You’ve heard the myths. Maybe even believed a few.

 “Chiropractors just crack backs.”

 “It’s not real healthcare.”

“It’s a trendy career—all vibes and no substance.”

But the truth is, modern chiropractic is less about cracking backs and more about cracking into a smarter, more holistic model of care. And at Parker University, we’re leading the charge.

Forget the myths. This is where healthcare is headed.

Parker University’s Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program blends sharp science, bold innovation, and a deep commitment to patient-first care. We prepare students to become confident, evidence-based clinicians who lead in the clinic and in the future of integrative, preventative healthcare. With immersive training and real-world experience, Parker University is setting a new standard for what modern chiropractic can do for patients and the profession.

Wellness isn’t a trend. It’s a movement.

Whole-body wellness is what patients are actually looking for. People today want more than a quick fix or a prescription refill. They want someone who sees the whole picture and knows how to help them feel better, move better, and live better. Preventative care is quickly becoming the new standard, and chiropractic is stepping up in a big way. Which means the demand for skilled, whole-person care professionals isn’t just growing, it’s soaring.

What if healthcare looked at the whole person, not just the symptoms?

Let’s talk numbers. Chiropractic is projected to grow by 12% through 2026, adding nearly 6,000 new jobs. With potential earnings reaching $147,000 annually, the opportunity is very real. But this kind of growth demands more than interest. It calls for professionals trained in biomechanics, nutrition, and performance science who truly understand how to unlock the body’s potential. And that’s where Parker University comes in.

What sets Parker University apart!

Built to lead, not just treat. Being a chiropractor today takes more than clinical skills. It takes insight, curiosity, and a well-rounded approach to human performance and healing. That’s why Parker University students study far beyond the basics. From kinesiology and soft tissue therapy to therapeutic techniques and holistic care, they learn how to treat the whole person—physical, emotional, and beyond. But great healthcare isn’t just about better treatment, it’s about moving the profession forward. As healthcare shifts toward more proactive, whole-person care, Parker University graduates are equipped to lead the way.

Students don’t just learn it. They live it. The DC curriculum goes beyond mastering technique. It builds leadership through evidence-based decision-making, entrepreneurial thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.  Here, “human optimization” isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we train for. With hands-on experience and a mindset rooted in innovation, students leave Parker University ready to thrive in private practices, sports medicine, wellness centers, and beyond. Parker University students are ambitious, compassionate, and energized. They graduate with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead and the real-world experience to back it up.

Built for real life. Whether you’re entering the healthcare field for the first time or leveling up your career, Parker University’s DC program adapts to your goals. With stackable degree paths, you can personalize your journey and move at your own pace. Parker University’s exclusive hybrid DC track is ideal for students who thrive in a virtual learning environment. Complete your science courses online in the first four trimesters, then transition seamlessly to hands-on clinical training at Parker University’s Dallas campus. You’ll stay on track to graduate in just 10 trimesters and be ready for your first board examinations when you arrive. Tuition includes the technology and tools to set you up for success from day one. Bonus: You’ll also get entrepreneurial training to build, manage, and grow your future practice on your own terms!

Raising the bar for safer practice. At Parker University, safety isn’t an afterthought. It’s built into everything we do from day one. Students build clinical excellence through supervised training, community-based internships, and a curriculum shaped by the latest research and standards. We’re not just keeping up with best practices, we’re helping define them.

The Parker Research Center is leading a first-of-its-kind global study on patient safety in chiropractic care, funded by the RAND REACH Center and the NCMIC Foundation. This collaborative project brings together chiropractic leaders from around the world to explore what’s working, what’s not, and how to raise the bar across clinical practice, education, and policy. The result? A smarter, safer future for chiropractic and for students trained to lead it. From the classroom to the clinic, safety, clarity, and clinical confidence are essential parts of the Parker University approach.

Technology that trains. Ever practiced anatomy in the metaverse? Parker University students do. We’re redefining how healthcare is taught through immersive, hands-on technology. As the first chiropractic school to partner with SimX, Parker University offers custom-built VR clinical simulations where students sharpen their communication, empathy, and diagnostic skills in realistic, multiplayer clinical scenarios. Anatomy comes to life through Oculus-powered virtual dissection labs built in partnership with Toltech, giving students an unmatched view of the body in motion.

And through Parker University’s Metaversity, a fully immersive digital twin of our Dallas campus, students can attend virtual classes, collaborate in 3D environments, and interact with instructors through Meta Quest headsets or desktops. This is more than just cool tech; it’s a proven way to boost engagement, retention, and clinical readiness, and it’s central to how we prepare students to lead. This commitment to innovation isn’t new. It’s baked into Parker University’s legacy. As a pioneer in chiropractic education and a champion for what’s next in healthcare, Parker University empowers every student to learn it, live it, and carry it forward.

From clinics to court sides, your career is wide open!

Imagine working with professional athletes, guiding a wellness program, or helping patients recover in a rehab clinic. Parker University grads find their place, and make an impact, in all kinds of settings:

Thanks to Parker University’s broad, hands-on training and whole person approach, DC graduates walk into these roles with the skills and the mindset to thrive. They bring a well-rounded, patient-first philosophy to every setting and they’re highly sought after because of it.

Forget the myths. Be part of the movement.

At Parker University, we see chiropractic for what it really is: the future of healthcare. And that future needs smart, driven, curious people who want to lead with purpose and make a real impact. Parker University’s DC degree gives you the tools to do exactly that.

You’ll graduate with knowledge, hands-on experience, and a patient-first mindset that sets you apart. Whether you’re raising care standards, contributing to research, or helping your community live better, you’ll be ready.

This is where healthcare is headed and where you can help shape a healthier future.

Join the movement in pursuit of higher health. For more information, explore Parker University’s Doctor of Chiropractic program here. To request additional information, click here!

We are so excited you stopped here during your search for a top chiropractic school!

Why Should I Choose Parker University?

The mission of Parker University’s Doctor of Chiropractic Program is to educate individuals as patient-centered chiropractic physicians and members of a collaborative interdisciplinary healthcare team while embracing education, research, and service.

Our regionally accredited private university offers certificate, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs in healthcare and business-related fields through multiple delivery formats and learning environments. The university espouses a culture of lifelong learning, research, and service. Parker University provides its diverse population with support services and learning opportunities to develop the necessary skills for successful employment and career advancement.

Why Would I Want to Become a Chiropractor? Why Do I Want My Degree to Be from Parker University?

Now is YOUR time to pursue a career in chiropractic!

As a DC, you will be trained to provide the absolute best and most innovative critical treatment, manage your patients’ care, and provide pain management. Also, did you know chiropractors are greatly needed in professional sports (athletes always need a chiropractor), rehabilitation, nutrition, and so much more? All 32 National Football League teams even have a chiropractor for players! There are unlimited options and opportunities when it comes to deciding what healthcare industry sector you want to devote your chiropractic career to!

Chiropractic Technology and Research

Parker University prides itself on a curriculum focused on research-based education. With top-tier technology, students learn the techniques needed to help move healthcare forward.

Money, Money, Money!

Also, let’s address the elephant in the room: your estimated salary! According to Forbes.com, DCs can earn up to $147,000 annually (based on your state of employment).

Be Your Own Boss!

And, finally, one of the best aspects of a career in chiropractic is that you get to be your own boss! Are you interested in opening your own chiropractic practice? Or maybe you want to work on a team of other professionals who provide chiropractic, physical therapy, fitness-based expertise, nutritionists, etc.?

Choose From Two of Parker University’s 10-trimester Programs

Parker University offers two different 10–trimester DC programs (traditional DC or Hybrid DC tracks) with rigorous, comprehensive curriculums. Students gain firsthand clinical experience, and the educational emphasis on research provides you with a competitive education, putting graduates at the forefront of this innovative industry. Parker University’s Doctor of Chiropractic program even offers a new degree track designed for students who perform well in a virtual environment and want to complete their DC science courses online for the first four trimesters.

Business Minded Teaching at Parker University

Parker University’s well-rounded chiropractic education does not forget about important business training. Students learn to set up a successful practice, manage their finances, analyze critical performance statistics, and develop exclusive patient plans. Marketing seminars, chiropractic partnerships, and a business planning curriculum provide a realistic experience that gives Parker University graduates a distinct advantage.

Parker University’s Research-Based Education

Parker University is dedicated to learning through evidence-based practice. To support the expansion of chiropractic, Parker University promotes international research, funding of profession-wide collaborative efforts, and sharing across the industry.

Offering Experience Beyond the Classroom

Parker University proudly serves the healthcare community through integrated internships and clinical curriculum. Students can work with the Veterans Affairs Hospital or one of 35 private practice partnerships. We pride ourselves on getting involved and giving back where possible.

CCE Accreditation

The Doctor of Chiropractic degree program at Parker University is awarded programmatic accreditation by The Council on Chiropractic Education, 10105 E. Via Linda, Suite 103 – 3642, Scottsdale, AZ, 85258-4321, Phone: (480)443-8877, Website: cce-usa.org.

What Can I Do with My Parker University Chiropractic Degree to Make a Difference in People’s Lives?

Many Parker University students decide to become chiropractors to make a difference in the world and patients’ lives. You might be directly responsible for eliminating someone’s pain or enabling their body to function correctly! Are you aiming to create positive change? Maybe you desire to provide affordable care and find a way to help address dire health needs throughout your community? Then chiropractic is for you!

Need Some More Convincing? Looking for More Information?

Check out some of our previous blogs about chiropractic!

Next Steps

Applying for Parker University’s DC program comes next! All that’s left to do is decide to move forward with your career … and Parker University is here to help make that happen as seamlessly as possible. For more information, admission requirements, or to apply, click here!

February is recognized as Black History Month annually, and Parker University is excited to celebrate, honor, and identify the significant contributions from the black community, not just during this month but every day!

To recognize this important time, we’ve checked out and researched the importance and history of Black History Month and the chiropractic industry. Everyone, including clinics, chiropractic schools, and organizations, should find opportunities for the importance of this time to resonate.

Black History and Chiropractic

Chiropractic originated 125 years ago when Daniel David Palmer treated Harvey J. Lillard, a black man, for a hearing issue that resulted from a spine injury. This occurrence is known as the first chiropractic adjustment. Though the adjustment was to Mr. Lillard’s spine, it restored his hearing, and the art of chiropractic was born!

In 1913, Fred Rubel, DC, became the first known African American to graduate from the National School of Chiropractic. Later, in 1922, Dr. Rubel founded the Rubel College of Chiropractic in Chicago. Then, in March 1923, Central Chiropractic College became a segregated chiropractic school in Washington, D.C. In 1927, A.A. Cole and John User founded the Interstate Chiropractic Association, the first black chiropractic association. In 1947, Samantha P. Adams, DC, became the first African American woman chiropractor on the Ohio State Medical Board. For 33 years, Dr. Adams was the only African American chiropractor in Toledo, Ohio. In 1954, Walton Russ, DC, was the first African American to become a licensed chiropractor in Arkansas. Fast forward to when Jerry Hardee, DC, was the first African American president of any U.S. chiropractic college, serving as the third president of Sherman College of Chiropractic from July 2001 to July 2005. Years later, in January 2020, Rodney Williams, DC, became the first African American inducted as a Fellow of the International Council of Chiropractors during the American Chiropractic Association’s Engage 2020 Conference.

The American Black Chiropractic Association

Today, the American Black Chiropractic Association (ABCA) integrates and improves outcomes for persons of color entering the chiropractic profession.

While a chiropractor in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Bobby Westbrooks founded the ABCA in 1981. His vision? To help empower African American doctors and students in chiropractic. Dr. Westbrooks recognized that many African Americans were not familiar with chiropractic care and that many chiropractic college programs did not have many minority students. These factors caused a low number of African American graduates, and communities of color often did not receive the critical benefits of chiropractic services. So, Dr. Westbrooks acknowledged the absolute need for minority services in the chiropractic profession and founded the ABCA with other African American doctors.

The ABCA provides countless acts of education, inspiring current and future chiropractors to make a difference. Most chiropractic college campuses, just like Parker University, host student chapters of the ABCA. The Harvey Lillard Scholarship Program offers students valuable scholarships, and the ABCA also contributes to chiropractic career fairs to encourage African American students to become chiropractors.

Parker University is proud to recognize the black history that enabled the chiropractic industry to become what it is today. To get additional information or to learn more about the American Black Chiropractic Association, click here! Are you interested in Parker University’s Doctor of Chiropractic program? Go to parker.edu/academics/doctor-of-chiropractic-degree.

The world needs more chiropractors! The quest of chiropractic is not only to ease pain through hands-on adjustments but to cure ailments by integrating holistic practices and lifestyle guidance for patients. This is a tall order in our world of quick fixes. With a pharmacy on nearly every corner and telehealth becoming prevalent, a one-on-one with your chiropractor is nothing less than a requirement for a healthy lifestyle.

Back pain affects most adults, can cause disability, and is a common reason for seeking healthcare, according to the National Institute for Health (NIH). Typical remedies for back pain include over-the-counter pain medications and, in the worst cases, opioids. Opioid prescriptions for lower back pain have increased, and more than half of regular opioid users report they still experience back pain. However, opioids do not seem to expedite a patient’s return to work after an injury or improve functional outcomes of back pain.

Research finds that opioids are not the most effective way to deal with back pain, yet overdoses are our country’s number one cause of accidental death. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), in a 12-month period ending in 2022, the highest number of overdose deaths were recorded in a year. Back pain sufferers who receive treatment from a chiropractor are given a healthy path to a pain-free life without that level of risk. Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) are tasked with not only relieving life-debilitating pain but they are also part of a more significant positive impact on the current opioid crisis. What an inspiring perspective for future chiropractors!

Like many healthcare professions, the resolve to become a DC is an intuitive calling more than a choice or decision. Determining which school is the best fit is even more complicated. Graduate school is time-consuming and requires dedication, so finding an educational institution that meets expectations with enough leeway for life is imperative.

Parker University’s DC program has a new track designed for students who perform well in a virtual environment and want to concentrate on their science courses online for the first four trimesters. Students on this track won’t begin courses on campus until the end of the fourth trimester and will then start hands-on instruction. Like the standard program, this online track positions students with academic and clinical hours needed to graduate.

A DC degree from Parker University prepares you to open a practice, work in integrated healthcare, or move into a specialized area like strength and human performance. If you’re an aspiring chiropractor, Parker University can fulfill all prerequisite courses as needed or accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

The future is now! Do you want to learn more about Parker University’s prestigious DC program? Click here!

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 2026, 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!