Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.) comprise the second largest health care profession with over 50,000 practitioners in the U.S. They earn the title “doctor” along with Medical Doctors (M.D.), Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.), and Dentists (D.D.S. and D.M.D.).

The educational process leading to the title Doctor of Chiropractic is similar to that of an M.D. or D.O. In order to obtain a D.C. degree, a student must complete several years of pre-chiropractic studies at a college or university followed by four academic years of Chiropractic education (totaling a minimum 7 years of study). The Chiropractic student’s last year is spent in a clinical internship (similar to M.D. or D.O. “rotations”). During this time the Chiropractic intern, under the supervision of a licensed D.C., will consult, examine and treat patients in a clinic setting. Upon graduation and earning the Doctor of Chiropractic degree, a state licensing exam must be passed in order to practice.

Chiropractic students study many of the same textbooks as Medical and Osteopathic students. As a matter of fact, a Chiropractic student accumulates more course hours in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics (how the body moves), neurology, and nutrition than their Medical and Osteopathic colleagues.