What Type Of Training Do Chiropractors Receive?

By Philip Vincent

Chiropractors are licensed doctors. A licensed chiropractor will have the initials, "DC" after his/her name referring to "doctor of chiropractics." The licensing board is recognized by the US Department of Education to do such work. Therefore you can be confidant that a chiropractor is a real doctor.

In fact, the first few years of training for general practitioners and doctors of chiropractics are very similar. They both study anatomy, physiology and clinical neurology to a great extent. It is not until after these two first years are done that the program changes for the two types of doctors. The length of schooling is the same as well. It's truly not even a difference in majors or studies but rather area of concentrations. Imagine the difference between a chemistry major with a concentration in chemical technology and physics. Both would be just as educated and helpful to the community. When you consider the difference between a traditional medical doctor and a chiropractic practitioner, imagine it in this way.

Remember that doctors of chiropractic do not dispense any type of medicine. They promote a more holistic, natural type of approach that does not include medication. Because of this, they do not study pharmacology like a typical medical doctor would. Also, there is no need for chiropractors to do rotations within different fields because they have already chosen their expertise and will not be required to provide care outside of that realm. In fact, they will not be licensed to provide care outside of that expertise and therefore have absolutely no use for it.

The licensing for chiropractors can differ between states, but there is not a dramatic change. For the most part, chiropractors receive their license from the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and some states require additional fees or testing.

Doctors of chiropractic go to undergrad just like every other doctor before being accepted to medical school. Chiropractic college itself is typically a five year program. That's nine years of post high school coursework for the vast majority of people. In any other field, that would be equivalent to a doctorate. The notion that chiropractors get their diploma on the internet or through a weekend course is ludicrous. As long as they have been licensed through the CCE, they are real doctors.

It is true that chiropractors are often seen as something less than real doctors but this is just not the case. There are over 150,000 chiropractors working throughout the US and that number is growing. As people consider all the benefits to seeing a chiropractor, the number of students pursuing this career will increase.

You can feel confident that your licensed chiropractor is a "real" doctor. Please don't hesitate to examine credentials, but once they are verified you can breathe easily that you are in good hands. Chiropractors can be a cost effective way to live a happier, healthier life. - 32188

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