Chiropractic Degree Prerequisites: What You Need to Know

Communications Staff

To become a chiropractor, you must be accepted to a chiropractic college, and earn your doctorate, which is the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). Part of the application process is determining what chiropractic degree prerequisite coursework you’ve taken in preparation for the D.C. program. This is not just a chiropractic education requirement; completing prerequisites is a part of applying to medical or dental school as well.

What are the Admisison Requirements?

Most chiropractic school requirements include approximately 90 semester hours of college credits found in standard undergraduate work. Of those hours, 24 or more should be in the life or physical sciences along with lab work. This means studying biology, chemistry, anatomy, etc. While there is some variation, between the institutions, the core chiropractic degree prerequisites are very similar.

In most cases, those who have completed a bachelor’s degree usually have enough course work to satisfy all of their prerequisites.

Why are Prerequisites Necessary?

Prerequisites are a factor in the admissions process because they help to ensure that you have a well-rounded general education from which to start your chiropractic degree. Coursework in the humanities and social sciences broaden your knowledge base, and more work in the sciences will serve you well when you begin the rigors of the chiropractic program.

Since the curriculum deals extensively with the human body, a solid background in the sciences will only be a benefit to you when you begin studying for the D.C. degree.

What Can I do If I Don’t Have All the Coursework I Need?

While chiropractic schools have set academic requirements, they also have people in place to help you meet those requirements. The Office of Admissions at any chiropractic school will be able to offer you guidance on how to complete your prerequisites.

Often, you can take the necessary coursework at their institution to help you meet the academic requirements. Since prerequisites are so important, start with those first and see where you stand.

Many chiropractic schools offer prerequisite courses online, which allow you to get up to speed on courses from anywhere. Online courses often include subjects like sociology, algebra, and health science terminology. Today’s interactive technology also allows you to take anatomy & physiology online.

The  Chiropractic Degree at Cleveland University-Kansas City

Again, the most important thing is to develop a plan for your application process, so you have enough time to prepare. It’s not uncommon for people planning to apply for chiropractic school to start a year in advance.

You can find the requirements for admission to the College of Chiropractic at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) outlined on the University’s website. The admissions staff is ready to help you throughout the admissions process. Contact an advisor to learn more today!

CUKC is located in the Kansas City metro city of Overland Park and has been educating healthcare professionals since 1922.

Get more information about earning your chiropractic degree now, or find out about the chiropractic profession by downloading this FREE ebook: Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession.