Eight Years College,Four National Board Exams,Undergraduate Degree: What Profession Am I ?

Eight Years College,Four National Board Exams,Undergraduate Degree: What Profession Am I ? 

Most folks (not all) are surprised at the education level of a Doctor of Chiropractic. Many people think that a chiropractor has  the training level of a massage therapist (nothing against massage therapist - I like them), and they would be misinformed. Chiropractic requires you to have a Bachelors degree, most have their degrees in the sciences, ie. Biology, Chemistry,Health & Fitness Studies, Exercise Physiology, etc. before entering Professional Chiropractic School.

Chiropractic School is an additional four years of training. Now, I am not saying that we are trained at the education level of a heart surgeon and a good comparison would be the dental profession. Meaning we have rigorous course work in Anatomy (focus on the nervous system and spine),Physiology and Pathology along with clinic hours seeing patients. Basically set up very similar to Dental School.

First two years in Chiropractic school you are taking courses in Gross Anatomy, Physiology, Neurology and learning how to perform the art of chiropractic, the adjustment. The third and fourth year you are taking additional classes in spinal anatomy, x-ray physics, physiology in addition to your clinic hours seeing patients.

The education level of a chiropractor includes many exams...

Once you pass all your classes and are proficient in your clinic requirements you are eligible to sit for your national boards. As a Chiropractor you are tested and tested and tested and tested - no one wants to go to a bad doctor! Chiropractors have to take Four National Board exams.  If you do not pass your boards you cannot practice. Along with your national boards some states require you take their state board.

I have passed all four boards along with a state board exam.

Is that all the education necessary?

Like any profession, continuing education is a must and Chiropractic is no different. We have to take over 40 hours of continuing education, which is adds up over a career. All of this is to protect the public and to have Chiropractors keep up with the latest information on patient care.

I wrote this article because a few patients did not know the education level required to become a Chiropractor. It's more than a massage therapist, a lot like Dental School and less than a Heart Surgeon's education.

Have a great day!

Dr. Chris