collageOne of the largest alternative medical professions is Chiropractic care. For the student who is passionate about the fields of health and medicine, who wishes to enter a career-focused program, a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree will prepare you for several job opportunities, including solo or group Chiropractic practitioner, educator, researcher, administrator, whether with a fitness facility, sports team, hospital or in general practice.
A Chiropractic school focuses on teaching you to diagnosis and treat mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractors believe that these imbalances affect general health via the nervous system, and while they have some similarities to primary care providers, they are recognized as a medical specialty, using manual manipulation, health and lifestyle counseling, and other skills to facilitate optimal wellness.
Students enrolled in Chiropractic Doctoral Degree programs in Indiana can expect a curriculum in basic sciences, chiropractic technique, chiropractic philosophy, business management, and will be evaluated to demonstrate clinical competency.
Ready to start your search for a Chiropractic education? You can perform a location search on GradSchools.com to find the best Chiropractic school for you. Just use the city, state, or country tabs to generate results.
Next you can filter your search by Masters or Chiropractic Doctoral Degree. For instance, you can earn a Master in Chiropractic Sciences or a Doctorate of Chiropractic (D.C.) Degree.
Get more information regarding Chiropractic Colleges in Indiana, chiropractic colleges ranked, cost of chiropractic college, how to become a chiropractor in Indiana & what colleges have a chiropractic program.
what colleges have a chiropractic program
Chiropractors perform manual therapy to help patients with back and neck pain.
Chiropractors care for patients with health problems relating to the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal adjustments and manipulation, and other techniques to manage patients’ health concerns, such as back pain, neck pain and headaches.
Duties
Chiropractors typically do the following:
- Assess a patient’s medical condition by reviewing their medical history, listening to the patient’s concerns, and performing a physical examination
- Analyze the patient’s posture, spine, and reflexes
- Conduct tests, including evaluating a patient’s posture and taking x rays
- Provide neuromusculoskeletal therapy, which involves adjusting a patient’s spinal column and other joints by hand
- Give additional treatments, such as applying heat or cold and other modalities to a patient’s injured areas to decrease pain and enhance healing
- Advise patients on health and lifestyle issues, such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep habits
- Refer patients to other healthcare professionals, if needed
Chiropractors focus on patients’ overall health. Chiropractors believe that misalignments of the spinal joints interfere with a person’s neuromuscular system and can result various painful syndromes as well as other conditions of poor health.
Some chiropractors use procedures such as massage therapy, rehabilitative exercise, low level laser, traction, electrical stimulation and ultrasound in addition to spinal adjustments and manipulation. They also may apply supports, such as braces or shoe inserts, to treat patients improve posture and relieve pain.
In addition to operating a general chiropractic practice, some chiropractors concentrate in areas such as sports, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, or nutrition, among others. Chiropractors in private practice are responsible for marketing their businesses, hiring staff, and keeping records.
Work Environment
Chiropractors assess a patient’s medical condition and explain treatment options.
As of 2016, there are an estimated 75,000 licensed Doctors of Chiropractic in the United States. Most chiropractors work in a solo or group practice. About 1 in 3 was self-employed in 2016. A small number work in hospitals, physicians’ offices or multispecialty clinics.
Chiropractors typically work in office settings. They may be on their feet for long periods when examining and treating patients.
Work Schedules
Although most chiropractors worked full time, about 1 in 4 worked part time in 2016. Chiropractors may work in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate working patients. Self-employed chiropractors set their own hours.
Chiropractic Colleges In Indiana
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% |
how to become a chiropractor
Becoming a chiropractor requires earning a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree and obtaining a state license.
Doctor of Chiropractic programs typically take 4 years to complete and require at least 3 years (preferably 4 years) of undergraduate college education for admission.
Education
Prospective chiropractors are required to have a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree—a postgraduate professional degree that typically takes 4 years to complete. In 2016, there are 14 Doctor of Chiropractic programs on 18 campuses, accredited by The Council on Chiropractic Education.
Admission to D.C. programs requires at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate education, with courses in the liberal arts and sciences, such as physics, chemistry, and biology. However, many students earn a bachelor’s degree before applying to a chiropractic program.
Chiropractic education generally consists of classroom work in:
- anatomy
- biochemistry
- physiology
- microbiology
- pathology
- public health
- physical, clinical and laboratory diagnosis
- gynecology & obstetrics
- pediatrics
- geriatrics
- dermatology
- otolaryngology
- diagnostic imaging procedures
- psychology
- nutrition/dietetics
- biomechanics
- orthopedics
- neurology
- first aid and emergency procedures
- spinal analysis
- principles and practice of chiropractic
- clinical decision making
- adjustive techniques
- research methods and procedures
- professional practice ethics
- business management and billing and finance.
Chiropractic students also get supervised clinical experience, with some institutions incorporating hospital rotations for their students.
Some chiropractors complete postgraduate programs offered by associations leading to Diplomate status. These programs provide additional training in specialty areas, such as radiology, orthopedics, rehabilitation and pediatrics, encompassing a minimum of 300 hours. Classes are taken at chiropractic colleges and other off-campus conference facilities. Others may choose to earn a master’s degree in a related topic, such as nutrition or sports rehabilitation. Some D.C. programs offer a dual-degree option, in which students may earn a master’s degree in a second topic while completing their D.C. degree.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
All states and the District of Columbia require chiropractors to be licensed. Although specific requirements vary by state, all jurisdictions require the completion of an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program. Some states require chiropractors to have a bachelor’s degree prior to entering chiropractic college.
In addition, all jurisdictions require passing an examination set by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, which includes basic and clinical sciences, clinical case studies, and a practical exam. Many jurisdictions also require applicants to pass state-specific law exams, called jurisprudence exams. All states require continuing education to maintain a chiropractic license.
Important Qualities
- Decision-making skills. Chiropractors must determine the best course of action when treating a patient. They must also decide when to refer patients to other healthcare professionals.
- Detail oriented. Chiropractors must be observant and pay attention to details so that they can make proper diagnoses and avoid mistakes that could harm patients.
- Dexterity. Because they use their hands to perform manual adjustments to the spine and other joints, chiropractors should have good coordination to perform therapy effectively.
- Empathy. Chiropractors often care for people who are in pain. They must be understanding and sympathetic to their patients’ problems and needs.
- Interpersonal skills. Chiropractors must be personable in order to keep clients coming to their practice. Also, because chiropractors frequently touch patients in performing therapy, they should be able to put their patients at ease.
Compensation
Source: Chiropractic Economics, May 20, 2016
The national average annual wage for chiropractors in 2015-16 was $81,542, (Indiana: $103,980), with a national average total compensation of $147,334. Average national gross billings amounted to $$689,092, with national average gross collections reported as $384,627, for a collection rate of 56%.
Chiropractors tend to earn significantly less early in their careers. A recently graduated Doctor of Chiropractic may expect to earn $58,708 as an associate within an established clinic, and then earn more as they build a client base and become owners of, or partners in, a practice.
Although most chiropractors worked full time, about 1 in 4 worked part time in 2015 -16. Offices of chiropractors may stay open in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate working patients. Self-employed chiropractors set their own hours.
Job Outlook
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment of chiropractors is projected to grow 17 percent from 2016 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. People across all age groups are increasingly becoming interested in alternative or complementary healthcare. Chiropractic care is appealing to patients because chiropractors use nonsurgical methods of treatment and do not prescribe drugs.
Chiropractic treatment of the back, neck, limbs, and involved joints has become more accepted as a result of research and changing attitudes about additional approaches to healthcare. As a result, chiropractors are increasingly working with other healthcare workers, such as physicians and physical therapists, through referrals and complementary care.
The aging of the large baby-boom generation will lead to new opportunities for chiropractors. Older adults are more likely to have neuromusculoskeletal and joint problems and they are seeking treatment for these conditions more often as they lead longer, more active lives.
Demand for chiropractic treatment is related to the ability of patients to pay, either directly or through health insurance. Although most insurance plans now cover chiropractic services, the extent of such coverage varies among plans. However, the number of individuals who have access to health insurance is expected to continue to increase because of federal health insurance reform.
best chiropractic schools
#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.
collage