If you’re passionate about health care, thrive on helping others, and want to work hands-on with patients, a career as a Doctor of Chiropractic might be the perfect path for you. Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on the spine and other joints of the body, their connection to the nervous system, and overall patient health. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to become a chiropractor—from your first college class to launching your career. 

Palmer College of Chiropractic, the birthplace of the chiropractic profession, leads the charge in shaping future Doctors of Chiropractic. Palmer offers a renowned academic program and student experience, iconic campuses to grow professionally and personally, and an unmatched commitment to advancing the future of chiropractic education and health care. 

Understanding the Role of a Chiropractor 

Doctors of Chiropractic use hands-on spinal adjustments and other manual techniques to improve alignment, relieve pain and support the body’s natural healing abilities. 

They don’t just tackle back pain. Chiropractors confront headaches, joint dysfunction and muscle strains. They offer expert guidance on exercise, nutrition and lifestyle. Chiropractic care is natural, drug-free, and easily integrates with other health care approaches. 

As health care professionals, chiropractors: 

• Take thorough health histories 
• Conduct physical exams, including posture and spine assessments 
• Diagnose and treat a range of conditions 
• Design personalized treatment plans 
• Perform adjustments and therapeutic procedures 
• Provide wellness strategies for long-term health 

Education Requirements 

To become a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic in the United States, you must complete several key steps, including years of undergraduate studies, earning a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, and passing the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams. 

Here’s how to begin your career path: 

Step 1: Complete Undergraduate Coursework 
Before entering a Doctor of Chiropractic program, you’ll need at least 90 semester hours of college-level coursework, 24 semester hours of life and physical sciences, including half with labs, and a 3.0 grade point average or higher. Many students choose to earn a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, such as biology, kinesiology or health sciences, though at Palmer College you’ll find students with a wide variety of educational backgrounds. 

Examples of undergraduate courses include: 

• Biology 
• Chemistry (including organic and inorganic) 
• Physics 
• Exercise Physiology or Exercise Science 
• Anatomy 

These courses help build the academic foundation you’ll need to thrive in chiropractic school. View Palmer’s complete admissions requirements at www.palmer.edu/admissions/admissions-requirements/. 

Step 2: Enroll in a Doctor of Chiropractic Program 
After completing your undergraduate requirements, the next step is to apply to a Doctor of Chiropractic program at an accredited institution. Palmer College of Chiropractic is the first and largest chiropractic college in the world and has been the global leader in chiropractic education since 1897. With campuses in Davenport, Iowa, and Port Orange, Florida, Palmer offers students two modern, high-tech campuses to choose from.  

Palmer also offers accelerated degree pathways, including our 3+1, 2+2 and B.S. Completion program. These programs allow you to concurrently complete your undergraduate degree while earning your Doctor of Chiropractic degree, saving time and money.  

Academic Curriculum 

Palmer’s Doctor of Chiropractic program typically takes three years and four months to complete. Palmer’s curriculum blends chiropractic philosophy with hands-on clinical skills to prepare you for success in practice. 

 Coursework includes: 

• Basic sciences: anatomy, physiology, pathology and microbiology 
• Clinical sciences: diagnosis, radiology, neurology and chiropractic technique 
• Business and practice management courses 

You’ll receive over 4,200 hours of classroom and clinical instruction, which is comparable to M.D. or D.O. educational programs. Palmer emphasizes hands-on learning and evidence-based care, ensuring you’re prepared to become a successful Doctor of Chiropractic.   

• All Palmer students become proficient in “Palmer Package” techniques. 
•  Diversified 
• Gonstead 
• Thompson 
• Toggle Recoil 

Palmer’s curriculum also offers introductions to instrument-assisted and table-assisted techniques with the option to enroll in additional technique elective courses designed to prepare you to successfully address nearly any situation you may encounter in practice. 

Clinical Training and Experiences 

Students enter the Palmer Chiropractic Clinics, the largest chiropractic clinic network in the world, in their seventh trimester to gain real clinical experience. Students deliver approximately 137,000 patient visits each year, under the guidance of experienced clinicians. As an intern in the Palmer Chiropractic Clinics, you’ll care for a diverse patient body made up of individuals from all ages, ability levels and backgrounds.   

As an intern in the Palmer Chiropractic Clinics, you’ll: 

• Apply the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom by caring for patients under the guidance of expert faculty clinicians 
• Gain important health care record-keeping skills using eClinical Works, used by more than 850,000 health care professionals worldwide 
• Participate in community outreach 
• Have the option to precept with one of our 6,000 registered preceptors, or even train through rotations with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense! 

Passing the National Board Exams 

To practice chiropractic care, you must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams. These standardized exams are designed to confirm your academic knowledge and clinical skills. 

The NBCE exams are divided into four parts: 

• Part I: Basic sciences 
• Part II: Clinical sciences 
• Part III: Clinical competency and case management 
• Part IV: Practical skills, including imaging, physical exams and adjusting techniques 

Eighty-eight percent of all Palmer College graduates pass the NBCE exams within six months of graduation, which is higher than the national average. Palmer College prepares students to pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams through its rigorous curriculum and dedicated academic support. Palmer students consistently score above the national average, thanks to: 

• Structured review sessions 
• Faculty mentorship and tutoring 
• Peer study groups and exam simulations 

Once you pass the NBCE exams and meet the specific licensing requirements for your state, you’re officially ready to begin your career as a Doctor of Chiropractic. 

Starting Your Chiropractic Career  

As a Doctor of Chiropractic, you’ll have many career options available to you, including: 

• Private practice: Be your own boss with your own practice, or work for another doctor of chiropractic. In private practice, you’ll work with people of a wide variety of ages, abilities and backgrounds. 
• Multidisciplinary setting: More and more, Doctors of Chiropractic are part of the health-care team at hospitals and in integrative-care settings. 
• Sports chiropractor: Work with athletes of all levels. Our alumni have gone on to be team chiropractors for professional sports teams and Olympic teams! 
• Corporate chiropractor: With growing recognition of the benefits of chiropractic, some companies offer their employees and on-site chiropractic care. 

Salary and Job Outlook 

The average salary for Doctors of Chiropractic varies based on geography, years of experience and position. For example, solo practitioners typically experience a higher income than associates. Salary data can be found at Salary.com or the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the chiropractic profession will grow by 9% from 2022-2032. 

Why Choose Palmer College of Chiropractic? 

Palmer College of Chiropractic pioneered chiropractic education and continues to shape its future. From the first adjustment to groundbreaking research that continues to propel the profession, our legacy is one of innovation, leadership and lasting impact. Every Doctor of Chiropractic in the world stands on the foundation we built. 

At Palmer College of Chiropractic, we don’t just teach chiropractic – we define it. 

Consider these facts: 

• We live and breathe chiropractic. 100% of our 2,000+ students are pursuing a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. 
• 90% of Palmer alumni and current students say they’d recommend Palmer College of Chiropractic. 
• 1 in every 5 current chiropractic students in the world is enrolled at Palmer College. 
• Our 30,000+ alumni lead the chiropractic profession globally. 
• 96% of students who start at Palmer graduate with their Doctor of Chiropractic degree. 
• 88% of Palmer students pass all parts of the NBCE licensure exams within 6 months of graduation. 
• More than 3,600 jobs are posted annually to the Palmer CareerNetwork – more jobs than graduates! 
• Patients prefer Palmer chiropractors. We refer more than 20,000 patients annually to our graduates. 
• Every year more than 1,600 grants and scholarships are awarded to Palmer students. 
• Students gain hands-on clinical experience at the largest chiropractic clinic network in the world. Last year, our students delivered care in more than 137,000 patient visits. 
• Palmer faculty lead the profession in chiropractic publications and conference presentations. 
• The Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research is the largest and most highly-funded chiropractic research effort in the nation. Students also enjoy leadership opportunities, student organizations, and academic support throughout their journey. 

Choosing Palmer means choosing a school with a proven record of developing confident, capable healthcare professionals ready to diagnose and treat patients using a holistic, drug-free approach. 

Begin Your Journey Today 

Now that you know how to become a Doctor of Chiropractic, take the next step toward a rewarding, hands-on career in health care. Whether you’re just starting college or are ready to apply to chiropractic school, Palmer College of Chiropractic is here to help you succeed. 

Explore your future at www.palmer.edu/admissions/admissions-resources/ to learn more about admissions, financial aid, and how to apply. Your future as a practicing chiropractor begins with The Trusted Leader in Chiropractic Education®.