Arizona Chiropractic Continuing Education – Flexible Online & Hybrid CE Hours at SCUH

Staying current with Arizona chiropractic continuing education requirements is a reflection of your commitment to patient care, innovation, and lifelong learning. Whether you’re building on years of experience or just stepping into your practice, staying current with CE hours ensures you’re aligned with the latest standards and legal updates specific to Arizona’s chiropractic board requirements.

At Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCUHS), we offer a Doctor of Chiropractic program designed for today’s chiropractor: flexible, high-quality, and aligned with Arizona regulations. Our online and hybrid CE programs are built to support your goals, schedule, and growth, so you can keep moving forward with confidence.

Arizona Chiropractic CE Requirements: What You Need to Know

Keeping your chiropractic license active in Arizona means staying up to date with your continuing education (CE). The Arizona Board of Chiropractic Examiners sets specific CE mandates each year to ensure chiropractors are maintaining high standards in patient care, professional ethics, and documentation.

Arizona chiropractors must complete 12 hours of continuing education each calendar year. Every even-numbered year, at least 2 of those hours must focus on record keeping. This ensures practitioners regularly revisit the crucial aspects of patient documentation, which plays a key role in clinical decision-making, legal compliance, and insurance processes. Meeting this mandate is essential to renew your license and continue serving your patients.

Total CE Hours Required Annually or Biennially

In Arizona, the continuing education cycle is based on a calendar year, running from January 1 through December 31. Chiropractors licensed in the state are required to complete:

• 12 hours of approved continuing education annually
• Within those 12 hours, specific topics may be required during certain years (such as record keeping during even years)

There’s no distinction between odd and even years when it comes to the total number of hours. Fulfilling this requirement is part of your professional responsibility and ensures you can continue practicing without interruptions or issues during license renewal periods.

Core vs. Elective Categories (Ethics, Documentation, Technique, etc.)

Not all CE hours are the same—some are considered core, while others fall into elective categories. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right mix of courses each year.

Core categories typically include:

• Ethics and professional boundaries
• Record keeping and documentation
• Arizona jurisprudence
• Risk management
• Chiropractic technique and diagnostics

These are often prioritized by the Board due to their relevance to public safety and clinical integrity.

Elective courses offer more flexibility and can include specialized areas of interest like:

• Functional nutrition
• Sports chiropractic
• Pain management strategies

While you have the freedom to explore areas that align with your personal or professional interests, maintaining a balance that satisfies the Board’s priorities is key. When in doubt, lean into core categories, as they ensure you’re staying within required guidelines and upholding best practices in the field.

Online vs. In-Person Hour Limits

The flexibility of online learning has made continuing education more accessible than ever, and Arizona’s chiropractic board recognizes that. Chiropractors are allowed to complete some or all of their CE hours through online courses, provided the provider and course are approved.

Online CE options are especially helpful for busy professionals who need to balance practice, family, and ongoing learning. Whether you prefer learning from your laptop at home or attending a live seminar, there are choices available.

Arizona does not currently impose a strict limit on the number of hours that can be completed online, as long as the course:

• Is relevant to chiropractic practice
• Is approved by a recognized accrediting body
• Includes documentation of attendance or completion

This flexibility lets you tailor your learning experience without compromising on compliance or quality.

Acceptable Providers and Course Accreditation Standards

When it comes to choosing CE courses, quality matters. Arizona requires that courses be provided by Board-approved organizations or accredited continuing education providers. Selecting the right provider ensures that your hours count and that you’re learning from trusted experts in the field.

Look for CE programs approved by:

• The Arizona Board of Chiropractic Examiners
• Nationally recognized chiropractic colleges or universities
• Accredited CE organizations recognized by state or national boards

Courses should be clearly labeled with approval codes or documentation showing compliance with Arizona standards. Always double-check that a provider is current with their accreditation status. 

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to complete your CE requirements on time has real consequences. The Arizona Board of Chiropractic Examiners takes compliance seriously, and missing hours (even unintentionally) can put your license at risk.

Penalties can include:

• Delayed license renewal
• Fines or administrative fees
• Formal disciplinary action in more serious or repeat cases
• Additional CE requirements imposed as corrective action

The Board may also audit licensees at any time. If selected, you’ll need to provide certificates of completion for the CE hours you claimed. That’s why it’s important to keep accurate, well-organized records of all your CE coursework throughout the year.

Helpful Resource for Staying Current

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we always recommend reviewing the official Arizona Board of Chiropractic Examiners website. It provides direct access to current rules, approved CE providers, and FAQs for Arizona-licensed chiropractors.

Visit the official site here: Arizona Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Checking in periodically ensures you’re aware of any updates or changes to requirements before your renewal deadline. 

Traditional In-Person vs. Online vs. Hybrid CE

Chiropractic continuing education has evolved in big ways over the past decade. While in-person seminars once dominated the field, online and hybrid formats are now becoming the go-to options for Arizona chiropractors seeking flexibility, quality, and access to top-tier content.

In-Person CE

• Ideal for hands-on training or technique-based learning
• Great networking opportunities
• Fixed schedule and location
• Travel and lodging costs may apply

Online CE

• Accessible 24/7 from anywhere with internet
• No travel required
• Perfect for theoretical or compliance-based content
• Self-paced or live webinar formats

Hybrid CE

• Combines online learning with scheduled in-person components
• Keeps learning flexible while offering hands-on experience
• Great for practitioners who value structure with flexibility

Benefits of Online/Hybrid Formats: Convenience for Busy Practices

For many chiropractors, time is the most valuable resource. Between treating patients, managing staff, and handling paperwork, there’s not always room in the week for travel-based CE events. That’s where online and hybrid programs shine. They let you continue learning without stepping away from your practice.

You can fit CE into your schedule between patient appointments or after office hours. There’s no downtime for flights, hotel stays, or being out of the clinic. You’re in control of when and how you complete your hours. With online platforms offering mobile access, you can even complete coursework from your phone or tablet, whether you’re at the office or at home.

SCUHS’ Legacy: 110+ Years of Leadership in Chiropractic

We’ve been shaping the chiropractic profession since 1911. It all began with our founding as the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (LACC)—one of the first chiropractic colleges in the country. Since those early days, we’ve remained committed to progress, innovation, and excellence in chiropractic education.

Over the decades, we’ve trained thousands of chiropractors who have gone on to serve communities across the country and around the world. Our commitment to evidence-informed practice, patient-centered care, and professional growth has earned us a respected place in the healthcare education landscape.

As Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCUHS), we continue building on this legacy with programs that meet the demands of today’s healthcare environment.

Bringing Chiropractic Innovation to Arizona: Phoenix Metro Campus

In January 2026, we’ll open our doors in Tempe, Arizona, at the Phoenix Metro campus of Sonoran University of Health Sciences. This launch marks an exciting expansion of our reach and our mission. We’re proud to bring Arizona its first hybrid Doctor of Chiropractic program, combining our experience and vision with the local needs of future chiropractors.

As part of our hybrid Doctor of Chiropractic program, we’re creating a platform that supports the entire career cycle, from first-year students to licensed professionals maintaining their credentials.

Program at a Glance: What to Expect

• Full-time, hybrid format: Combine online courses with scheduled in-person training
• 3–4 year completion timeline based on your pace and transfer credits
• Real-world business skills included in the curriculum
• Hands-on clinical training that prepares you for practice
• Specialization options, like our popular Sports Medicine emphasis
• Accredited by The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE)
• Fixed tuition and financial aid options available

Whether you’re renewing your license, expanding your skill set, or exploring a new chiropractic specialization, our CE courses are designed with your success in mind.

Move Forward with Confidence

Arizona chiropractors deserve continuing education that’s relevant, flexible, and built for real-world demands. Whether you’re looking to complete your CE requirements efficiently or expand your expertise with engaging online and hybrid options, we’ve got the resources and structure to support you.

At Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCUHS), we’re proud to lead Arizona chiropractors into a smarter future with programs designed around your life and goals. Ready to get started? Apply now and take your next CE hours with us, where quality, flexibility, and support come standard.

FAQs

Can I complete all my chiropractic continuing education online?

Yes, online CE is allowed in Arizona as long as the provider and course are approved by the Board. Many chiropractors prefer online formats because of the flexibility and ease of fitting coursework into their week. Be sure to verify that the course covers approved content areas like ethics, documentation, or clinical care before signing up.

What are the annual requirements for Arizona chiropractic continuing education?

Arizona chiropractors need to complete 12 hours of continuing education each calendar year. In even-numbered years, 2 of those hours must focus specifically on record keeping. It’s important to make sure your courses meet board-approved guidelines so everything counts toward your license renewal. Keep your certificates organized, as you’ll need them if you’re ever selected for an audit by the board.

How do I know if a CE provider is accepted by the Arizona Board of Chiropractic Examiners?

Always check the Arizona Board of Chiropractic Examiners website. They maintain an updated list of approved CE providers and sometimes list pre-approved courses. It’s a great habit to double-check before you invest time or money in a program. Look for CCE-accredited institutions or national-level CE providers as a strong indicator of credibility.

What makes the SCUHS hybrid Doctor of Chiropractic program unique for Arizona students?

We offer Arizona’s first hybrid chiropractic program, launching in January 2026 at our Phoenix Metro campus. It combines online learning with in-person clinical training, giving students more flexibility without sacrificing hands-on experience. We also offer federal financial aid for those who qualify, along with institutional scholarships and program-specific awards.

What topics count as core CE hours in Arizona?

Core CE topics generally include ethics, Arizona jurisprudence, record keeping, diagnostics, technique, and risk management. These are considered essential areas that support safe, ethical, and effective practice. Elective topics (like nutrition or sports performance) can still count toward your total but should be balanced with these core areas to stay fully compliant.