The
Chiropractor's Education
You will be glad to know the education your chiropractor
received was very extensive and demanding. The average medical doctor has
attended 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 developing chiropractors' 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 in
recognizing 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 be passed,
and depending on the individual state, a state board exam may be given. Once
these tasks have been completed, 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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