Online Chiropractic Schools: Can You Earn a Chiropractic Degree Remotely?

Health education is evolving fast—and that includes chiropractic. If you’ve been researching your options, you’ve probably come across the term online chiropractic school and wondered how that actually works. Many healthcare programs now use hybrid models, blending online coursework with in-person clinical training to offer flexibility without cutting corners.

But can chiropractic, a deeply hands-on profession, truly be taught online? And are these programs taken as seriously as traditional, campus-based ones? Let’s explore what a hybrid chiropractic education looks like, what components must be done in person, and how the best programs are using technology to enhance—not replace—clinical skill-building.

Inside the Curriculum: What You Learn in Chiropractic School

If you’re considering an online chiropractic school, it’s important to understand what earning a Doctor of Chiropractic really involves. The program is both academically demanding and deeply hands-on, blending foundational science with real-world clinical training and rigorous licensure preparation.

Academic Coursework

Chiropractic education covers far more than spinal adjustments. The academic foundation is rooted in the sciences and diagnostic reasoning. You’ll study:

• Human anatomy and physiology

• Neurology, pathology, and biomechanics

• Radiology and diagnostic imaging

• Clinical nutrition and public health

This coursework builds the knowledge needed to safely assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions.

Clinical Training

Hands-on clinical experience is central to chiropractic education. Students learn and practice physical exams, spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and patient care strategies under supervision. Clinicals begin with lab-based instruction and progress into real patient settings—often within university-affiliated clinics or community health centers.

This is where theory becomes skill, and skill becomes confidence.

Licensure and Format Options

To practice, chiropractors must graduate from an accredited program and pass a series of board exams administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE). While no chiropractic program is fully online due to the nature of the profession, many now offer hybrid formats. These allow students to complete significant portions of didactic coursework remotely, while still meeting all in-person lab and clinical requirements.

Why 100% Online Chiropractic School Doesn’t Exist

Because chiropractic is a physical, manual profession, no accredited program is entirely online. You simply can’t learn spinal adjustment or physical assessment through screen-based learning alone. However, hybrid models are becoming increasingly common and effective.

In a hybrid format, students may complete coursework like anatomy, theory, and diagnostic science online—often through interactive platforms and live lectures. Then, they attend in-person labs and clinical training sessions on campus. These programs offer flexibility while still meeting the strict requirements for accreditation and licensure.

Is a Hybrid Chiropractic Program Right for You?

Hybrid programs are built for students who need flexibility, but they also require structure, discipline, and real commitment to hands-on learning. Before you apply, it’s worth asking yourself a few honest questions about what you need—and how you learn best.

• Do you need flexibility for personal, family, or work responsibilities?
• Are you comfortable learning science, theory, and diagnostics in an online environment?
• Will you be ready to show up fully for on-campus labs and clinical rotations, even if they’re intensive?

These programs aren’t shortcuts. They’re smart solutions for students who want to balance life while staying committed to high-quality education and clinical readiness.

If you value both modern learning tools and hands-on experience—and if you’re serious about becoming a confident, capable chiropractor—then a hybrid format could be the right path for you. It’s about finding a structure that supports your goals and matches the reality of your day-to-day life.

How to Choose the Right Hybrid Chiropractic Program

When it comes to online chiropractic schools, it’s essential to understand what separates high-quality hybrid programs from those that simply offer flexibility. A strong program will support licensure, clinical competence, and your long-term goals—without cutting corners.

 Features to Look For

A reputable hybrid chiropractic program should offer:

• CCE Accreditation, which is required for licensure in every U.S. state
• On-campus clinical labs and rotations, clearly integrated into the curriculum
• Interactive learning tools, such as 3D anatomy platforms and diagnostic simulations
• Accessible, experienced faculty, not just content delivery
• Customizable tracks or specializations, such as sports medicine or integrative health
• Board exam prep and licensure support, built directly into the program

These aren’t extras—they’re essentials for a safe, effective, and recognized chiropractic education.

More Than Just Format

A strong hybrid program doesn’t just shift lectures online. It offers thoughtful, flexible structure that allows students to stay engaged and supported—wherever they are. Whether it’s live sessions, recorded content, or guided mentorship, look for a school that emphasizes both academic rigor and student experience.

If you’re going to invest the time, energy, and money into this path, make sure the program is built to support you—clinically, personally, and professionally.

SCU’s Doctor of Chiropractic Where Flexibility Meets Excellence

At SCU, we’ve been educating chiropractors for over a century. Our Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (LACC), founded in 1911, is one of the oldest and most respected chiropractic schools in the country. Today, we’ve expanded our program to meet modern student needs without losing what makes it strong.

Our Doctor of Chiropractic program now follows a hybrid model—combining online academic instruction with in-person clinical labs, diagnostics, and hands-on skill-building. It’s full-time, rigorous, and intentionally designed for students who want flexibility without sacrificing quality.

You don’t need a bachelor’s degree to apply—students with 90 or more qualifying credits are eligible. And once you’re in, you’ll benefit from an education that blends clinical depth with career readiness.

Hands-On Mastery Through Labs and Clinics

Chiropractic is a manual profession, and we make sure you’re ready to practice from day one. Our students use force sensing tables in on-campus labs to fine-tune technique with real-time feedback. Clinical rotations take place at SCU Health Clinics, which serve more than 40,000 patients annually, along with partner sites in a wide range of specialties.

• Online learning enhanced with interactive tools like Complete Anatomy and DITKI

• Real-world clinical placements at sports medicine centers, community clinics, and integrative care practices

• Accreditation by the Council on Chiropractic Education and recognition by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Customizable and Career-Focused

At SCU, we give you space to shape your own professional path. You can specialize in sports medicine, explore Eastern medicine, or take electives in business and healthcare leadership. Our dual-doctorate track allows you to pursue both chiropractic and acupuncture—broadening your scope and future opportunities.

We also prepare you for what comes after graduation. Built-in business coursework helps you launch a practice, understand operations, and step confidently into private or integrative settings. Our tuition is fixed, financial aid is available, and institutional scholarships help keep the program accessible.

This is how we train chiropractors who are ready to lead—clinically, professionally, and with purpose.

The Future of Chiropractic Training Starts Here

If you’re looking for an online chiropractic school that delivers flexibility without compromising on clinical rigor, SCU’s hybrid Doctor of Chiropractic program is built with your goals in mind. We offer interactive online coursework, hands-on labs, and in-depth clinical training—all grounded in science and whole-person care.

Whether you’re returning to school or starting a new path, our program is designed to support your schedule and your ambition. Explore our curriculum, review admission requirements, and apply today. Your next chapter in healthcare starts here.

FAQs

Can I complete an online chiropractic school entirely from home?

Not fully. Chiropractic requires hands-on clinical training. While academic coursework can be delivered online, all accredited programs include in-person labs and clinicals to meet licensing standards.

What subjects are taught in an online chiropractic school format?

You’ll study anatomy, physiology, radiology, biomechanics, and diagnostics online—using interactive tools and live lectures—before applying those skills in lab and clinical settings.

How long does it take to graduate from a hybrid chiropractic program?

Most programs take about 3.5 to 4 years full-time. This includes both online coursework and required in-person clinical training.

Can I work while enrolled in an online chiropractic school?

Hybrid formats may offer more scheduling flexibility, but chiropractic education is intensive. Expect a full-time commitment, especially during clinical rotations.

What makes SCU’s online chiropractic program different?

We offer a true hybrid program—combining rigorous online learning with hands-on lab sessions and real clinical experience at SCU Health and partner sites.