OK, your dream of a healthcare career is on track, and you’ve decided to learn about chiropractic college. That’s fantastic – the general public and the healthcare community now have a greater recognition of the benefits of chiropractic care than ever before.
The increased use of chiropractic treatments is due to emerging research, a surge toward integrative care, and an opioid crisis that causes two-thirds of the drug overdose deaths in the United States. So, the choice to become a chiropractor is a good one.
Still, once you’re in a chiropractic college, how do you maximize that experience? How do you learn as much as possible about the profession?
The answer: join any number of chiropractic associations, interest groups, and student organizations.
Doing this may sound like too much, too early. After all, the coursework to become a chiropractor requires proper use of time, your best efforts, and a whole lot of determination to be a chiropractor who will make a difference in healthcare. How else will you conquer 4,200 hours of anatomy, human biology, chemistry, physiology, and the lab time that goes with it?
With that in mind, it’s good to review the benefits of association membership while in a chiropractic college.
1. It widens your perspective
You’ll gain access to chiropractic issues, topics, and trends.
2. There are opportunities to show leadership and initiative
Getting involved helps you grow personally.
3. Your personal and professional network will expand
Memberships will expose you to new friendships and networking groups that will help you now and when you’re in a solo or group practice.
4. You’ll know how to market yourself
Associations often offer insight into the profession and “best business practices” that help grow your practice.
5. You’ll be inspired
Getting through chiropractic school is challenging, and you’ll need the motivation to help achieve your dream. Being in a community of people with similar goals will keep you focused.
One place to see all the options available to you is the website of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE). This organization conducts the exams leading to licensure as a Doctor of Chiropractic.
On the NBCE website, there’s a list of associations to consider joining and mission statements for each one. Options range from the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), the largest professional association globally, to Federation Internationale de Chiropratique Sportive, which is involved with the international Olympic community and the world and regional games.
Universities that promote a well-rounded chiropractic life will support chapters of SACA – the Student American Chiropractic Association. SACA offers leadership opportunities, provides information about the chiropractic profession, tracks legislative issues, and keeps up to date on the latest topics within the chiropractic profession. Many chapters bring in guest speakers that enhance chiropractic education.
As graduation approaches, another excellent option for support and guidance is the state association where your practice is located. A link to all U.S. state associations is found on the ACA website.
For nearly one out of 10 chiropractors, the place to become a chiropractor is Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC), a nonprofit, private chiropractic and health sciences university in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City.
Thinking of ways to improve the student experience and prepare students for a solo or group practice has been important since 1922. View our student support network and 30-some student clubs and organizations.
The CUKC Doctor of Chiropractic degree can be completed in just 3.3 years (10 trimesters), all in classrooms and labs on the CUKC campus and clinical settings in the Kansas City area. Qualified applicants can enter the chiropractic degree program in spring, summer, or fall of each year.
Cleveland University-Kansas City can also help you maximize the overall value of your education with a dual degree. Students may pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Human Biology while completing the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program. That translates into less time in school and lower educational costs.
Learn more about our Doctor of Chiropractic degree by talking to an advisor, and you’ll get our free chiropractic eBook today!
