Why do we know so much about becoming a chiropractor? Since our founding in 1941, more than 7,500 chiropractors have graduated from the Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) chiropractic program.
how to become a chiropractor in California
How long does it take to become a chiropractor?
Becoming a chiropractor first requires at least three years of undergraduate study. You may then be eligible to enroll in a Doctor of Chiropractic degree program, which can take anywhere from three and a half to five years to complete and requires a minimum of 4,200 instructional hours.
You will also need to pass a series of exams administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and secure licensure in the state (or relevant jurisdiction) where you plan to practice.
How long is chiropractic school?
Accredited Doctor of Chiropractic degree programs must provide a minimum of 4,200 instructional hours. Some programs extend their curriculum over a longer period of time and can take as many as five years to complete. Others cover more in a shorter period and take significantly less time.
At NWHSU, for example, you can complete your chiropractic degree in three and a half years. Students attend classes year-round, have shorter breaks, and carry a heavier course load.
Note that there are a number of advantages to this:
- Faster completion time means graduating with less student loan debt.
- You can begin your professional career sooner.
- The rigorous coursework and faster pace can better prepare you for the professional environment you’ll enter.
What courses are involved in chiropractic education?
A Doctor of Chiropractic degree program will generally involve three major phases of education: science coursework related to the human body; coursework in clinical and chiropractic sciences; and clinical internships.
- Basic sciences. This involves studying the complexities of the human body and its systems. You will take discipline-specific courses like biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Additionally, some programs incorporate hands-on chiropractic techniques early on.
- Clinical and chiropractic sciences. In this phase, you will study physician-patient interaction, physical examinations, etiology (cause) of disease, diagnosis, and treatment. This phase may also include business-focused coursework to prepare you for a professional chiropractic practice.
- Clinical internships. This last major phase moves you fully from theory to practice. As a chiropractic intern, you will be in real-world clinical settings and take on patient cases alongside an experienced chiropractor. Note that some chiropractic schools have their own clinics in which students can intern and experience working with various patient populations.
For more details on chiropractic education, take a look at the chiropractic school curriculum at NWHSU.
Watch NWHSU graduate Dr. Brittany Schmidt discuss her clinical internship experience.
