Chiropractic Education in Redlands
Chiropractic Education and Training
Many people are surprised to learn how much training a chiropractor completes before treating patients. At Chiropractic Sports & Injury Center in Redlands, CA, Dr. Bruce Humphries, DC brings this extensive education, along with years of hands-on experience, to every patient he treats. Here’s a closer look at what it takes to become a Doctor of Chiropractic.
The Path to Becoming a Chiropractor
Admission to a chiropractic college requires three to four years of undergraduate college work, including basic science courses such as biology, anatomy, chemistry, and physics. Once these requirements are met, students begin about 10 semesters (five academic years) of chiropractic education.
Along with classroom study, training includes an internship in clinics operated by the school. In this clinical setting, student interns care for patients under the supervision of chiropractic instructors. Many students also complete an externship, working under the supervision of practicing physicians.
Licensing Requirements
Before a chiropractor can practice, they must pass the standardized National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exams. Each state also has its own licensing laws and requirements, which vary from state to state.
How Chiropractic Education Compares to Medical School
Many people wonder how chiropractic training compares to a traditional medical curriculum. The following chart was compiled from a review of the catalogs of 22 medical schools and 11 chiropractic colleges, along with updates from the National Health Federation Bulletin. Figures are classroom hours.
| Chiropractic College | Medical School | |
| 520 | Anatomy | 508 |
| 420 | Physiology | 326 |
| 300 | Pathology | 401 |
| 130 | Chemistry | 325 |
| 520 | Bacteriology | 114 |
| 420 | Diagnosis | 324 |
| 320 | Neurology | 112 |
| 217 | X-ray | 148 |
| 225 | Orthopedics | 156 |
Some subjects differ between the two programs. Chiropractors complete extensive coursework in nutrition, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation, while medical students take classes in pharmacology (drugs) and general surgery.
A Musculoskeletal Specialist
When medical doctors graduate, they do not yet have a specialty. To specialize in musculoskeletal care, a medical doctor completes a residency in orthopedics and becomes an orthopedist. A chiropractor receives approximately 2,500 hours of musculoskeletal education within the five-year chiropractic program, which is why chiropractors focus on the muscles, joints, and nerves.
This training is put to work every day at our office in treating back pain, neck pain, sciatica, herniated discs, sports injuries, and auto accident injuries. Learn more about our office, meet our team, read Dr. Humphries’ articles and books, or see all of our chiropractic services.
Chiropractic Education FAQs
How many years of school does a chiropractor complete?
Chiropractors typically complete three to four years of undergraduate study followed by about five academic years of chiropractic college.
Do chiropractors complete clinical training?
Yes. Chiropractic students complete a supervised clinical internship caring for patients, and many also complete an externship with practicing physicians.
Are chiropractors licensed?
Yes. Chiropractors must pass national board exams and meet their state’s licensing requirements before they can practice.
How does chiropractic education compare to medical school?
The programs share many core sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Chiropractors focus more on musculoskeletal care, nutrition, and rehabilitation, while medical students study pharmacology and surgery.
Are chiropractors trained to take X-rays?
Yes. Chiropractic education includes extensive training in X-ray and diagnosis.
Do chiropractors prescribe medication?
No. Chiropractors use drug-free, hands-on treatments and refer patients to medical doctors when medication or surgery may be needed.
Experience Expert Chiropractic Care
Put Dr. Humphries’ training and experience to work for you. Call Chiropractic Sports & Injury Center at (909) 793-9787 or request an appointment online.