How do you become a chiropractic physician?
I am often asked what type of education and tests are required to become a chiropractic physician. Most chiropractors start their college education in a “Pre-Med” program with a major in biology and a minor chemistry. After completing their bachelor’s degree, they then apply to a school that has a chiropractic medicine program. Currently, there are 19 schools in the United States with a chiropractic program. We have one right here in Lombard, Dr. Campione and my alma mater, National University of Health Sciences. Although there is no entry test for chiropractic, applicants are chosen based on ther GPA from college, recommendation letters and essay.
Once that you are in the chiropractic medicine program, your classes look almost the same as your colleagues in medical, osteopathic, or physical therapy programs. We study anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, and spend almost a year studying and dissecting cadavers. Approximately after 1 1/2 years of these basic science courses, chiropractic students sit for the first part of the chiropractic board exams that tests them on all of these subjects and makes sure that they are ready to proceed with the clinical part of their education.
The clinical portion of the chiropractic education differs from medical or osteopathic schools in that we start to focus much more on the musculoskeletal/neurological systems and not as much on the surgical or pharmeceutical side of medicine. Many classes focus on the art of history taking and asking patients the right questions to make sure that you have the right diagnosis. It’s also during this time that students are taught how to manipulate, or adjust, the spine and extremties.
The last year of chiropractic school contains a variety of clinical rotations and internships that help the students start to apply their skills to patient cases and allow them to perfect their clinical skills. Before completing their rotations, they must also complete parts 2 and 3 of the chiropractic boards that test them on clinical knowledge.
Most chiropractic students complete the program within 5 academic years and then apply for a license from the state that they will be practicing. In the state of Illinois, chiropractic physicians must past parts 1-3 of the chiropractic boards as well as complete 50 hours of continuing education each year to continue their license. For more detailed information, check out this interesting article that compares chiropractic and medical education in the United States.