Currently, 100% online doctorate degree programs focused on chiropractic medicine are not available, however, on-campus programs are readily available due to the excessive amounts of clinical time required for proper instruction. Most likely, a program can be located in your community or, at least close by.
Have you ever thought, “Oh, my aching back?” If so, perhaps you have considered seeking the help of a chiropractor. Without a doubt, if you would like to try a healing process that does not require drugs, shots or surgery, chiropractic medicine is often recommended. If you feel the need to help others in this way, earning a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree may be an option for you.
The need for chiropractic care is attributed to the desire to treat pain without medication or surgeries, which naturally appeals to most individuals. You will never regret the hard work and dedication you will put into your DC program. As you help to relieve others of their pain, you will be rewarded, as well.
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Doctor of Chiropractic Degree Programs
LOGAN UNIVERSITY
DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC
School Highlights: At Logan University, the Doctor of Chiropractic curriculum is broken down into three consecutive years or ten trimesters. The first year consists of some hands-on clinical hours combined with anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry classes. Each year after that gives students more and more opportunities to work directly with chiropractic patients.
Individuals are free to design their own array of coursework that conforms precisely with their professional goals, making this Doctor of Chiropractic one of the most flexible in the country. Logan University operates a state-of-the-art Assessment Center that provides high-tech educational and professional resources and is massively supportive of doctoral students.
Coursework Sample:
- Trimesters 1-3
- Trimesters 4-6
- Trimesters 7-10
Campus Location: Chesterfield, MO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- The Council on Chiropractic Education
Acceptance Rate: 66% Retention Rate: 70% Graduation Rate: 34%
LEARN MORE ABOUT LOGAN UNIVERSITY’S DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC
PALMER COLLEGE OF CHIROPRACTIC
DOCTORAL CHIROPRACTIC PROGRAM
School Highlights: There are three Palmer College of Chiropractic campuses where students can complete their doctoral curriculum—the Main Campus, the Florida Campus in Port Orange, FL, and the West Campus in San Jose, CA. Each provides outstanding coursework, expert faculty members, and exciting opportunities directly in the field.
All students participate in rigorous, hands-on learning experiences through clinical requirements that put classroom theory into practice. This excellent school is a leader among those in chiropractic medicine, and it is also one of the most affordable.
Palmer College graduates have gone on to become solo practitioners, sports teams or corporate chiropractors, educators, executive administrators, and researchers.
Coursework Sample:
- Extremity Adjusting
- Visceral Disorders
- Thoracolumbar Technique
Campus Location: Davenport, IA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PALMER COLLEGE OF CHIROPRACTIC’S DOCTORAL CHIROPRACTIC PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN STATES
DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC
School Highlights: The University of Western States puts significant emphasis on the experiential learning component of the Doctor of Chiropractic program.
For example, the Preceptor Program ensures that doctoral interns have considerable competency in the psychomotor and cognitive domains before entering a more clinical environment; and the Community Based Internship (CBI) Program aligns individual students with a wide range of chiropractic practices.
As for coursework, the curriculum supplies a solid education in applied and foundational sciences. UWS maintains a beautiful campus in Portland, OR, as well as excellent educational facilities and learning technologies. Students join a highly motivated cohort that, according to past students, is incredibly supportive.
Coursework Sample:
- Spinal Kinetics and Kinematics
- Adjustive Psychomotor Skills
- Pelvic Manipulation Lecture
Campus Location: Portland, OR
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- The Council on Chiropractic Education
Acceptance Rate: 94% Retention Rate: 41% Graduation Rate: 93%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN STATES’ CHIROPRACTIC DOCTORAL DEGREE
NEW YORK CHIROPRACTIC COLLEGE
DOCTORATE IN CHIROPRACTIC (D.C.)
School Highlights: The New York Chiropractic College provides a three-year doctoral program in chiropractic that is science-based and founded in evidence-informed practice.
Students start gaining hands-on experience with real patients almost immediately and learn from preeminent chiropractic practitioners with reputations worldwide. NYCC has well-established clinical partnerships in exciting environments that expose students to a vast range of chiropractic settings.
This, in turn, allows students to establish professional connections and potential job opportunities upon graduation. The curriculum offers excellent training for certification examinations in both the United States and Canada, making this one of the most distinctive programs available!
Coursework Sample:
- Flexion Distraction Technique
- The Scientific Basis for Chiropractic Care
- Bone and Joint Imaging
Campus Location: Seneca Falls, NY
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- The Council on Chiropractic Education
LEARN MORE ABOUT NEW YORK CHIROPRACTIC COLLEGE’S DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC (D.C.)
LIFE UNIVERSITY
DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC (D.C.)
School Highlights: Life University supplies a challenging, fourteen-quarter, four-year doctorate program with a sequential and logical curriculum. It delves deeply into standard and specialized techniques, and students can design a personalized approach to the degree. There are fantastic financial opportunities, such as the forty available scholarships for doctoral students in a program that is already highly affordable.
This excellent school is a leader in Palpation Adjusting Technology, which involves manipulating a state-of-the-art, anatomically accurate, technology-based mannequin. Students also participate in extensive hands-on training programs that drastically enhance their chiropractic abilities and understanding of foundational principles.
Coursework Sample:
- Muscle, Gait, and Posture Analysis
- Spinal X-Ray Positioning
- Full Spine Technique I, II, and III
Campus Location: Marietta, GA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- The Council on Chiropractic Education
Acceptance Rate: 96% Retention Rate: 90% Graduation Rate: 44%
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIFE UNIVERSITY’S CHIROPRACTIC DOCTORATE
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Chiropractor do?
Chiropractors are trained to diagnose skeletal and muscular problems within many areas of the body such as the spine, hips and legs, arms and shoulders, as well as, the neck. First, a chiropractor will assess the patient’s condition through a medical exam and X-rays. Then they create a treatment plan that is conducive to helping the patient’s complaint.
They adjust the alignment of the spine, nerves, muscles, tendons, and other bones to relieve pain. Often, chiropractors will offer procedures such as ultrasounds, massage therapy, lifestyle counseling or rehabilitative exercises to maintain after treatment.
Chiropractors may also choose to concentrate in specialized areas, such as orthopedics, geriatrics, neurology, sports medicine, pediatrics or, as general chiropractic practitioners. They typically work in a clinical setting, are often on their feet for long periods of time, and sometimes work weekends and holidays to meet the needs of their patients. Some chiropractors enjoy meeting their patients, especially the elderly, in their homes for treatment.
How do I earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree?
Earning a Doctor of Chiropractic degree is not for the faint of heart. The educational and licensing requirements for DCs are one of the most rigorous and demanding programs in the field of healthcare. To begin, some schools require that you have your bachelor’s degree, and some do not. It may depend on your state’s requirements or the school you wish to attend.
And… some schools offer an accelerated program in which you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Biology degree in combination with your Chiropractic Doctoral degree. This type of program is typically completed in seven years as opposed to the eight years involved in earning your bachelor’s degree and then your Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Generally, if you have completed your bachelor’s degree, DC programs take 3.5 to 4 years to complete.
If your state or school does require a bachelor’s degree, individuals should focus on coursework such as biology, physics, psychology, calculus, and chemistry to meet chiropractic college prerequisites.
Other prerequisites for entering a DC program may include your official transcripts with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, an interview with the faculty, glowing letters of recommendation, and excellent GRE scores. In addition, please verify that your chosen school is properly accredited.
Your Doctor of Chiropractic program will consist of an excessive amount of clinical training, as it should. Hands-on experience will be a major portion of your DC program due to the nature of the career, in fact, internships or residencies are often required, as well. You will begin by learning about the anatomy of the human body and neuromusculoskeletal system, in addition to, many other foundational skills.
You will also expand on your knowledge of physiology, biology, spinal anatomy, and diagnostic imaging and learn about the advanced chiropractic techniques used in today’s world of chiropractic medicine. DC programs also usually include business, human resource, and marketing coursework, all useful for those interested in private practice.
Will I need a license to be a Chiropractor?
All states require a license to practice as a chiropractor. Upon graduation, you will be expected to pass a certification exam. Some states have their own examinations; however, most accept the examination given by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE). In addition, your state will require continued education through workshops or classes approved by the state licensing board to ensure license renewal.
What kind of career and salary can I expect as a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors generally earn between $38,110 to $132,630 annually, with an average of $75,3800 per year, as of May 2022 according to the BLS, depending on experience and geographical region of practice. And, you may choose to eventually explore other career options with your DC degree, such as an educator, researcher or clinic administrator.
Some choose to pursue a career in sports chiropractic medicine, while others choose to open their own chiropractic business and build an expansive client base. Between 2022 and 2032, the employment opportunities for chiropractors are expected to grow by 9 percent.
What schools offer Doctor of Chiropractic degree programs?
There are many schools that offer this type of degree in the healthcare industry. Unfortunately, online options are not yet available, however, on-campus schools are plentiful in all areas of the country, such as, at Logan University, located in Chesterfield, MO. Palmer College of Chiropractic has three campus locations offering a DC program in Davenport, IA, San Jose, CA, and Port Orange, FL. You can also find excellent programs at the University of Western States in Portland, OR, as well as, the New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, NY, and at Life University in Marietta, GA.
