In many ways, chiropractic students' training resembles what medical doctors
receive. But chiropractors can't use the title MD (doctor of medicine). The
degree chiropractors earn is a DC, or doctor of chiropractic.
The word "chiropractic" originates from Greek. It means "done by hand."
Chiropractic students learn a system of restoring the body's health by
manipulating its parts with their hands.
Daniel Driscoll is the dean of student affairs at the National University
of Health Sciences. He says that the training for medical doctors and chiropractic
physicians appears quite similar, at least in the beginning.
"There's almost an identical amount of everything from human dissection
to biochemistry, microbiology, bacteriology, and the like," he says.
Driscoll says that the two fields begin to diverge slightly after the first
couple of years. They emphasize different types of health care delivery.
Chiropractic focuses more on understanding human physiology (how we function
biologically). Conventional medicine, on the other hand, concerns itself more
with pathology (the study of diseases).
Chiropractic programs take four to five years to complete. However,
that's followed by another two or three years of residency. Students
specialize in areas like clinical sciences, radiology, sports sciences, orthopedics
or rehabilitation.
Most students who enter chiropractic programs have a bachelor's degree.
A strong biological science background is the best foundation. But Driscoll
says there are other requirements as well.
"Our institution, and most health care institutions, are not just concerned
with students' GPAs [grade point averages] and whether they spent all their
time concentrating on just the biological sciences," he says.
"We're interested in attracting well-rounded students who are capable of
delivering the kind of interactive, empathetic and sensitive health care that
consumers are expecting and demanding."
Kelly Mills works with a chiropractic training school. "It is strongly
recommended that applicants have completed courses in organic chemistry,
biology, psychology, the humanities or the social sciences," she says.
In addition to being interviewed by an admissions team, applicants to Mills'
program must submit two essays, an autobiographical sketch, and three references.
There's a lot of competition for places in the program.
"Each year, the college receives between four and five applications for
each available space in the program," says Mills.
You'll need to take and pass licensing exams upon completion of
your education.
How do you know if this is the field for you? Driscoll suggests you visit
chiropractic colleges. His university has a program where high school students
from different states take a tour of the institution, usually with their biology
instructor.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Chiropractors
ChiroWeb
Heaps of info for students, patients and chiropractors
Chiro.org
Check out this big list of resources