The
Chiropractor's Education
Most people will be glad to know the education your
chiropractor received was very extensive and demanding. The average medical
doctor will attend approximately 4,250 hours of education depending on
specialty and the average doctor of chiropractic has attended 4,485 hours of
education.
Chiropractic students undergo thorough teachings in the
structure and function of the human body, how disease occurs, and how to
prevent, correct and maintain proper health.
Initially, chiropractors must complete - at a minimum - a 2
year undergraduate education, with most chiropractic colleges and Universities
requiring a 4 year undergraduate degree in basic science. Emphasis is placed on
the core sciences, including organic chemistry, general chemistry, physics,
biology, and psychology.
Once undergraduate requirements have been met, a rigorous 4-5
year chiropractic program begins, which is very similar to that of medical
school. Course requirements include gross anatomy, physiology, pathology,
neurology, radiology, biomechanics, spinal and extremity adjusting techniques,
along with a variety of other health sensitive subjects. Chiropractic school
focuses on the ability to recognize and treat various soft tissue and
structural disorders. Doctors of Chiropractic are also trained in identifying
disorders that are beyond their scope of practice and when various outside
medical referrals are needed.
During the 4-5 year program, doctors must have completed a
number of national board exams required for licensure. Several hundred hours of
internship are undergone under the professional supervision of a Doctor of
Chiropractic. Many doctors also undergo an externship program to further adapt
themselves to actual clinical practice.
After graduation, national board exams I-IV must have been
passed, and depending on the individual state, a state board exam may have been
given. Once these tasks have been met, a license to practice chiropractic will
be granted.
Each state requires continuing education of your chiropractor
and the majority of doctors routinely exceed the mandatory CE requirements to
ensure a knowledge of latest techniques.
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