The World Chiropractic Alliance --- Career information

Have you ever considered a career in chiropractic?

Do you want to help people enjoy the best possible health -- without drugs and surgery? Then a career as a doctor of chiropractic may be just the ticket!

According to the US government, demand for chiropractic services is expected to grow rapidly in the next few decades "as consumer demand for alternative health care grows."

The Department of Labor report states that: "Because chiropractors emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyles and do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, chiropractic care is appealing to many health-conscious Americans. Chiropractic treatment of the back, neck, extremities, and joints has become more accepted as a result of research and changing attitudes about alternative, noninvasive health care practices. The rapidly expanding older population, with its increased likelihood of mechanical and structural problems, also will increase demand for chiropractors."

Although more tightly focused, chiropractic education is just as comprehensive as a medical education. To enter chiropractic college, students must have two years of undergraduate work with a heavy emphasis on basic sciences, and many schools now require a bachelors degree.

The four-year course of chiropractic study includes classroom and lab work, as well as an internship to give students practical experience caring for patients under the close supervision of instructors.

A great portion of a medical education is devoted to disease diagnosis and pharmacology. Since chiropractic does not involve the use of drugs, the chiropractic student’s time is devoted to health-related topics such as anatomy, neurology, X-ray techniques, orthopedics, and analysis and correction of vertebral subluxation.

After students have acquired the necessary foundation of knowledge during the early part of their schooling, they later focus on specialized subjects, including chiropractic philosophy and practice, along with chiropractic diagnosis and adjusting techniques that aren't taught in any other health care field.

Before obtaining their degrees, all students must complete approximately 900 hours of work in the clinic setting.

After students graduate, they must then pass a state license exam. Most graduates also take the National Board of Chiropractic Examination which tests the doctors' knowledge in many areas. These particular tests are so comprehensive that most states now accept them as the state license exam.

In addition, a Doctor of Chiropractic must also pass a practical exam and interview conducted by the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners in the state where they are seeking a license.

Want more information about chiropractic?

Fill out the below form to request a FREE copy of the best-selling book, "Chiropractic First." This incredible book, written by WCA President Terry A. Rondberg, DC, explains why chiropractic will become the FIRST CHOICE in health care!