How to Become a Chiropractor: A Quick Guide

Keen on becoming a chiropractor? You’re not alone. Chiropractic careers are just as popular as ever with the employment of chiropractors projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030.

While there are a few steps and lots of hard work involved in becoming a chiropractor, the career path can be broken down into three main stages. Read on to find out what you need to do to become a chiropractor from finishing high school to starting a private practice.

Undergraduate Studies

Before even undertaking a bachelor’s degree, there are a few things you can do in high school to really prepare for becoming a chiropractor. A well-rounded curriculum focused on both communication and science is a great start. Consider AP courses in biology, chemistry, and physics along with English, communication, and writing courses.

You can sign up for activities like tutoring, student government, and volunteering in a community center or healthcare-related facility in your free time. Look for activities that will help you develop skills you’ll need when you become a chiropractor.

Your first official step to becoming a chiropractor is to complete three to four years of undergraduate study. You’ll need to keep your grades up since a GPA of 3.0 or higher is a must to later get into chiropractic school.

It’s also important to meet the admissions requirements of the school you’re interested in. This often includes coursework in natural sciences like biology, chemistry, and physics.

Chiropractic School

Your next step is obtaining your Doctor of Chiropractic degree from an accredited chiropractic college. This is three-plus years of additional schooling. Once you’re done, you’ve got a certification exam run by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) to look forward to.

On top of the NBCE exam, some states also require you to pass a state-administered exam to receive a state license. The steps needed to practice chiropractic in each state varies slightly but usually include:

• An in-person interview
• Background checks
• Additional examinations in various subjects
• Licensing fees

Continue Gaining Knowledge

While you don’t need to choose a specialty to become a chiropractor, it will increase your appeal and expertise in the field. Some specialties include acupuncture, pediatrics, and sports. Choosing a career path in sports, for example, typically requires additional training and education before you will get a chance to work with major league baseballers or Olympic athletes.

Either way, once your schooling is over, it doesn’t mean the learning stops. Attending webinars and workshops will ensure that you provide the best possible care to your patients. Continuing education may also be a requirement to maintain your licensure in your state.

While building up your knowledge, you’ll also need to build up your arsenal of tools and resources. Essentials like a chiropractic table, activator adjustment tool, and a chiropractic marketing calendar will be needed to really get your business up and running.

Become a Chiropractor Today

Still eager to become a chiropractor? If all the tests and exams haven’t scared you off, then this might be the right career for you. Find out more on chiropractor jobs and starting your career in our Lifestyle section.