How to Become a Chiropractor: Education, Licensing, and Career Steps Explained

If you’re curious about how to become a chiropractor, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re drawn to hands-on healing, interested in holistic wellness, or simply love the idea of helping people move and feel better, chiropractic is a rewarding career with real impact. But what does the path actually look like? From choosing the right program to passing your licensing exams, there’s a lot to consider—but it’s all doable with the right roadmap. 

Step 1: Complete Undergraduate Coursework

Every journey in how to become a chiropractor starts with a strong academic foundation. While no specific major is required, science-based undergraduate coursework goes a long way. Classes in anatomy, biology, physiology, chemistry, and physics help build the essential knowledge you’ll draw from throughout chiropractic school and beyond.

What to Focus On

If you’re mapping out your academic plan, keep these subjects top of mind:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology

• General and Organic Chemistry

• Biology and Microbiology

• Physics and Biomechanics

Some students also take this time to explore areas like nutrition or psychology, both of which can complement a future in integrative care. This early phase of your education sets the tone for your entire chiropractic journey—so choosing the right classes now can pay off in confidence and readiness later.

Step 2: Earn a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree

Once you’ve completed the required undergraduate coursework, the next step is enrolling in a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program. Chiropractic school typically takes 3 to 4 years, combining classroom learning, lab-based instruction, and clinical rotations. You’ll study the science of the human body, master diagnostic tools, and build confidence through hands-on training with real patients. 

At Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU), we offer a full-time hybrid Doctor of Chiropractic program that blends online flexibility with in-person immersion. Students who’ve completed at least 90 undergraduate credits can apply directly, opening the door to an advanced clinical education that’s designed to move you forward without delay. Students who do not yet meet the 90-credit requirement can begin with our Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Chiropractic Sciences Concentration, which only requires 48 credits and provides a streamlined pathway into the DC program.

What You’ll Learn

Our curriculum is designed to prepare you for both licensure and long-term success. Expect focused training in:

• Anatomy, physiology, and neurology

• Spinal biomechanics and chiropractic technique

• Radiology and diagnostic imaging

• Nutrition, pathology, and evidence-based care

We also build in practical business skills, from billing and coding to practice management and entrepreneurship, to help you thrive in private practice or integrative healthcare settings.

Why Students Choose SCU

SCU has been advancing chiropractic medicine for more than 110 years. Founded in 1911 as the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (LACC), we’re one of the original pioneers in chiropractic education. Our students train in real-world environments at SCU Health Clinics and over 500 partner sites, treating diverse populations in settings that include VA hospitals, sports medicine clinics, and community health centers.

We offer customizable degree paths, including a Sports Medicine emphasis, as well as a dual-degree DC + Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (DAcCHM) program. With this pathway, students can graduate with both doctoral degrees in as little as 5 years and 4 months, reducing time and saving up to $30,750 in tuition.

Our DC program is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education and recognized by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners. We offer a Fixed Rate Tuition guarantee and multiple scholarship opportunities to support your journey every step of the way.

Step 3: Pass National Board Exams

After earning your Doctor of Chiropractic degree, your next step is passing the national board exams administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE). These exams ensure you’re prepared to diagnose, treat, and care for patients with clinical confidence. Most states require successful completion of all four parts before granting licensure, so this is a critical checkpoint in your journey.

What the NBCE Exams Cover

Each part of the exam is designed to assess a different area of your knowledge and skillset:

• Part I: Basic sciences like anatomy, physiology, and pathology
• Part II: Clinical sciences including diagnosis and imaging
• Part III: Clinical competency focused on case management and patient care
• Part IV: Hands-on practical exam evaluating your adjusting skills and clinical decision-making

These exams build on everything you’ve learned throughout your chiropractic program and bring it all together in a real-world context.

Preparing to Succeed

Most chiropractic schools, including SCU, integrate board exam preparation directly into the curriculum. Through case-based learning, lab instruction, and clinical training, students stay aligned with NBCE standards from day one. With the right foundation and preparation, passing each section becomes a natural next step toward licensure and independent practice.

Step 4: Obtain State Licensure

Once you’ve completed your chiropractic degree and passed the NBCE exams, your next milestone is state licensure. This is the step that officially allows you to begin practicing. Each state has its own chiropractic licensing board, and while the exact requirements vary, most follow a similar set of standards.

To get started, you’ll typically need to:

• Graduate from a chiropractic program accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE)

• Successfully complete all parts of the NBCE exams (Parts IIV)

• Submit an application to your state licensing board

• Complete a criminal background check and pay applicable fees

• In some cases, pass a state-specific law or ethics exam

It’s a good idea to start exploring the requirements in your intended state early, especially if you’re considering practicing in a place with unique licensure rules. Many boards also offer checklists and timelines to help guide you through the process.

Maintaining Your License

Licensure isn’t a one-time task—it’s a long-term commitment to professional growth. Most states require chiropractors to complete a set number of continuing education (CE) hours every year or two. These CE hours often include updates on ethics, patient safety, diagnostic standards, and clinical best practices.

Meeting these CE requirements helps you stay sharp, keep your license in good standing, and continue delivering the highest level of care to your patients. Think of it as a structured way to grow alongside the profession and stay aligned with the latest in healthcare innovation.

Step 5: Build a Career in Chiropractic

Graduating and earning licensure opens the door to a dynamic and meaningful career in chiropractic care. With your degree and clinical experience, you’ll have a strong foundation to work across a range of healthcare environments. Many chiropractors find fulfillment in direct patient care, while others explore paths that blend clinical work with leadership, teaching, or specialized focus areas.

Here are a few settings where chiropractors practice:

• Private practice

• Integrated healthcare clinics

• Sports medicine and athletic performance

• Rehabilitation and physical therapy centers

Some also go on to work in education, research, or healthcare administration. If you’re drawn to entrepreneurship, opening your own practice gives you the opportunity to shape your schedule, patient base, and business model.

Skills That Set You Up for Long-Term Success

Chiropractic careers are as varied as the people who pursue them. Alongside your clinical training, skills in communication, practice management, and ethical marketing help support career growth. Whether you want to join an established team or start your own clinic, the ability to navigate insurance systems, manage billing, and build patient trust makes a real difference in day-to-day success.

With a strong professional network, a clear focus, and an evolving toolkit, you’ll be equipped to grow your practice—and your impact—throughout your career.

Your Chiropractic Journey Starts Here with SCU

Learning how to become a chiropractor means understanding each step—from your first undergrad class to clinical immersion and licensing exams. Along the way, you’ll gain the tools to succeed in a growing, hands-on field that blends science, movement, and patient connection. It’s a journey that calls for dedication—and returns that effort in lifelong impact.

At Southern California University of Health Sciences, we’re proud to support future practitioners through flexible programs, hybrid learning formats, and hands-on clinical experiences that start early. Take a look at our admission requirements and apply today.

FAQs

What’s the first step in how to become a chiropractor?

Start by completing undergraduate coursework—usually at least 90 credits in areas like biology, chemistry, and physics—before applying to a chiropractic program.

Do you need a bachelor’s degree to enter a chiropractic program?

Not always. Some schools, including ours, accept students with 90+ undergrad credits, and offer transfer pathways from associate or BSHS programs.

How long does it take to become a chiropractor?

The typical chiropractic program takes about 34 years, depending on whether you’re attending full-time and how your program is structured.

Is chiropractic school hard?

It’s rigorous, especially the clinical and anatomy courses, but students with passion and focus find it incredibly rewarding.

How do I apply to SCU’s chiropractic program?

Start by reviewing our admissions requirements for the DC program. You can apply directly by clicking here.