How do chiropractors go about becoming practitioners? They must undergo several years of study and focused work. In order to become a fully licensed chiropractor, a student must undergo many years of training as well as a residency program. Although the rules concerned the licensing of chiropractors differs depending on the state, most require that a aspiring practitioner meet a substantial list of criteria. Licensed chiropractors must complete a number of college courses including Biology, Physics, Psychology, Chemistry and Organic Chemistry as well as extensive education and chiropractor training that often takes an additional period of four years to finish.
Sixteen schools are currently accredited in the U.S. by The Council on Chiropractic Education. Each school requires that students complete rigorous courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pathology, public health, biochemistry, and microbiology. After the student completes their 4,200+ hours of lectures, clinical practice, and laboratories, they are required to take several NBCE or National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exams. The number of exams that must be passed varies from state to state.
Four tests are currently being administered by the NBCE. The students are tested on their knowledge of general anatomical science in Part I. On the other hand, Part II focuses on the clinical aspect of science such as diagnostic imaging, chiropractic principles, as well as diagnoses of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. The third NBCE test consists of a written examination that is designed to demonstrate the student's clinical abilities. The taking of case histories and specific intervention methods are included on this exam. A fourth exam, that is mandated by slightly less than half of all U.S. states, requires that students complete a test that examines their ability to interpret x-rays and manage patient cases.
Continuing education must be started immediately following the completion of the exams. In order to maintain current knowledge in the chiropractic field, chiropractic doctors must continue their studies in either or both clinical and academic studies. New York requires that, every three years, chiropractors acquire 36 contact hours or approximately two college courses. If chiropractors do not provide proof that they are continuing their education, they are no longer permitted to continue their practice.
Along with chiropractic medicine, approximately 78% of practitioners have other licenses as well. Some of these professionals have also studied alternative medicines such as herbology and acupuncture. Other chiropractors study more traditional medicine. Chiropractors all have one desire, to heal their patients and relieve them of the pain that they have been living with. Asking your doctor about his or her training is sure to impress you as to the extent of clinical learning and education that is required to develop your practitioner's knowledge of back and neck pain.
Sixteen schools are currently accredited in the U.S. by The Council on Chiropractic Education. Each school requires that students complete rigorous courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pathology, public health, biochemistry, and microbiology. After the student completes their 4,200+ hours of lectures, clinical practice, and laboratories, they are required to take several NBCE or National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exams. The number of exams that must be passed varies from state to state.
Four tests are currently being administered by the NBCE. The students are tested on their knowledge of general anatomical science in Part I. On the other hand, Part II focuses on the clinical aspect of science such as diagnostic imaging, chiropractic principles, as well as diagnoses of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. The third NBCE test consists of a written examination that is designed to demonstrate the student's clinical abilities. The taking of case histories and specific intervention methods are included on this exam. A fourth exam, that is mandated by slightly less than half of all U.S. states, requires that students complete a test that examines their ability to interpret x-rays and manage patient cases.
Continuing education must be started immediately following the completion of the exams. In order to maintain current knowledge in the chiropractic field, chiropractic doctors must continue their studies in either or both clinical and academic studies. New York requires that, every three years, chiropractors acquire 36 contact hours or approximately two college courses. If chiropractors do not provide proof that they are continuing their education, they are no longer permitted to continue their practice.
Along with chiropractic medicine, approximately 78% of practitioners have other licenses as well. Some of these professionals have also studied alternative medicines such as herbology and acupuncture. Other chiropractors study more traditional medicine. Chiropractors all have one desire, to heal their patients and relieve them of the pain that they have been living with. Asking your doctor about his or her training is sure to impress you as to the extent of clinical learning and education that is required to develop your practitioner's knowledge of back and neck pain.
About the Author:
Dr. Steve Schram has been a a chiropractor in NYC for nearly 30 years. Find out more about chiropractic training at his practice website about chiropractic in NYC.
