To work as a chiropractor, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete at least two years of college courses;
• graduate from a chiropractic school; and
• pass a state licensing exam.

Education after high school

Chiropractic programs take four years to complete and grant a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. During the first two years of study, you take courses and lab work in the sciences. These courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, and public health. The final two years of training focus on spinal adjustment. You also get experience working with patients.

Before entering chiropractic school, most students earn a bachelor's degree. (This is becoming required by an increasing number of State chiropractic boards.) A pre-medicine or science major is recommended. If you earn a liberal arts degree, be sure to take courses in physics, biology, and chemistry. Some chiropractic schools allow students to enter after completing only two years of college courses.

On-the-job training

During your final year of chiropractic college, you complete an internship. During this period, you work with patients under the supervision of a licensed chiropractor.