Chiropractic Medicine

Dedicated students may complete prechiropractic requirements at SOU in two years, although most students find it advantageous to take three years. First-year courses are listed below. Students should consult the Department of Biology regarding the second and third years of the program.

A doctor of chiropractic is a licensed health care practitioner. Students take a licensing exam at the end of four years of graduate studies at a chiropractic college following three to four years of undergraduate education, usually in the sciences. Upon completion of an approved curriculum and substantial practical experience in chiropractic college, the candidates are qualified to take the required examination, which is administered by a state board of chiropractic examiners. Successful candidates are permitted to practice in the state in which they are licensed.

A few states (not Oregon) accept the results of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam in lieu of state exams. Some states do not accept or require the national exams, but have their own. Most states require that applicants pass an oral exam. Graduates should take the licensing exams for all states in which they wish to practice.

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) certifies competence in the written portion of state board exams, so prospective candidates in some states may not need to take the NBCE examination as a prerequisite to the state exams.

Individual states coordinate the overseeing of practitioners through a governmental agency, which in some states is akin to a Department of Consumer Affairs and may include the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Chiropractors find excellent career opportunities in developed nations around the world, including Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. The goal of the chiropractic approach is ongoing health maintenance. Chiropractors and their patients are protected by law. The chiropractic profession is licensed in all states of the U.S. and many foreign countries. Demands for these services are increasing as more people seek out the various health maintenance services provided under the approved chiropractic program. Chiropractic services are usually covered by health insurance, workers’ compensation, and other medical care programs.

After three years, students are well-qualified to enter the competitive, rigorous program of graduate studies at a chiropractic college. By taking one more year of courses, primarily in upper division biology, students can complete an undergraduate degree in biology. Students are encouraged to seriously consider completing a degree program at an undergraduate school. Doing so not only enhances students’ credentials and earns them a degree, but it also adds to their knowledge and credibility. Furthermore, students who decide against a chiropractic career or who are prevented from pursuing that goal are left with alternate career options if they have an undergraduate degree.

The first three years of courses at SOU meet requirements for admission to Western States Chiropractic College and most other chiropractic colleges, provided students possess a GPA of 3.0 or better. Because of the increasing competitiveness of these programs, each student should maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to be as desirable a candidate as possible.

Once admitted to chiropractic college, students engage in a rigorous, demanding three to four years of medically oriented courses and competency experiences. In addition to the clinical aspects of diagnosis, neurology, psychology, and internship, there are required courses in anatomy, physiology, embryology, biochemistry, nutrition, pathology, x-rays, physical therapy, chiropractic principles and techniques, and related topics.

Regardless of which chiropractic college students plan to attend, they should request a catalog in advance to ensure they meet the specific requirements. Interested students should inquire about SOU’s Articulation Agreement with Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. Currently, there does not appear to be a required entrance examination, either on a national level or at individual schools. Once again, students should consult the college of their choice to make certain no requirements are overlooked.