Pre-Chiropractic

About the Profession

Chiropractors provide a drug-free alternative for patients with neuromusculoskeletal problems. They can diagnose and treat problems that deal with nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They can also provide nutritional, dietary, and lifestyle counseling. Chiropractors have the ability to assess patients and recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises and whether or not the patient is a candidate to be treated with chiropractic interventions. They will give referrals and work in conjunction with other healthcare professionals in order to provide the best care for the patient.

Work Settings

Most chiropractors practice in their own offices, but there are a growing number of them who practice in hospitals and military settings. Working in a hospital or military clinic allows chiropractors to be part of the healthcare team and integrate their services, particularly in orthopedic practice and pain management. Academia is also an area which chiropractors can practice in, where they can move into an administrative position or conduct research full-time. Sports chiropractic is a growing specialty for the profession. Chiropractors can also care for children in a pediatric setting or for pregnant women. Whatever your interests are, you can find a setting you're passionate about in this growing profession.

Academic Requirements

Chiropractors are required to complete a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree at an accredited program. Most applicants have at least 3 years or 90 semester hours of undergraduate education, and it is becoming more common for programs to require a Bachelor's degree. Each school has specific requirements for their individual programs. Drake's Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree provides excellent preparation for chiropractic school! Once you've earned your Drake degree, you'll complete 4 years of studies in an accredited chiropractic program.

Additional Information

Following graduation from an accredited program, candidates need to be licensed in each state that they're going to practice in. In addition, every candidate needs to pass all four parts of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exam. Depending on the state, a background check may also be required.

Why is Health Sciences a great major for Pre-Chiropractic?

As a student in our Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree, you'll get the best of both worlds: a rigorous science curriculum that will prepare you for the academic challenges of chiropractic school and an education in healthcare that will help you succeed in your professional career. All Health Sciences students take core courses in the sciences that can be customized based on the required prerequisite coursework you'll need to get into your top choice graduate program. Beyond that, you'll complete our Health Sciences Core Curriculum, which teaches you about every aspect of healthcare and how to be a successful professional once you graduate. The Health Sciences Core Curriculum includes coursework in professionalism, innovation and problem solving, cultural sensitivity, healthcare ethics, and an overview of what to expect when you enter the workforce. This unique curriculum is only offered to Health Sciences majors at Drake and will make you stand out when you apply for chiropractic school.

In addition to your coursework, the Health Sciences Core Curriculum also includes a full-year internship and research. In your senior year, you will be paired with a professional in a career that relates to your own interests and complete an internship with that person at their office or practice site. You will also conduct an original research project alongside your internship, which is valuable in the graduate school admission process and is the reason why our graduates are so successful in getting into many of their top choice chiropractic schools!