A Chiropractic Education

Unknown to many people is that a Chiropractic education is extremely thorough and in depth. The table below compares the education hours in various categories of a Chiropractic student versus a Medical student. These hours are for basic science education.

CHIROPRACTIC	COURSES	MEDICINE
520	Anatomy	508
420	Physiology	326
205	Pathology	401
300	Chemistry	325
130	Bacteriology	114
420	Diagnosis	324
320	Neurology	112
217	X-ray	148
65	Psychiatry	144
65	Obstetrics	148
225	Orthopedics	156
2,887	Total Hours	2,706

It has become the belief of some people that Chiropractors are less educated than their Medical counter-parts, but in actuality this is not the case. As the table above shows, Chiropractic students in fact receive more hours of basic science training than Medical students. Where most of the differences develop in the educational programs is at later stages. While Medical students begin to receive education in pharmacology and surgery, Chiropractic students receive training in adjusting techniques, nutrition, and physical therapy. Although many people think of Doctors of Chiropractic as back doctors, Chiropractors are actually capable to diagnosing and treating a great deal of conditions.

Chiropractic students are also required to satisfy requirements very similar to "residency" for Medical students, which involves about 600 hours of clinical practice in an internship that involves seeing patients, performing a patient work-up and evaluation, and performing an adjustment under the supervision of a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic. In addition Chiropractic students must pass several National Board exams, which are held by the Council for Chiropractic Education, in order to meet the demands of state licensure. The entire process is approximately a five year program that leads to a Doctorate degree. Once licensed, a Doctor of Chiropractic must attend continuing education classes in order to be aware of the advances and developments in the profession, as well as to meet the requirements set forth by state licensing boards, exactly like a Medical Doctor must do.

Although Chiropractors and Medical Doctors have different perspectives and beliefs, they are both well educated and well qualified as health-care professionals.

Sources:

1) Palmer College of Chiropractic, "How does one become a Doctor of Chiropractic and earn a D.C. degree?"
2) Shaw Chiropractic Group, "How well educated is a Chiropractor?"
3) National Health Federation Bulletin