States | Portland, Oregon | 88% |
| 4 | University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, Connecticut | 87.18% |
| 5 | Logan University | Chesterfield, Missouri | 90% |
| 6 | Life University | Marietta, Georgia | 81% |
| 7 | Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport Campus | Davenport, Iowa | 91.2% |
| 8 | Palmer College of Chiropractic, Florida Campus | Port Orange, Florida | 79.6% |
| 9 | Palmer College of Chiropractic, West Campus | San Jose, California | 82.1% |
| 10 | Life Chiropractic College West | Hayward, California | 78% |
There are also a number of chiropractic schools abroad including in Australia, the UK and Japan, if you were considering studying in another country.
There’s a school of chiropractic in Switzerland? – the home of chocolate making? Sound good?
There is no easy route into chiropractic care, however certain schools are more flexible on entry requirements than others.
Cleveland University for example offers an Alternate Admissions Track Plan for those with a lower GPA than 3.0 or those that don’t have the required sciences. They also provide additional support so you can still meet the requirements of the course.
What you can expect when attending Chiropractic School
When you commit to attending chiropractic school the average course lasts four years[9] and involves a combination of roughly 4,200 theory and practical teaching hours and 1,000 hours of supervised clinical training.[10]
You can find an example curriculum from the founding college of chiropractic Palmer College of Chiropractic online, however as an overview all courses cover the basic sciences, technique and also instil the principles of chiropractic care in their students.
At the end of your course you’ll need to gain accreditation by sitting the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam before you can legally practice as a chiropractor.
QUICK FACTS::
Average Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Number of Teaching Hours: 4,200
Average Number of Supervised Clinical Training Hours: 1,000
Cost of Attending Chiropractic School
The cost of attending chiropractic school varies vastly so it’s certainly worth doing your research to ensure you’re making the best investment.
Typically the cost of attending chiropractic school is estimated to be $120,000 for the four years, working out at between $9,000 and $15,000 per quarter with the top ten chiropractic schools in the USA falling within these brackets.
If you’re looking for more detailed costings, CollegeCalc, provides a full breakdown, using the chiropractic program at Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport as an example.
It estimates on top of the $9,120 cost of yearly tuition, you would require $8,744 per year for housing costs and $1,950 for books and supplies.
Career Prospects for a Chiropractor
Career prospects are good for a future chiropractor.
You can earn an average salary of $70,720 per year, with the market estimated to grow 4% between 2019 and 2029.
Chiropractic School Requirements
Chiropractic Education and Training
A practicing chiropractor in the U.S. must have a Doctor of Chiropractic, or D.C., degree and needs a license to practice in any state where he or she sees patients. A D.C. program typically lasts four years, and to qualify for admission students must complete at least three years of undergraduate education with at least 90 semester hours – and in some cases a bachelor’s degree, depending on the school where they apply.
According to an overview of the academic admissions requirements for various U.S. chiropractic schools on the Association of Chiropractic Colleges website, prospective students need to complete a minimum of 24 semester hours of life and physical science coursework, and at least half of their science classes must have included a substantive lab.
Aspiring chiropractors also should take humanities and social science courses, and they must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, the association states.
In some cases, individuals who complete chiropractic school continue their education via postdoctoral training programs such as residencies or fellowships. They can seek a variety of chiropractic specialty and subspecialty certificates and may pursue advanced training in a variety of chiropractic specialties ranging from radiology and rehabilitation to neurology and nutrition.[
Chiropractic careers require more education than massage therapist jobs, which typically require completion of a massage therapy program of 500 hours or longer, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Aspiring massage therapists only need a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for admission to a massage therapy program.
Generally speaking, massage therapists focus on soft tissues and muscles, whereas chiropractors frequently make adjustments to the spine, which requires extreme precision.Play Video
Job Outlook for Chiropractors
As of May 2018, the median annual salary among chiropractors was $71,410, according to the BLS.
Employment in this field will most likely be 7% higher in 2028 than it was in 2018, the bureau predicts, noting that this projected job growth rate is above the 5% average for all occupations.
chiropractic schools in michigan
Currently there are 16 chiropractic programs in the United States that have been accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). Applicants are expected to have at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate study leading toward a bachelor’s degree; while many already come into the accreditation program with a bachelor’s degree. Several chiropractic colleges offer pre-chiropractic study, as well as a bachelor’s degree program. Most chiropractic programs in Michigan require a minimum of 4,200 hours of combined classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience. Graduates receive the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.).
In Michigan, the State Chiropractic Licensing Board and the CCE oversee the regulation and licensing of chiropractors that meet the recognized educational and examination requirements. In addition, Michigan residents will be asked to provide the following before establishing or joining a practice:
- Record of graduation from a chiropractic degree program
- A passing score on the National Board Exam
- Undergo a criminal background check
- Pass an exam regarding Michigan’s state scope of practice laws
- Personal character references
Best Chiropractic Schools In The World
#1 Sherman Chiropractic College
Phone Number: 800-849-8771
Spartanburg, SC
https://www.sherman.edu
Tuition: Yearly tuition is $33,116
Sherman Chiropractic College opened it’s doors in 1973 and is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. To be eligible for admission to this chiropractic college, you must have completed 90 semester hours with a minimum GPA or 3.0. 24 of those credits must be in life and physical science and 15 of those credits must be in humanities, social and behavioral sciences. The Doctor of Chiropractic program can be completed in 12 quarters. Examples of courses you will be taking are human anatomy & physiology, spinal anatomy, neuroanatomy, nutrition, x-ray analysis, subluxation theories, etc. There is a student clinic on campus, which was renovated in 2015.
#2 Life University
Phone number: 800-543-3202
Marietta, GA
https://www.life.edu/
Tuition: Approximately $26,475 per year
Life Chiropractic College was founded in 1975 and is home to the world’s largest single-campus chiropractic program. It is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). The Doctor of Chiropractic program is a 14-quarter program and usually takes around 4 years to complete. To be accepted to this program, you must have completed 90 semester credits and have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Courses for Doctor of Chiropractic program are divided into the following academic areas: Division of Basic Sciences, Division of Chiropractic Sciences, Division of Clinical Sciences, and Division of Clinics. Students will have access to the William M. Harris Center for Clinical Education.
#3 Logan University
Phone number: 637-533-9210
Chesterfield, MO
http://www.logan.edu/
Tuition: $11,265 per trimester
Logan University opened it’s doors in 1935. To become eligible for Logan University’s Doctor of Chiropractic program, you must have a bachelor’s degree or you must complete 90 semester hours and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They have different opportunities for everyone. Along with tuition, factor in other costs such as your doctors bag, books and supplies, you must purchase an iPad, transportation, and housing & personal allowance. In your first year, you’ll spend 40% of your time in hands-on clinical skills course. Year two, you will spend 90% of your time in clinical hands-on skill courses. And in your final year, you will spend 100% of your time treating patients and learning management skills. A cool added bonus of Logan University, at the end of the third trimester, the student with the highest GPA will receive a scholarship that covers the rest of their education. There is a clinic on campus called the Montgomery Health Center, which is where students will use hands-on clinical training after their 7th semester. Students may also participate in rotations at local health care centers that are partnered with Logan University.
#4 University of Western States
Phone number: 503-256-3180
Portland, OR
https://www.uws.edu/
Tuition: Total tuition is around $120,132.
The University of Western States is the second-oldest chiropractic school in the world, opening it’s doors in 1904. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and their Doctor of Chiropractic program is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. Their doctor of chiropractic program that takes 3-4 years to complete. To be eligible for this program, you must have completed 90 credits of undergraduate coursework and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Courses such as gross anatomy, histology, human development, fundamental pathology, nutrition, etc, are all examples of what you will expect to learn about during your time here. There is a clinic and a clinical internship available to students.
#5 University of Bridgeport
Phone number: 800-392-3582
Bridgeport, CT
http://www.bridgeport.edu/
Full-Time Tuition (14 Credits): $14,100
The University of Bridgeport was founded in 1927 and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and also by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education. The program is a full time, 4-year program. There are no offers to accelerate the program. Students will take courses such as cell and tissue microscopic anatomy & physiology, neuroscience, fundamentals of pathology, Orthopedics & Neurology, Clinical psychology, and more. There is a campus clinic where students can work with the public to gain more knowledge and experience.
#6 Palmer College of Chiropractic
Davenport, IA 800-722-2586
Port Orange, FL 866-585-9677
San Jose, CA 866-303-7939
http://www.palmer.edu/
Tuition: $16,129-$19,428 per term (Prices are based off which campus you attend)
Palmer College of Chiropractic opened it’s first campus in 1897, making it the founding college of chiropractic. Palmer College of Chiropractic is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education. To be eligible for the Doctorate of Chiropractic program at Palmer College, you must have a minimum of 90 prerequisite hours and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students can expect to learn chiropractic history, diagnostic studies, case management, record keeping, ethics & integrity, business management, etc. Along with coursework, Palmer has students partake in hands-on clinical training from the beginning and also has preceptorship and internship programs available.
#7 Southern California University of Health Sciences
Phone number: 562-947-8755
Whittier, CA
http://www.scuhs.edu/
Tuition: $10,000-$12,000 per term
Southern California University of Health Sciences first opened their doors in 1911. They are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education and they are also approved by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners. As for your curriculum, your first year will focus on the fundamentals. Year two will be building on the knowledge from year one and understanding the clinical presentation of health and disease in a patient. Year three, you will put everything you’ve learned into supervised clinical work.
#8 New York Chiropractic College
Phone number: 800-234-6922
Seneca Falls, NY
https://www.nycc.edu/
Tuition: $125,810 for the entire program
New York Chiropractic College was founded in 1919, meaning it’s been open for 100 years now! It is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. You will take courses such as neuroscience, gross anatomy, basic human nutrition, extremities radiology, bone & joint imaging, etc. Along with course work and clinical work, students have the option to work side by side with faculty members to conduct research studies. They also have internships for students. You will complete 10 trimesters to prepare you to become a DC. By your seventh semester, you will be able to begin your clinical training.
#9 Texas Chiropractic College
Phone number: 281-487-1170
Pasadena, TX
http://www.txchiro.edu/
Tuition: $10,115 per semester
Texas Chiropractic College was founded in 1908. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and their Doctor of Chiropractic program is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. Their Doctor of Chiropractic program is 10 trimesters long. Students will take courses such as spinal anatomy, medical terminology, spinal biomechanics, human neuroanatomy, dermatology, etc. Along with coursework, there is a clinical center on the campus called the Moody Health Center, which has an urgent care, a rehabilitation center, and a chiropractic center.
#10 National University of Health Sciences
Lombard, IL 1-800-826-6285
Seminole, FL 1-800-826-6285
http://www.nuhs.edu/
Tuition: $12,450 per trimester
National University of Health Sciences first opened their doors in 1906 and they are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. Students can expect to complete this program in as little as 10 trimesters. Your first year, you will focus on anatomy & physiology. In your second year, you will begin learning how to treat and diagnose different conditions. You will also begin learning business knowledge. In your third year, you will begin clinical opportunities. Along with coursework and clinical work, students can participate in research studies along with faculty members.
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