In recent years, the general medical landscape has evolved as more individuals seek out natural health alternatives. These changes have paved the way for professionals such as chiropractors to shine and show the world new remedies. This is particularly excellent news if you are at a stage in your career and education where you are considering to become a chiropractor.
Chiropractors are specially trained to diagnose and treat nervous and musculoskeletal system disorders. These doctors have a manipulative and conservative approach geared at treating certain conditions such as degenerative bone disorder, neck region pain, low back pain, bone injury, joint injury, congenital bone disorders, nerve irritation, and lumbar radiculopathy. If you’ve been gaining interest in the chiropractic field, this is the piece for you. So, what qualifications must a licensed Birmingham chiropractor meet?
Education and training requirements
The first step to becoming a chiropractor is choosing a chiropractic college that suits your lifestyle and needs. Buckle up as we take you through the journey to become a doctor of chiropractic care.
Undergraduate studies
You must complete at least 90 credits of specific undergraduate coursework. The bachelor’s degree must major in physics, chemistry, and biology in order to meet chiropractic school prerequisites. Although some states don’t require a bachelor’s degree to qualify for chiropractic school, you’ll need to check in with your state board to find out about the prerequisites. Added advantages such as taking courses like sociology, communication, and interpersonal relations will help you maneuver through this journey as chiropractors maintain personal contact throughout their line of work.
Enroll in a chiropractic college
After qualifying for admission to a chiropractic college, the journey begins with a 4-year degree program. There are only a handful of these chiropractic-specific schools in the United States. You will take courses in chiropractic philosophy, anatomy, chemistry, and musculoskeletal diagnosis. By the third year in the chiropractic course, you should be introduced to chiropractic-specific techniques such as chiropractic biophysics, instrument-assisted systems, extreme spinal adjustment techniques, and spinal biomechanics. A majority of these programs incorporate internships at physical chiropractic practices where you can practice these trained skills under a certified chiropractor’s supervision.
Licensure
You’ll have to pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiner’s exam before getting the necessary chiropractic licenses. You may need additional state certifications after graduating from chiropractic school besides the one offered by the national board. Typically, these exams entail four sections that should pave the way for your licenses. It’s worth noting that some states will require chiropractors to retake examinations once in a while to renew licenses.
Pick a chiropractic specialty
Like other professional fields, chiropractors can specialize in various subsets under chiropractic care. There are many popular subsets, such as pediatrics, sports injuries, and geriatrics. A majority of chiropractors will choose neuropathy alongside chiropractic care that specializes in treating the nervous system and back pain without using invasive surgery or medication. You may also specialize in participating in community outreach programs to educate people about the benefits of manipulative and conservative therapy.
Continued education
Earning a chiropractor license won’t be the end of the road for a focused doctor of chiropractic. You will need to involve yourself in continuing education every other year to retain a valid license that allows you to continue practicing chiropractic care. Chiropractors are encouraged to attend workshops and continuing education classes to learn more about evolving chiropractic medicine. Continued education equips you with knowledge and skills to even incorporate other services into your practice or portfolio. Some chiropractors may choose to study naturopathy, acupuncture, massage, or other alternative medicine to their resume.
License verification
All licensed and certified chiropractors now feature on state board websites for clients to verify their chiropractors’ licensing statuses. You should feel confident benefiting from a chiropractor who has been certified and well-trained.
It takes about six years of college in both undergraduate and chiropractic schools to obtain necessary papers that certify you are a chiropractor. After gaining licensure, you may decide to seek employment in already established chiropractic care facilities or open your own facility.
If you are exploring options in the chiropractic field, we will be happy to help you. If you’ve been looking for chiropractic services and alternative medicine to the common invasive and medicinal options, call us today at 205-637-1363. We will be happy to help you out.
