A lot of people find themselves sitting on a fence after college trying to decide if some form of graduate school is for them or if they should enter the workforce full time and go from there. If you have considered continuing your education one of the chiropractic schools may be the perfect fit. With a doctorate in chiropractic studies, you could go into private practice, work in a hospital or clinic, or help people in rehabilitation centers. The choice really would be up to you. There are a few things you should know before you start applying to your local chiropractic schools to ensure a smooth admittance.
Let’s take a look at your college performance. There’s nothing to be nervous about, they gave you degree didn’t they? In all seriousness though, most chiropractic schools require an overall GPA of 2.5 to, of course, a 4.0. Most schools prefer that your degree be in one of the sciences or a liberal arts degree. For the easiest paths into one of these schools, you should have at least 60 hours of English under your belt, and some coursework pertaining to the humanities, psychology, chemistry, and biology. They just really look good on your application. You can always take a few classes here and there to catch up if necessary.
Once you have made the decision and been accepted by one of the chiropractic schools, it’s only natural to wonder how long you will be in school before graduation and being eligible for licensure. Most programs are the standard 4 year duration just as if you were going for a MD degree. The first two years tend to focus on brushing up on the basic sciences like biology, biochemistry, and anatomy. You can also expect courses in public health, microbiology, and pathology during this time. The last two years are dedicated to learning the spinal adjustments and manipulations. You will also be instructed on specialized subjects like laboratory diagnosis, nutrition, and orthopedics just to name a few.
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Now that you have your degree from one of the chiropractic schools, it’s time to get ready for the exam given by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Upon completing and passing this exam, you are licensed to practice your craft. Don’t think you are completely out of the woods in terms of school though. Most states require you to take a certain number of hours in continued education classes. This is the time to decide if you want to add a specialty like sports injury or industrial health to your list of accomplishments.
Choosing one of the chiropractic schools could be the best decision you ever made for your career. While it can be a somewhat long, drawn out process, at the end of it, you will know you are in the perfect position to help others and enjoy a rewarding career.
