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Embarking on the chiropractor career path means stepping into a field that blends science, hands-on care, and the art of helping others live healthier, pain-free lives. It’s more than a profession—it’s a chance to make a real difference, working with patients to address the root causes of their discomfort and guide them toward better wellness.
Chiropractic care is as much about education as it is about treatment. You’ll teach patients how to take charge of their health while using evidence-based techniques to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall function. At SCU, our Doctor of Chiropractic program is designed to equip you with the skills and experience to excel in this impactful career. Ready to start? Let’s dive in.
Thinking about a career in chiropractic? If you’re passionate about healthcare and making a real difference, this path might be your perfect fit. Chiropractors help patients feel their best through holistic, non-invasive care, all while enjoying the flexibility and growth potential of a thriving career.
Chiropractic care is in high demand, with job growth expected to hit 10% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As more people turn to drug-free, natural approaches to wellness, chiropractors are stepping up to meet the need for effective, whole-body care.
There’s something deeply fulfilling about helping people regain their mobility and live pain-free. As a chiropractor, you’re not just treating symptoms, but also changing lives by addressing the root causes of discomfort and improving overall well-being.
One of the best things about chiropractic care? The freedom to create a career that fits your life and passions. Whether it’s opening your own practice, working with athletes, or joining a multidisciplinary team, you can shape your path to suit your goals.
Choosing chiropractic is about making a difference, embracing a growing field, and building a future that’s both rewarding and flexible. If you’re ready to take the leap into a profession where you can thrive, chiropractic might just be your next big move.
If you’re dreaming of a career in chiropractic, the journey starts earlier than you might think. High school and college are the perfect times to lay the groundwork. From acing your science classes to gaining real-world experience, here’s how to get a head start on your future.
High school is where it all begins! It’s your chance to explore your interest in health and wellness while building the academic foundation you’ll need for chiropractic school.
Join health-related extracurriculars, like a sports medicine club or science fair projects. You can also shadow a chiropractor to see what the career is all about—nothing beats seeing the work up close!
Starting early helps you figure out if chiropractic care is your calling while giving you a solid foundation for what’s ahead.
College is where you really start shaping your path. It’s all about hitting those academic goals while building the soft skills that will make you a great chiropractor.
College is also a great time to connect with mentors and peers who share your passion, creating a network to support your journey.
Enrolling in a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program is a key step on your journey to becoming a chiropractor. From meeting admissions requirements to diving into hands-on training, this stage combines academic rigor with practical experience to prepare you for your future career.
Getting into chiropractic school isn’t just about passion—it’s about preparation. Here’s what you’ll need to qualify:
Complete college-level courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physics and aim to maintain a strong GPA, as admissions committees look for academic excellence.
Once you’re in, the real learning begins. Chiropractic school combines foundational knowledge with practical, hands-on training to prepare you for patient care.
The DC program is designed to ensure you’re confident and skilled by the time you graduate.
Gaining clinical experience is where everything you’ve learned starts to come alive. It’s your chance to step out of the classroom and into real-world situations, working with patients and building the hands-on skills that will define your chiropractic career.
Clinical experience isn’t just about practicing adjustments—it’s about learning how to connect with patients and handle real-world cases. This is where you develop confidence, refine your techniques, and truly understand what it means to help people feel better.
At SCU, we don’t wait until the end of your program to get you into the clinic—we start early, so you can build confidence from day one. Our diverse clinical opportunities mean you’ll graduate with the kind of experience that sets you apart.
Our extensive network of clinical sites means you’ll get a wide range of experiences, giving you a head start on your career.
Preparing for licensure is the final step before becoming a practicing chiropractor. This process includes passing the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams, meeting state-specific requirements, and demonstrating the knowledge and skills gained through your education. At SCU, we’re with you every step of the way, ensuring you’re prepared for success.
The NBCE exams consist of four parts, each covering essential knowledge and skills for chiropractors:
Part I: Basic sciences, including anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
Part II: Clinical sciences, focusing on diagnosis, imaging, and case management.
Part III: Advanced clinical applications and practical skills.
Part IV: Hands-on testing of chiropractic techniques and diagnostic imaging.
These exams are comprehensive, ensuring you’re ready to provide safe and effective care.
Preparation is key to acing your boards. Here’s how SCU helps:
If you’re planning to practice in California, you’ll need to meet additional state-specific requirements, including:
At SCU, we’ve been recognized by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners for over a century, ensuring our graduates are fully prepared to navigate the licensure process.
Becoming a licensed chiropractor is a milestone that marks the beginning of your career. With SCU’s evidence-based training, hands-on experience, and robust support system, you’ll graduate ready to pass your exams and thrive as a practitioner.
Launching your chiropractic career is an exciting moment—it’s when all your hard work and training come to life. Whether you’re dreaming of opening your own practice, joining a team of seasoned professionals, or diving into a specialization, this is your time to shape the career you’ve always wanted.
What kind of chiropractor do you want to be? If you’re drawn to independence, starting a private practice gives you the freedom to set your hours, choose your specialties, and build strong patient relationships. Prefer to gain experience first? Joining an established clinic or integrative health center can help you hone your skills and learn from seasoned practitioners.
For those with a passion for a specific field, specializations like sports medicine or pediatrics offer an exciting way to focus your talents. Imagine helping athletes recover faster or supporting children with tailored care—it’s all possible when you carve out your niche.
A successful chiropractic career isn’t just about your skills in the office—it’s about growing professionally and connecting with others. Building a network of peers and mentors can open up opportunities, offer guidance, and keep you inspired.
Learning doesn’t stop once you graduate. Keeping up with the latest research, techniques, and certifications ensures your skills stay sharp and your patients get the best care possible. It’s also a great way to expand your offerings, whether that’s mastering new adjustment techniques or diving deeper into functional medicine.
Choosing the chiropractor career path is an opportunity to create a meaningful, impactful profession where you can help others lead healthier lives. From building a strong academic foundation to gaining hands-on clinical experience, each step of the journey prepares you to thrive in this dynamic field. At SCU, we’re committed to equipping you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to succeed.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our admissions requirements and start your journey with SCU today!
The chiropractor career path involves completing undergraduate prerequisites, earning a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, gaining clinical experience, passing licensure exams, and exploring career options like private practice, specialized care, or integrative health teams. It’s rewarding, flexible, and impactful.
Becoming a chiropractor typically takes 7–8 years. This includes around 3–4 years to complete a bachelor’s degree and another 3–4 years to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. At SCU, students can begin the DC program with just 90 undergraduate credits, and we also offer pathways to help you complete your bachelor’s degree. This flexibility allows you to save time while meeting licensure requirements and preparing for a successful career in chiropractic care.
Yes! Chiropractors can specialize in areas like sports medicine, pediatrics, or chiropractic neurology. These specializations help chiropractors tailor their expertise to specific patient needs and enhance their career opportunities.
A successful chiropractor needs strong communication skills, a solid understanding of anatomy and biomechanics, and hands-on technical expertise. Empathy, problem-solving, and a passion for patient care are equally important.