Chiropractic
Overview of the Field
General Admittance Requirements
Recommended MUC Curricula
Application Process
Overview of the Field
Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health.
Doctors of chiropractic frequently treat individuals with neuromusculoskeletal complaints, such as headaches, joint pain, neck pain, low back pain and sciatica. Chiropractors also treat patients with osteoarthritis, spinal disk conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, sprains, and strains. However, the scope of conditions that Doctors of chiropractic manage or provide care for is not limited to neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractors have the training to treat a variety of non-neuromusculoskeletal conditions such as: allergies, asthma, digestive disorders, otitis media (non-suppurative) and other disorders as new research is developed.
As a profession, the primary belief is in natural and conservative methods of health care. Doctors of chiropractic have a deep respect for the human body's ability to heal itself without the use of surgery or medication. These doctors devote careful attention to the biomechanics, structure and function of the spine, its effects on the musculoskeletal and neurological systems, and the role played by the proper function of these systems in the preservation and restoration of health. A Doctor of chiropractic is one who is involved in the treatment and prevention of disease, as well as the promotion of public health, and a wellness approach to patient healthcare.
(This information was taken directly from the American Chiropractic Association.)
For more information, please contact:
American Chiropractic Association
1701 Clarendon Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 276
8800
http://www.amerchiro.org/index.cfm
General Admittance Requirements
Academics requirements
Applicants must have completed 90 hours of coursework at an accredited undergraduate institution. (It is important to note that some state licensing agencies require a baccalaureate degree for practicing doctors of chiropractic.) The pre-professional education which has been acquired must have a minimum average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, with no less than a "C" grade in courses with laboratory in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Chiropractic Schools generally have requirements similar to medical schools, including 8 credits of Biology, 8 credits of general/inorganic chemistry, 8 credits of organic chemistry, 8 credits of physics, and 6 credits of English, and 18 credits of social sciences and humanities (including at least 3 credits of psychology.) Some programs differ from this list. You must contact individual schools for their specific requirements.
Non-academic requirements
Most programs look for emotional maturity, initiative, integrity, communication skills, ability to solve problems, and evidence of interest in the chiropractic profession.
Successful applicant profile:
Successful applicants generally have a GPA of at least 3.0 and strong letters of recommendation from faculty and a doctor of chiropractic.
Recommended MUC Curricula
An undergraduate degree is generally not required for entrance into a Chiropractic School, but it is highly recommended. Specifically, professional licensure for doctors of chiropractic requires a baccalaureate degree in some states.
Chiropractic schools will accept students from any major. There are better paths than others, however. Below is an alphabetical list of majors that are suggested for Mount Union College Students. Click a major to get a detailed four year plan to help you fulfill requirements for medical school.
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
Application Process
Centralized Application Service
There is no recognized central application process for schools of chiropractic. Most schools have online applications available.
Admissions Tests
There is generally no standardized test for chiropractic, but some schools take into consideration GRE or MCAT.
Recommendations
Most schools require letters of recommendation from faculty and a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic. Faculty letters may be committee letters or personal letters.
Personal Statement
A personal statement is required in the application process. It is especially important to show the committee how you stand out from the applicant pool. Demonstrating a commitment to and understanding of chiropractic is necessary.
Deadlines
Deadlines are different for each school. Some schools have rolling admission with multiple entrance terms per year.
Schools of Interest
There are 16 accredited Chiropractic Schools in the United States. There are no Chiropractic Schools in Ohio. See the Pre-Health Advisor for information for the New York Chiropractic College and Logan University. See the full list of schools here.
Reciprical Agreements
There are currently no reciprocal agreements between Mount Union College and Chiropractic Schools.
