How do chiropractors go about becoming practitioners? They must undergo several years of study and focused work. In order to become a fully licensed chiropractor, a student must undergo many years of training as well as a residency program. Although states have different policies when it comes to becoming a licensed chiropractor, the majority of the U.S. requires that the practitioner meet a significant amount of criteria. Becoming a chiropractic professional requires the completion of several college classes such as Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, and Physics as well as education and chiropractor training which typically takes an additional four years to complete.
Today, in the United States, there are currently sixteen schools that are accredited by The Council on Chiropractic Education. These schools expect a high level of achievement with chiropractic students being responsible for obtaining a strong comprehension of public health, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, anatomy, and physiology. After the aspiring practitioners have completed at least 4,200 hours of lectures, clinical practice, and laboratory requirements, the students are required to pass several exams that are given by the NBCE or National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Each of the states in the U.S. has a particular number of exams that have to be passed in order for the chiropractic professional to receive his or her license.
Four tests are administered nationally by the NBCE. Part I of the examination consists of questions regarding general science such as spinal and general anatomy. On the other hand, Part II focuses on the clinical aspect of science such as diagnostic imaging, chiropractic principles, as well as diagnoses of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. The next test, a written exam, tests the clinical abilities of the student. The topics on this test include the taking and recording of case histories and intervention tactics. Less than half of states, including New York, require that a fourth test be taken that consists of a hands-on practicum that includes the interpretation of x-rays as well as other critical skills.
After the exams have been administered and passed by the student, continuing education begins. In all but three states, chiropractic doctors are required to continue with academic and clinical studies in order to stay current with their knowledge. Every three years, chiropractors in New York must complete 36 contact hours which is roughly the equivalent of two college courses. If chiropractors do not provide proof that they are continuing their education, they are no longer permitted to continue their practice.
Along with chiropractic medicine, approximately 78% of practitioners have other licenses as well. Some of these professionals have also studied alternative medicines such as herbology and acupuncture. Others, on the other hand, focus on more common medical fields. What all of these people have in common is a desire to make their patients feel healthier and improve the quality of life in individuals who suffer from pain. If you ask your practitioner about his or her education, you are sure to be impressed by the effort that goes into becoming a chiropractic professional.
Today, in the United States, there are currently sixteen schools that are accredited by The Council on Chiropractic Education. These schools expect a high level of achievement with chiropractic students being responsible for obtaining a strong comprehension of public health, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, anatomy, and physiology. After the aspiring practitioners have completed at least 4,200 hours of lectures, clinical practice, and laboratory requirements, the students are required to pass several exams that are given by the NBCE or National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Each of the states in the U.S. has a particular number of exams that have to be passed in order for the chiropractic professional to receive his or her license.
Four tests are administered nationally by the NBCE. Part I of the examination consists of questions regarding general science such as spinal and general anatomy. On the other hand, Part II focuses on the clinical aspect of science such as diagnostic imaging, chiropractic principles, as well as diagnoses of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. The next test, a written exam, tests the clinical abilities of the student. The topics on this test include the taking and recording of case histories and intervention tactics. Less than half of states, including New York, require that a fourth test be taken that consists of a hands-on practicum that includes the interpretation of x-rays as well as other critical skills.
After the exams have been administered and passed by the student, continuing education begins. In all but three states, chiropractic doctors are required to continue with academic and clinical studies in order to stay current with their knowledge. Every three years, chiropractors in New York must complete 36 contact hours which is roughly the equivalent of two college courses. If chiropractors do not provide proof that they are continuing their education, they are no longer permitted to continue their practice.
Along with chiropractic medicine, approximately 78% of practitioners have other licenses as well. Some of these professionals have also studied alternative medicines such as herbology and acupuncture. Others, on the other hand, focus on more common medical fields. What all of these people have in common is a desire to make their patients feel healthier and improve the quality of life in individuals who suffer from pain. If you ask your practitioner about his or her education, you are sure to be impressed by the effort that goes into becoming a chiropractic professional.
About the Author:
Dr. Steve Schram has been a a chiropractor in NYC for nearly 30 years. Find out more about chiropractic credentials at his practice website about chiropractors in NYC.
