Education and Credentials
A chiropractor has the initials DC after their name, which stands for Doctor of Chiropractic. The educational requirements for Doctors of Chiropractic are similar to those of Medical Doctors (MDs), and generally include 4 years of undergraduate study (usually pre-med) and 4–5 additional years of advanced study in areas including:
- Pharmacology
- Orthopedics
- Basic sciences
- Radiology
- Gross anatomy
- Nutrition
- Physiology
- Diagnosis
- Neurology
- Internal medicine
- Biomechanics
- Chiropractic techniques
- Rehabilitation
- Internship
Currently, there are 15 Colleges of Chiropractic in the United States accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education, a national organization recognized by the Department of Education as the authority on the quality of training offered by chiropractic colleges.
The first 2 years of chiropractic and medical school study are very similar. In fact, many chiropractic colleges rotate interns through hospital rounds with medical students. The main differences occur in the third or fourth years of study, when medical schools emphasize drugs and surgery while chiropractic study emphasizes biomechanics, radiology, adjustments, and natural medicine.
Licensure
Doctors of Chiropractic are licensed in all 50 states. State licensing boards regulate the practice of chiropractic and grant licenses to chiropractors who meet certain educational and examination requirements, including:
- Completion of a 4- or 5-year chiropractic college course of study at an accredited program leading to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
- Satisfactory completion of the clinical competency examination of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE), as well as separate state board exams.
- Yearly completion of continuing education courses or programs offered by chiropractic associations.
FAQs
What does DC stand for?
DC stands for Doctor of Chiropractic — the professional degree earned after 4 years of undergraduate study and 4–5 additional years of chiropractic college.
Is chiropractic education similar to medical school?
The first two years are very similar, including shared coursework and hospital rounds. The programs diverge later, when medical schools emphasize drugs and surgery while chiropractic programs emphasize biomechanics, radiology, adjustments, and natural medicine.
Are chiropractors licensed?
Yes — Doctors of Chiropractic are licensed in all 50 states, requiring completion of an accredited chiropractic degree program, national board exams, state board exams, and ongoing continuing education.
How many chiropractic colleges are there in the U.S.?
There are currently 15 accredited Colleges of Chiropractic in the United States, accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education.