The Chiropractic Education

You will be glad to know the education your chiropractor received was extensive and demanding. The average medical doctor has received approximately 4,250 hours of education, depending on specialty; and the average doctor of chiropractic has had 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. In fact a two-year worldwide study commissioned by the government of New Zealand found that "Chiropractic education is second to none." 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 complete 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 are passed, and depending on the individual state, a state board exam is 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 the latest in neurological science and chiropractic techniques.

Dr. Fox attended Western States Chiropractic College in Portland OR. Dr. Amundson attended Northwestern College of Chiropractic in St. Paul, Minnesota.
See our "Press Release" page for their continuing education.