When you see a degree framed on the wall of any professional organization that you’re visiting, there’s no mistaking a sense of comfort.
Well, the next time you consult a doctor of chiropractic, you won’t be disappointed. Get ready to feel comforted.
That’s because his or her degree speaks to the rigorous training — a minimum of seven years of higher education, including clinical patient management — that doctors of chiropractic must complete. Not everyone, however, realizes just what that education means in terms of better health outcomes for patients.
“Doctors of chiropractic are not only trained in problems dealing with the spine, but are formally educated in clinical examination and diagnosis — with a focus on conservative health care interventions for the well-being of the whole person,” explains Sherry McAllister, DC, executive vice president of the not-for-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.
Among the required coursework:
• Basic sciences of anatomy, physiology, neurology, biomechanics, microbiology and pathology.
• Ethics and integrity.
• Clinical sciences, including nutrition, rehabilitation and therapeutic procedures.
• Research methodology.
The Council on Chiropractic Education is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting agency for schools’ educational and clinical programs leading to the award of a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Today, there are 18 chiropractic programs in the U.S., all of which require passing state and national board examinations for licensure. The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE)
develops, administers and scores the exams.
“They must also serve a rigorous clinical internship,” explains Dr. McAllister.
