Chiropractor Career Path: Education, Licensing & Salary

Understanding the Chiropractic Profession

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who focus on diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders, primarily through manual adjustment of the spine. Their holistic approach to care emphasizes the body’s natural healing ability and encourages lifestyle changes to support wellness.

Is Chiropractic Care Right for You?

Chiropractic medicine is ideal for students passionate about musculoskeletal health, patient-centered care, and non-invasive treatment options. If you're interested in preventive health and wellness, this field may be your perfect fit.

Step 1: Begin with a Strong Undergraduate Foundation

Choose a Relevant Major

Most chiropractic schools require at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework, though many students complete a full bachelor’s degree. Ideal majors include:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Kinesiology
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Psychology
  
  

Focus on Core Science Courses

Typical prerequisites include:

• General Biology with lab
• General and Organic Chemistry
• Physics
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Biochemistry
• English and Social Sciences

A strong GPA, especially in the sciences, is key to getting into competitive programs.

Step 2: Gain Pre-Medical Experience

Shadow Chiropractors and Other Healthcare Providers

Before applying to chiropractic school, students should gain firsthand clinical exposure through shadowing and volunteering. Shadowing chiropractors and engaging in Go Elective’s pre-health shadowing programs abroad can broaden your understanding of global health systems and musculoskeletal care.

Participate in Internships and Extracurriculars

Admissions committees value applicants with leadership, community service, or healthcare-related internships. These experiences show commitment and help strengthen your application.

Step 3: Apply to an Accredited Chiropractic School

Research Programs and Admission Requirements

Chiropractic education in the U.S. is regulated by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). Admission requirements vary but commonly include:

• A minimum GPA of 3.0
• At least 90 credit hours of undergraduate coursework
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Interview (school-dependent)
  
  

Consider Location and Specialization Options

Top chiropractic schools to consider include:

• Palmer College of Chiropractic
• Logan University
• Life University
• Parker University
• Sherman College of Chiropractic

Choose a school that aligns with your values, location preference, and potential interest in specialties like sports chiropractic or pediatrics.

Step 4: Complete a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Program

Overview of Chiropractic School

Chiropractic programs typically last 3.5 to 4 years. The curriculum is divided into:

• Basic sciences (Years 1–2): Anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, public health
• Clinical sciences (Years 2–4): Diagnosis, radiology, orthopedics, neurology
• Technique and practicum: Spinal manipulation, rehab techniques, patient care
  
  

Hands-On Clinical Training

In the final year, students complete clinical rotations under supervision. This includes evaluating patients, performing adjustments, and managing care plans. Some programs offer rotations in hospitals or community health centers.

 
Step 5: Pass Licensing Examinations

National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Exams

To practice in the U.S., you must pass the four-part NBCE exam:

• Part I: Basic sciences
• Part II: Clinical sciences
• Part III: Case management
• Part IV: Practical exam

Each state may have additional jurisprudence or ethics exams, so check local licensing board requirements.

Step 6: Choose a Specialization or Postgraduate Path

Popular Chiropractic Specialties

Chiropractors can choose to specialize in areas such as:

• Sports Chiropractic
• Pediatric Chiropractic
• Chiropractic Neurology
• Chiropractic Orthopedics
• Functional Medicine
  
  

Pursue Certification or Residency

Specialization often requires post-doctoral coursework and board certification. Though less common than in other medical professions, some chiropractors pursue residencies in advanced care settings.

Step 7: Start Your Chiropractic Career

Career Options for Chiropractors

Chiropractors work in various environments:

• Private practice
• Group clinics
• Multidisciplinary healthcare settings
• Rehabilitation centers
• Sports teams
• Military or veteran care

Academic and research roles are also available for those interested in teaching or contributing to evidence-based chiropractic care.

Salaries and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Median annual salary: $75,000+
• Top 10% earn more than $140,000
• Job growth is projected at 9% through 2032

Demand is growing, especially in wellness-centered and integrative care models.

Step 8: Maintain Licensure and Continue Learning

Continuing Education Requirements

Most states require chiropractors to complete continuing education (CE) credits every 1–3 years. Topics often include:

• Ethics and law
• New treatment techniques
• Diagnostic technologies
• Pain management
  
  

Join Professional Associations

Consider joining organizations like:

• American Chiropractic Association (ACA)
• International Chiropractic Association (ICA)
• World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC)

Membership provides networking, research access, and professional advocacy.

Building Your Practice and Personal Brand

Starting vs. Joining a Practice

Graduates may either:

• Start their own clinic (high autonomy, higher risk)
• Join an existing practice (lower overhead, mentorship opportunities)

Success depends on both clinical skills and business acumen, including marketing, scheduling, and patient communication.

Work-Life Balance and Impact

Chiropractors often report high job satisfaction due to:

• Flexible schedules
• Direct patient interaction
• Opportunities to promote holistic health

Their non-invasive, drug-free approach plays a key role in public health and preventive care.

Launch Your Chiropractic Journey with Go Elective

Go Elective offers pre-health students the opportunity to explore hands-on shadowing programs in Kenya and Tanzania. If you're considering chiropractic or any healthcare path, our programs provide invaluable exposure to patient care, musculoskeletal conditions, and cultural insights in global health.

Explore Go Elective’s healthcare internships or learn more about how international clinical experience can prepare you for a career in chiropractic medicine.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 8, 2025