Do Chiropractors Go to Medical School? A Clear Guide

Introduction to Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a recognized form of healthcare that focuses on improving the health of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. While it’s often grouped under alternative or complementary medicine, chiropractic treatment plays an important role in mainstream health services, especially for conditions like back pain, neck pain, and joint dysfunction. One of the most common questions people ask is: Do chiropractors go to medical school? The answer reveals a lot about how chiropractic care works and how it differs from conventional medical training.

Chiropractors are licensed practitioners with extensive training in spinal health and manual therapies. While they are not medical doctors (M.D.s), they earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree and are considered healthcare professionals. Chiropractic care is centered on the belief that spinal alignment impacts the overall health of the nervous system and the body’s ability to heal itself.

Chiropractors specialize in treating disorders related to the musculoskeletal system using holistic methods and personalized treatment plans. Their approach often includes spinal adjustments, lifestyle advice, physical supports, and other non-invasive treatments.

Education and Training

Chiropractic Education

To become a chiropractor, students begin by earning an undergraduate degree, typically a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field such as biology, kinesiology, or exercise science. This provides a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and other basic sciences that are crucial for chiropractic study.

After completing a bachelor’s degree, students attend chiropractic school. Chiropractic education programs are rigorous and include both classroom instruction and clinical training. During the 4-year program, chiropractic students learn a wide range of topics that include:

  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays
  • Chiropractic methods and manual therapies
  • Pathology and neurology
  • Clinical internships with real patients

This extensive education prepares students to diagnose patients, provide personalized treatment, and understand the connection between spinal health and nervous system function.

Chiropractic Degree

The chiropractic degree program is structured to be as intensive as other health professions. Most programs include over 4,200 hours of instruction, combining classroom learning, lab work, and hands-on clinical experience.

Chiropractic schools are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), ensuring that students meet nationally recognized standards of training. Upon completion, graduates earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree and are eligible to sit for the national board exams, administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE).

A chiropractic degree allows graduates to enter the field of integrative healthcare. Many chiropractors work alongside medical doctors, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers in multidisciplinary settings. This collaboration is especially common in pain management, rehabilitation, and sports medicine clinics.

Becoming a Chiropractor

To become a licensed chiropractor, a candidate must complete the following steps:

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree, typically in a science-related field.
  2. Attend chiropractic school and complete a D.C. program.
  3. Pass the national board exams to meet licensing requirements.
  4. Apply for licensure in their state, which may include a state-specific exam.

Some chiropractors choose to specialize in certain areas of care. Common specializations include:

  • Sports medicine
  • Pediatric chiropractic care
  • Orthopedics
  • Neuromusculoskeletal disorders

To specialize, chiropractors often pursue additional certifications through post-graduate training and continuing education programs.

Career Overview

Chiropractors play a key role in the healthcare system by offering a drug-free, non-surgical approach to managing pain and improving mobility. Their work often involves treating disorders of the spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system.

A chiropractor’s day-to-day responsibilities may include:

  • Taking medical histories
  • Performing physical examinations
  • Diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions
  • Providing chiropractic adjustments and other manual therapies
  • Educating patients on posture, exercise, and lifestyle choices

Chiropractors earn competitive salaries, with median income typically ranging from $60,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on location, specialization, and experience. Many chiropractors choose to work in private practice, while others are employed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or multidisciplinary health clinics. Some also open their clinics, offering a personalized approach to patient care.

Chiropractic Programs

Chiropractic programs are structured to balance academic rigor with practical, hands-on experience. These programs ensure students are not only knowledgeable about human anatomy but also skilled in applying chiropractic techniques to real-life situations.

Chiropractic schools often offer:

  • Bachelor’s degree completion tracks
  • Doctor of Chiropractic degree programs
  • Specialty training or certification options

Students learn a variety of chiropractic methods, including:

  • Spinal adjustments
  • Mobilization techniques
  • Physical supports (e.g., braces, orthotics)
  • Therapeutic modalities like heat therapy
  • Lifestyle and nutritional counseling

Training emphasizes the importance of spinal alignment in promoting nervous system health and overall wellness. By the time they graduate, chiropractic students are prepared to assess, diagnose, and treat patients using evidence-informed, holistic care.

Scope of Practice

The scope of practice for chiropractors varies slightly by state but generally includes:

  • Diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders
  • Performing spinal adjustments and other manual therapies
  • Conducting physical examinations and ordering diagnostic imaging
  • Offering lifestyle advice and therapeutic exercise plans

However, chiropractors do not prescribe medications or perform surgery. They may refer patients to medical doctors or specialists when care falls outside their scope, making collaboration with other healthcare professionals essential.

Chiropractors focus on conservative, non-invasive treatments. Their services are especially beneficial for patients seeking drug-free options for chronic pain, postural issues, and sports injuries.

Licensing and Certification

After completing chiropractic school, graduates must pass a four-part national board exam administered by the NBCE. This comprehensive exam tests knowledge of clinical sciences, diagnostic imaging, case management, and chiropractic techniques.

Once licensed, chiropractors must fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain their credentials. These requirements vary by state but typically include annual coursework to stay current with advancements in chiropractic science and best practices.

Many chiropractors pursue additional certifications to deepen their expertise. Common post-graduate credentials include:

Licensed chiropractors are also expected to follow a strict code of ethics, uphold standards of care, and maintain professional liability insurance.

Conclusion

Chiropractors do not attend traditional medical school, but they undergo years of rigorous, specialized training to become experts in spinal and nervous system health. With a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, national board certification, and state licensure, chiropractors are qualified healthcare professionals dedicated to helping patients restore mobility and live pain-free lives.

Choosing a career in chiropractic care involves commitment and hard work, but it also offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. Whether working in private practice or as part of a collaborative healthcare team, chiropractors contribute a unique and valuable perspective to patient care.

If you’ve ever wondered about the training behind chiropractic care, we hope this article gave you a clearer picture. At Sirota Chiropractic, we bring decades of experience, advanced education, and a patient-first mindset to every treatment. Whether you’re managing neck pain, recovering from an injury, or exploring holistic options for better health, Dr. Sirota is here to guide you with expertise and compassion. Located in White Plains, NY, our clinic makes expert care accessible and convenient. Contact us today to book your personalized consultation and begin your journey toward lasting relief and wellness.

FAQs

Where do most chiropractors go to school?

Most chiropractors attend accredited chiropractic schools in the United States, such as Palmer College of Chiropractic, Life University, and Northwestern Health Sciences University. These institutions are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education and offer Doctor of Chiropractic programs that meet national licensing standards.

Is a chiropractor a healthcare professional?

Yes, chiropractic is a recognized health career. Chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. They play a vital role in integrative healthcare, offering non-invasive treatments and collaborating with other providers when needed.

What is the difference between a physical therapist and a chiropractor?

While both focus on improving physical function, chiropractors and physical therapists differ in training and treatment approach. Chiropractors specialize in spinal health and use manual adjustments to correct misalignments, while physical therapists emphasize rehabilitation through exercises and movement training. Both professions often work together in patient recovery.

Are chiropractors worth it?

For many patients dealing with chronic back pain, neck discomfort, or joint issues, chiropractic care can be highly effective. Chiropractors offer drug-free, non-surgical treatments that aim to restore function and improve quality of life. However, as with any healthcare decision, effectiveness depends on the individual’s condition and treatment goals.