How to Become a Chiropractor

Have you felt a calling to help people get healed from their illnesses without the need for them to use drugs or undergo surgery? If so, then chiropractic medicine is beckoning you to try your hand in the field!

Being a doctor of chiropractic (DC) medicine is a challenging task, as you need to undergo years of formal schooling and licensed education as well. If you are interested to learn how to become a chiropractor, then here’s everything you need to know:

What does a Chiropractor do?

Before you work on becoming a chiropractor, you need to be well-versed with the tenets of the profession. The treatment philosophy of the DC is based on the fact that spinal misalignment results to nervous system problems, illnesses, and a lowered immunity. Because of this, a chiropractic doctor focuses on spine manipulation so that the patient can return to his optimum state of health. Apart from spine manipulation treatments, complementary therapies are also practiced by several chiropractors.

Qualities You Need to Possess to Become a Chiropractor

Before you complete all the requirements needed on how to become a Chiropractor, you need to possess certain qualities and skills that will help you succeed as a DC.

First, you need to be detail-oriented. This is very important as you need to pay attention even to the smallest of particulars in order to provide a sound and accurate diagnosis.

Second, you need to have excellent dexterity if you want to know how to become a chiropractor. After all, it’s vital so you can conduct spine manipulation and other treatments flawlessly.

You also have to have exceptional interpersonal skills. If you dream of becoming a chiropractor, you need to work with people 24/7 so you need to be proficient in establishing rapport with your patients and co-workers.

How to Become a Chiropractor

Individuals who aspire to become a full-fledged chiropractor need to complete two years of undergraduate education, finishing 90 hours of related subjects such as Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Psychology, Social Studies, Humanities, even English. You can also complete a four-year Bachelor’s degree or take a graduate program in either  or Sports Rehabilitation.

After completing the required basic education, the aspirant can apply at one of the 15 accredited colleges by the Council on Chiropractic Education. Some colleges can be highly selective so you need to have a stunning record in college.

At an accredited college you can obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine degree after another four years of licensed education. The education for DC is focused on biology, anatomy and physiology classes. After two years, the students are provided with clinical exposure so they can improve their skills in diagnosis and spine manipulation.

How to Get a DC License

Those who want to become a chiropractor need to obtain a license after graduation. Licensed education is required in all states. An individual needs to pass the written examination and practical evaluation rendered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, before he can complete his licensed education.

Trudging the path to becoming a chiropractor can be a tough and challenging journey. However, as long as you are determined to become an excellent DC, you will be able to complete all the requirements and become one of the best ones in your area.