Chiropractic colleges require a minimum of four academic years of professional resident study, including clinical experience under strict supervision, preceded by a minimum of two years of college work with a curriculum concentrated in the biological and basic sciences, and clinical disciplines. The remaining two years emphasize practical or clinical studies dealing with the Chiropractic sciences and the diagnosis and treatment of disease with approximately half the time spent in college clinics.

All States and the District of Columbia regulate the practice of chiropractic and grant licenses to chiropractors who meet educational requirements and pass a State board examination.

Chiropractors can only practice in States where they are licensed. Some States have agreements that permit chiropractors licensed in one State to obtain a license in another without further examination.

Most State licensing boards require completion of a 4-year chiropractic college course following at least 2 years of undergraduate education, although there are several States that presently require a bachelor's degree either before matriculation and/or before licensure.

All State boards recognize academic training in chiropractic programs and institutions accredited the Council on Chiropractic Education.

For licensure, most State boards recognize either all or part of the four-part test administered the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. State examinations may supplement the National Board tests, depending on State requirements.

To maintain licensure, almost all States require completion of a specified number of hours of continuing education each year. Continuing education programs are offered accredited chiropractic programs and institutions, and chiropractic associations.

The Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards is a non-profit organization established in 1926 as the professional association for governmental regulatory boards responsible for chiropractic licensure. This site in invaluable for the new and licensed chiropractor alike.

Special councils within some chiropractic associations also offer programs leading to clinical specialty certification, called "diplomate" certification, in areas such as orthopedics, neurology, sports injuries, occupational and industrial health, nutrition, diagnostic imaging, thermography, and internal disorders.

Sixteen chiropractic programs and institutions in the United States are accredited the Council on Chiropractic Education. All required applicants must have at least 60 accredited semester hours of undergraduate study leading toward a bachelor's degree, including courses in English, the social sciences or humanities, organic and inorganic chemistry, biology, physics, and psychology. Many applicants have a bachelor's degree. Several chiropractic colleges offer pre-chiropractic study, as well as a bachelor's degree program.

During the first 2 years of study, most chiropractic programs emphasize classroom and laboratory work in basic science subjects such as anatomy, physiology, public health, microbiology, pathology, and biochemistry. The last 2 years of study stress courses in chiropractic adjustments, and provide clinical experience in physical and laboratory diagnosis, neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, and nutrition.

Chiropractic programs and institutions grant the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). Chiropractic requires keen observation to detect vertebral subluxations and physical abnormalities. It also takes considerable hand dexterity to perform the chiropractic adjustment, but not unusual strength or endurance. Chiropractors should be able to work independently and handle responsibility. As in other health-related occupations, empathy, understanding, and the desire to help others are good qualities for dealing effectively with patients.

Newly licensed chiropractors can set up a new practice, purchase an established one, or enter into partnership with an established practitioner. They may also take a salaried position with an established chiropractor, a group practice, or a health care facility.