A doctor of chiropractic is a healthcare professional that is focused on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the spine, as well as other parts of the musculoskeletal system. But, what kind of training do they get to teach them about the human body? Well, it’s all about class.
Chiropractic classes are similar to much of the coursework taken by others seeking a health care profession where they help others. Chiropractic students take many of the same classes as students in medical or dental school. Those careers are heavy in the sciences, and chiropractic is no different. It’s heavy on the “omys” and the “ologies.” Translation? Chiropractic students take a lot of anatomy and biology courses!
While the two classes mentioned above meet the “omy” and “ology” criteria, so do several others in the chiropractic curriculum. There are multiples of each category, including Systemic Anatomy, Extremity Anatomy, Spinal Anatomy, and Neuroanatomy, as well as Histology, Embryology, Bacteriology, Radiology, and Toxicology.
This list is only a small part of the course work that must be completed to earn your chiropractic degree. There are many other classes, each offering specialized instruction in a particular area. Among those are classes that focus on nutrition, adjusting techniques, public health, X-ray procedures, chiropractic philosophy, and history, along with clinical preparation and internship.
What does all this mean? It means that the chiropractic program is academically rigorous and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The curriculum requires 4,575 hours of classroom instruction and clinical experience. This may lead some to wonder just how long is chiropractic school? In most cases, the Doctor of Chiropractic degree can be completed in approximately 3 1/2 years. It is important to note that while the journey is long and intense, chiropractic is a tremendously rewarding profession.
Chiropractic degrees allow graduates to serve humanity just like other health care professionals, just in a slightly different way. The work of a chiropractor is all done by hand without injections, surgery, or prescription medications. Also, chiropractors can work in a variety of capacities, but many choose to open their practice, which allows them to own their own business.
Chiropractic classes are challenging, but those who pursue a career in chiropractic are well prepared when they graduate. They are ready to use their knowledge to impact the lives of their patients every day. The ability to ease the pain and suffering of others makes all the hours of class worthwhile.
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of the Kansas City metro. Founded in 1922, our College of Chiropractic has educated more than 11,000 chiropractors into the profession.
We’re known for high-quality instruction, early introduction to patient techniques, our on-campus Techniques Lab, plentiful student services, and being at the top for student performance on the National Board for Chiropractic Education exams.
The Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) catalog outlines the course schedule followed by its students as they progress through the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program. It offers greater insight into what a potential student can expect.
To learn more about the Doctor of Chiropractic degree and the opportunities in the chiropractic profession, get this free eBook: Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession.
