"I actually wanted to be a professional basketball player but, being only 5'9", I'd have to settle on either professional table tennis or chiropractic so I chose chiropractic and I'm loving every minute of it!  When I retire....., I've often thought I might go back to train as a professional chef".                                           

Raymond Sue, B.Sc., D.C.

Often times, I get asked the question "So what kind of training did you receive to become a Chiropractor"?  And I've found that some people have a misconception as to what's involved.  Or, others that might be contemplating taking on the challenge to become a Chiropractor don't understand the dedication it takes.  So here's the story on the journey one takes to become part of the third largest health care profession in the United States.

Undergraduate

There are specific prerequisite courses which all accredited chiropractic colleges require you to have in order to be considered a candidate.  The courses required generally follow the first two years of a general science degree, requiring calculus, biology, chemistry, physics, organic chemistry and usually english and other arts credits.  All colleges require a minimum of 30 credits with at the very minimum a 2.5 GPA in the aforementioned courses to apply (Generally a 3.0 GPA is considered competitive).  However, more and more colleges and State Boards have been moving towards requiring an undergraduate degree not only as an entrance requirement but in some cases as a licensing requirement.  Most recently, statistics have reflected this in that a greater percentage of 1^st year chiropractic students begin there education with an undergraduate degree.   

Entrance Requirements

Apart from the academic requirements that all chiropractic colleges require, each college has its own set of requirements used to evaluate potential candidates.  Usually, a written statement of purpose and other written essays are required.  Other qualities which are looked upon for a successful candidate are previous volunteer or other life experiences and membership in different clubs, etc.  Some colleges require you to at least visit the school and sit down with some members of the entrance committee for an informal meeting, other colleges require a formal interview.  As of yet there is no entrance exam required however, one is in the works, much like the MCAT for medical school, the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners is doing some preliminary testing to develop the CCAT or Chiropractic College Admissions Test. 

Chiropractic College

Once accepted to Chiropractic College, the real work begins, with a 4 year journey!  To say that the course work is rigorous is an understatement.  The first two years of study are heavy into the basic sciences.  I remember one of my professors saying, "Chiropractic College is like drinking from a fire hose".  The 3^rd and 4^th years are focused on the clinical sciences, radiology/bone pathology, biomechanics, neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment, adjustive technique, patient management.  Practical training also begins with providing care on campus in the student clinic.

In 4^th year, students continue their practical training in their respective outpatient clinics, taking care of the public.  Most colleges also have programs where students do rotations at offsite clinics to vary their experiences.  Some students can become eligible to also pursue a community based internship where they work with a doctor in private practice for a period of time. 

Licensing

There are two levels of licensing in Chiropractic, at the National level and at the State/Provincial level in North America. 

National Board Exams

The national board exams in the United States are conducted by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.  There are 4 parts.  Part I is taken between the 1^st and 2^nd years of school and is based on the basic sciences.  Part II and III are usually taken between the 3^rd and 4^th year and are clinically based.  Part IV is entirely a practical exam, testing patient scenarios and radiology diagnosis. 

In Canada, the same process is undertaken by the Canadian Board of Chiropractic Examiners and there are 2 parts to the exam a written which lasts 3 days and a practical, each of which are considered absolutely grueling, to say the least.

For more information go to www.nbce.org

State Licensing

Each State has different laws pertaining to the practice of chiropractic.  Thus, upon passing the national boards, graduates are eligible to take the Jurisprudence/Ethics exam specific to the State/Province they'd like to practice in.

Continuing Education

As part of requirements for re-licensure by each State/Province, a Doctor of Chiropractic must take a certain number of continuing education hours to keep up to date with the  latest developments in chiropractic as well as in general health care.

Post - Graduate Training

Apart from the education in chiropractic, some doctors choose to pursue additional board certification in a specific area of study.  These diplomate programs are offered by the various colleges and can be done in orthopedics, neurology, radiology, sports, rehabilitation, pediatrics and applied chiropractic science.  Most of the programs are designed such that you can attain board certification while you are in private practice and all of them are roughly 3 years long.