How Long Does It Take to Become A Chiropractor?
This article is part of our “Inside Chiro School” series, where recent NWHSU graduate Kit Harlow shares the real scoop about chiropractor school and life after graduation.
A common question asked among prospective students before committing to a graduate program is, ‘how long will it take to get the degree?’ While the answer may seem straightforward, there’s more to becoming a chiropractor than simply completing the Doctor of Chiropractic degree. When deciding ‘how long does it take to become a chiropractor?’ you have to consider preparing for school, applying to school, completing the program, and obtaining your license.
These four steps can help steer students get focused and learn what is necessary in order to apply and graduate from chiropractic school and earn their license to practice!
3 Questions Prospective Chiropractic Students Ask
1. How long does it take to become a chiropractor?
The timeline for becoming a chiropractor can vary student to student but it typically involves several key educational steps. First, aspiring chiropractors must complete at least three years of undergraduate study. While there is no specific major required, many students opt for undergraduate degrees in biology, health sciences, or kinesiology to build a solid foundation in the relevant sciences needed for chiropractic school.
After completing the undergraduate requirements, students can apply to a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree program. Accredited Doctor of Chiropractic degree programs must provide a minimum of 4,300 instructional hours. College of Chiropractic programs generally span between 3.5 – 5 years. At NWHSU, you can complete your chiropractic degree in approximately 3.5 years as a full-time student enrolled in summer classes.
However, there is more to becoming a chiropractor than getting your degree. That includes applying to the program, becoming board certified, and applying for your license.
2. Can you earn a dual-degree or have a specialized area of focus?
The chiropractic field offers diverse opportunities, allowing you to practice in various settings, specialize in specific treatments, and work with distinct patient groups. Choosing a chiropractic program with specialization options, certificate opportunities, and other customizable features can set you on the right path to your ideal career.
NWHSU offers students three opportunities to complete in addition to their DC degree:
- Doctor of Chiropractic Sports & Rehabilitation Emphasis – a widely respected sports focused degree that prepares students to treat athletes.
- Graduate Certificate in Functional Sports and Performance Nutrition program. You can complete the certificate in as little as six months.
- Bachelor of Science in Human Biology that you can take concurrently with the Doctor of Chiropractic program.
3. What are the steps to becoming a chiropractor?
Chiropractic students also engage in a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses a minimum of 4,300 instructional hours. This includes both rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical training in areas such as anatomy, physiology, and chiropractic techniques.
Once students graduate from their D.C. program, they must pass national and state licensure examinations to practice as chiropractors.
Chiropractic Student Prep work
Prepare for Graduate School
Prerequisites
Review the prerequisites and admissions requirements needed prior to applying. Our admissions counselors can help answer all these questions and more so that you feel ready and supported before you even step foot on campus.
To apply to NWHSU, you’ll need 24 semester credits in the life and physical sciences. At least half should include a lab component. Your degree doesn’t need to be in biology or health sciences, but there are prerequisite courses you need in biology and chemistry. If your degree is not in those areas, you may need to take additional classes (which you can do at NWHSU). There are some circumstances in which you can request to have some standard track courses waived.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Most chiropractic programs require applicants to have a minimum previous education of a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree or 90 semester credits at the bachelor’s degree level. Additionally, you’ll need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Conveniently, there is a degree completion option that can be taken concurrently with the Doctor of Chiropractic program for those that need to complete prerequisite courses, with a custom track academic support program for those who may not meet all of the criteria.
Chiropractic School Admissions Process: How to apply
Once you’ve completed your undergraduate coursework, it’s time to apply to chiropractic schools. Many prospective students feel it’s important to tour the University prior to enrolling. NWHSU hosts a quarterly Discovery Day event specifically designed for applying/incoming chiropractic students looking to learn more about the program, NWHSU campus and faculty. Discovery Day is a great opportunity to meet professors and students and better understand what’s special about Northwestern Health Sciences University, and our competency-centered program.
It’s recommended that you submit your application 9 to 12 months in advance of when you want to start. However, NWHSU considers applications until 6 weeks prior to each term. Entry terms are Fall, Winter and Summer.
Your experience applying to chiropractic schools will be different, but at NWHSU your admissions counselor will be there for you every step of the way. You’ll hear from us right away when you request information or start your application. When you have questions, your dedicated counselor will get you the answers you need, quickly.
“Within five minutes of putting in my information, I had an admissions counselor call me,” shared current student Ryland. “We talked for over 30 minutes answering any questions I had about the program, what the school is like, living in Minnesota, and what to expect from the application process as an international student being from Canada.”
Completing Your Doctorate
As previously mentioned, full-time students will complete the Doctor of Chiropractic program at NWHSU in 3.5 years. NWHSU offers two start dates in September and January, as well as a partial start in May. Students who decide to go part-time naturally will take longer to finish the program. Make sure to contemplate which track will be best for you, as well as double check financial aid requirements, as they usually require students to be enrolled at least half time to receive aid.
During your time as a student, you will complete 5 board exams (Part 1-4 and PT). Board exams can be completed up to six months after graduation.
Licensing and Post-Graduation Steps
After graduating and earning youryour Doctor of Chiropractic (CONGRATS!) you need to obtain your license in the state you choose to practice. To apply for a license in Minnesota, you need to pass the required board exams. Additionally, you’ll need to:
- Pass a jurisprudence test
- Complete a criminal background check
- Send in your transcripts before the 1st of the month in which you are applying
Be sure to check your state or providence requirements before graduation to streamline the process as much as possible. Licensing may be delayed during busy times of the year, or due to incomplete application materials.
Everyone’s academic and professional journey is different. There are options for those who wish to begin employment before passing part 4 boards or obtaining their license. In Minnesota, there is a preceptor option that allows new graduates to work under an established chiropractor’s license for up to a year after a preceptorship is granted. There are certain important stipulations to be considered. For example, the supervising chiropractor must be in practice for at least five years, three of them in the state of Minnesota, and must be on-site while the new graduate is providing patient care.
Ready to start?
Contact admissions to request information or register for Discovery Day to attend campus in person before taking the leap.