How Do I Become a Chiropractor?

Have you asked yourself ‘how do I become a chiropractor?’ Read this guide to learn the steps it takes to start your career as a chiropractor.

Changing workplaces and job roles mean people are looking for more fulfilling work. Switching to a job as a chiropractor is a great way to help people and know you’re making a difference. By 2030, 1 in every 5 Americans will be of retirement age. An aging population means more people with mobility or health problems. Those people will need the help of a chiropractor.

What Does It Take to Become a Chiropractor?

If you plan to start the educational process in 2024, you’ll need to be ready to dedicate yourself to chiropractic school for four years. Learning happens in the classroom and the lab for the first two years. The last two years move into clinics. But what skills will you need?

Personal Skills

A fascination in rooting out the causes of medical problems is essential. Chiropractic is about more than merely treating symptoms. You’ll also need to be physically fit yourself. Much of your work will keep you on your feet for large portions of your day. And you’ll need a strong stomach because you’ll do a lot of learning from cadavers.

Professional Skills

Chiropractors need to be comfortable dealing with people. They also need to be able to analyze data to recommend courses of treatment. And they need to be confident to change treatment if patients don’t respond.

Academic Skills

Chiropractic is about more than aligning spines. You’ll need to learn about the organic sciences to treat the body in a more holistic way.

How Do I Become a Chiropractor?

You won’t need a DO or MD degree, but you will need a DC degree – Doctor of Chiropractic.

Not all programs need a bachelor’s degree. Though holding one in science will definitely help. Chiropractic schools prefer students to have a background in pre-med. Check with schools for individual requirements they may have for admissions. You’ll also need to earn your license to be a chiropractor. Don’t worry about this part of the process. It starts when you’re still in school. The first two parts of the national exam happen during your second and third years at school. You’ll do parts three and four after you graduate. Beyond passing exams, your state board can tell you what you need to get your license.

Parker University Now Offers a Hybrid Online and In-Person Program

If you are looking for a career move that makes a seriously profound impact on your community and the lives of others, Parker University’s new hybrid online and in-person Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program offers the perfect opportunity to make your dreams a reality.

The hybrid program strives to educate all students as patient-centered chiropractic physicians and members of a collaborative interdisciplinary healthcare team while embracing education, research, and service. Sound like a good fit? 

Parker University’s 10-trimester DC degree program features a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum. This integrated clinical experience and the emphasis on research provide a competitive education, positioning students to be leaders in the chiropractic industry.

This DC program now features a unique track for students who prefer learning through a virtual platform. Students can now concentrate on their critical DC science courses through online study for their first four trimesters! Hands-on courses at Parker University’s Dallas campus start at the end of the fourth trimester.

This educational track helps students learn essential skills, complete hands-on hours, and meet the requirements to graduate in 10 trimesters. This program is a great option for military students wanting to start their degree, and it even provides a great way for students to save money. Tuition and fees associated with this track provide the necessary technology for students to succeed in a distance-learning environment.

At Parker University, a well-rounded chiropractic education also emphasizes business training. Students learn how to operate their own successful practices, calculate finances, analyze performance statistics, and develop patient acquisition plans. Marketing seminars, chiropractic partnerships, and dedicated business planning curriculum provide realistic experiences, giving students an immediate advantage over their peers.

Parker University’s comprehensive classroom education is only further enhanced by extensive real-world, hands-on experience. Students work in private practices, health centers, Veterans Affairs hospitals, and even clinics abroad! This vast and unique level of exposure to a diverse healthcare industry prepares Parker University students for an impactful career doing something they love.

Running a Practice

The beauty of becoming a chiropractor means you get to work for yourself. Specialize in certain types of patients. Or offer particular treatments, like easing lower back pain. Not all school programs cover business management. So you might want to check out business programs too to help you run your practice. You’ll need to keep on top of changes in your industry to keep your license current. This continuing education helps make you a better chiropractor, too.

Start with the Right School

It all starts with the right school and program. In the right nurturing environment, you’ll learn all you need to succeed as a chiropractor.

Parker University is enrolling students now! If you want to learn more about this hybrid degree program opportunity or to apply for Parker University’s prestigious DC program, just click here!