When you want good results, you need definitive answers to tough questions. So when it comes to the real scoop about chiropractic college, who knows more than successful alumni from a chiropractic college? In this article, insight about what to know and expect in chiropractic college comes to you from the memories of former chiropractic students who are now doctors of chiropractic!
Chiropractic College: Reflections from Those Who Know
Recent grads Dr. Lindsey Spreiter, Dr. Taylor Frederick, Dr. Megan McRell, and Dr. Ryan Grenier are in private chiropractic practices. Based on their collective experience, here are details on six aspects of chiropractic college prospective students will want to know.
1. How do I describe chiropractic college to those who don’t know what I know?
The doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) degree is among a limited group of “professional” degrees, which include medical doctors, osteopaths, optometrists, dentists, veterinarians, and others.
Chiropractic students usually begin by earning an undergraduate degree before they move on to earning a chiropractic degree at one of the 16 accredited chiropractic institutions in the United States.
The minimum educational requirements for applying to a chiropractic college is 90 college hours – about three years of undergraduate study. At least 24 hours should be in the life and physical sciences:
2. How long does it take to earn the doctor of chiropractic degree?
There’s a saying about that: “Think 3 for chiropractic degree.” The time needed may fluctuate, based on your educational background. For most, it’s right at 3.3 years. Instead of an academic year being two semesters, most chiropractic colleges go year-round – a trimester schedule.
So, you can plan on three to four years for your undergraduate degree and at least 3.3 years to earn your chiropractic degree.
By the time their education is complete, most chiropractors hold at least a bachelor’s degree (usually a B.S.) and the Doctor of Chiropractic degree (D.C.)
3. What is the average class size?
The class sizes vary depending on when you start the program. A summer entry generally means a smaller class than in the fall and spring. However, if you start in the fall – one of the bigger incoming classes – inquire about the student-to-teacher ratio. (Note: A 12:1 or lower student-to-teacher ratio is considered a solid standard.)
4. Can you balance work with chiropractic school?
While it’s not uncommon for some students to work while attending chiropractic college, most students want to focus on school.
In general, the advice was to see what jobs are available around campus through the federal Work-Study program. These jobs are in the university itself, often in the business office, the health center, or in areas like financial aid or communications.
Because work-study positions are on campus, you can earn some money and stay connected. Most jobs are clerical, so you have the time (and energy) to study on the days you do work.
5. What classes are the hardest?
Certainly, the doctor of chiropractic is challenging, and biochemistry was noted as being the most difficult. Other hard courses within the chiropractic degree program are the cadaver labs, and classes in nutrition and cardiovascular/pulmonary physiology.
The group agreed that you need to use the available student resources. Often, on-campus tutoring from a more advanced student is free. Some chiropractic college instructors have generous office hours and can conduct practice tests to help prepare you for the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams.
Other ways to enhance learning is talking with other students regularly, setting up study sessions, and reviewing class notes with other students.
6. I am married, so is chiropractic college possible?
Yes, of course! Ryan was married while in school and said he had no issues. The main thing is to discuss it with your partner and let them know that graduate school is demanding. You will have to find a school-life balance that that’s comfortable for both partners.
CUKC: 3.3 Years to a Your Chiropractic Degree
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit, healthcare-focused university in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of the Kansas City metro. Because of a year-round, trimester schedule, most students earn their doctor of chiropractic degree(D.C.) in 3.3 years.
Points of distinction for the CUKC chiropractic degree include:
If you have more questions about earning a chiropractic degree, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions in this FAQ blog.
Learn more about the profession and how to get into a chiropractic college right now. Click here to get the free ebook: Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession.
