Overview
Doctors of Chiropractic diagnosis and treat musculoskeletal system and nervous system disorders by using a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care. As the American Chiropractic Association states, "Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches." Treatment may include spinal adjustments, massage, or acupuncture.
Here you will find information on pre-chiropractic required coursework, chiropractic school admission tests, and other helpful websites related to the chiropractic profession.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for chiropractors is project to increase by 28% between 2010 and 2020.
Coursework
Many chiropractic schools require the following coursework for admission. However, different schools may have different pre-requisite coursework so be sure to check with individual schools about their admission requirements.
Biological Sciences
Some chiropractic schools require at least 8 credits of introductory biology. At Edgewood, the introductory course sequence is:
- Bio 151 General Biology: Cell Biology and Ecology (or)
- Bio 181 Honors General Biology: Cell Biology and Ecology
- Bio 152 General Biology: Genetics and Evolution (or)
- Bio 182 Information Flow in Living Systems – Honors
Behavioral Sciences
Some chiropractic schools require one or two courses in psychology. At Edgewood, these courses might include:
- Psy 101 General Psychology
- Psy 340 Abnormal Psychology
- Psy 345 Lifespan Development
Chemistry
Most chiropractic schools require one year of general and one year of organic chemistry coursework with labs. At Edgewood College, the sequence of courses is:
Some chiropractic schools require mathematics and/or statistics. We advise that you take at least one math course and one course in statistics, such as:
- Chem 120 General Chemistry I
- Chem 121 General Chemistry II
- Chem 321 Organic Chemistry I
- Chem 323 Organic Chemistry II
English
Most chiropractic schools require 6 credits of English, or literature taught in English, and emphasize composition.
Mathematics
- Math 114A Precalculus A: Algebra
- Math 114B Precalculus B: Trigonometry
- Math 231 Calculus I
- Math 121 Statistics
Physics
Most chiropractic schools require a one-year physics sequence with labs. At Edgewood we recommend either of the following two sequences (the second-sequence, Phys 201 and 202, is calculus-based):
- Phys 130 and 131 General Physics I and II
- Phys 201 and 202 College Physics I and II