Chiropractic

Post-baccalaureate degree: DC

Chiropractors, also known as doctors of chiropractic medicine or chiropractic physicians, diagnose and treat patients whose health problems are associated with the body's muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, especially the spine. Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical science; although they will refer patients for such services if medically necessary.

Academic and Career Information - updated 2020 (PDF)

Minimum Prerequisites for Admission

The following prerequisites must be completed prior to matriculation in a chiropractic program:

  • baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • each program has its own prerequisites: check specific school for prerequisites details. Some schools will not accept AP credit for prerequisites.
  • general course prerequisites:
    • general biology with lab, one year
    • general chemistry with lab, one year
    • organic chemistry with lab, one year
    • general physics with lab, one year
    • English, one year
    • behavior sciences, one year

Test Needed

Most programs require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission and have established a GRE Code for the reporting of scores.

Professional Associations

California Chiropractic Schools

General Education

We recommend that all pre-health students enroll in courses that meet the particular general education requirements to help develop a broad understanding of the health professions in relation to other disciplines of study. Review our General Education Recommendations (PDF) for additional information.