What is a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors are first contact providers (i.e. there is no need for a referral) licensed to practice in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
They exercise autonomy in clinical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services including the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of spine and musculoskeletal problems with a focus on back and neck pain. As part of their practice, chiropractors conduct physical exams, order and interpret radiological imaging and laboratory tests, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal dysfunction and disorders, counsel patients on health and wellness and co-manage or refer to other health care providers when appropriate.
Who is a Chiropractic Career For?
The field of chiropractic (also referred to as chiropractic medicine) is for people who are interested in health care and using non-invasive manual therapies to help patients and support their whole-person health. They are strong communicators with a sense of empathy who can talk to patients often experiencing chronic conditions and can take the time to clearly explain treatment options.
What Degree Do I Need to Become a Chiropractor?
The Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree is required to practice as a chiropractor. It ensures you have received and are proficient in the courses, manual skills and clinical experiences that are needed to sit for the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Exam.
Most DC programs include several years of dedicated studying and practicing clinical skills to ensure proficiency. The University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Chiropractic program is eight terms of didactic and clinical training.
Are you ready to get started in a chiropractic career? Follow these six steps make it happen!
Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree
Many chiropractic programs accept students who have completed 90 undergraduate credits. The Pitt Doctor of Chiropractic program differs by requiring the applicant to have earned a bachelor’s degree and strong candidates will demonstrate success studying the life sciences.
To gain a better understanding of what life sciences courses are, check out our program prerequisites and recommended coursework on the Pitt Doctor of Chiropractic Admissions page.
Step 2: Shadow and observe!
Get involved! There’s no better way to learn if this is the right career path for you than to volunteer alongside a practicing clinician. They often take on people who are interested in chiropractic to show them the ins and outs of the profession.
While Pitt’s application does not require shadowing hours, we do require applicants to have one letter of recommendation from a clinician to demonstrate first-hand knowledge of the field. Most often this clinician is a chiropractor that the applicant has shadowed or worked with in their practice.
Step 3: Apply to Pitt’s DC program through GradCAS!
All applicants interested in applying to Pitt’s program must apply through GradCAS. You will need to upload your personal statement, two letters of recommendation and your transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended. You should put time and effort into your personal statement and letters of recommendation. We recommend having someone read over your materials before submitting them to GradCAS.
Learn more about the admissions requirements and process on our Doctor of Chiropractic Admissions page.
Step 4: Earn your DC Degree!
Doctor of Chiropractic programs vary, but if you apply to Pitt’s program, you can expect to have a combination of evidence-driven didactic classes and clinical experience in a variety of settings during your eight terms.
Clinical experience is crucial for developing well-rounded skills before entering the profession. Beginning in your first week of class and throughout the eight terms, you will receive over 1,400 hours of clinical instruction—exceeding the minimum 1,000 hours required for accreditation—at facilities and clinics unique to Pitt’s extensive network of clinical education. This includes training at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) hospitals and clinics, private chiropractic practices, and the Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Healthcare System.
Step 5: Pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Exams
After you earn your Doctor of Chiropractic degree, you need to pass a series of four National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exams to become a practicing chiropractor. Once you receive your passing scores, you can apply for your license in the state(s) where you’d like to practice.
Each state and country sets its own standards of competency and scope of practice for chiropractic through regulatory processes. These standards may include, but are not limited to, pre-chiropractic and chiropractic education requirements.
For detailed information on state and international licensing requirements, visit the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Board website at www.FCLB.org or consult the specific state licensing boards.
Step 6: Get out into the field!
Congratulations—you are a practicing chiropractor! As a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, you will become an influential alum transforming the future of chiropractic care. You will step into the profession with a skilled mind and skilled hands, excelling at spinal manipulation and mobilization and contributing to reducing the burden of musculoskeletal conditions around the world.
With your evidence-based and interprofessional education from Pitt, you will separate yourself from others with career potential beyond private practice. You will be prepared to seamlessly integrate into clinical settings at medical and health care facilities such as the VA, Federally Qualified Health Centers, rehabilitation hospitals and pain clinics, while working among colleagues from diverse backgrounds all with the aim of advancing patient care.
No matter where you land in your new chiropractic career, you will be trained as an expert in evidence-based spine care and have the potential to help to achieve the Triple Aim of Health Care:
- Improving the individual patient experience of care
- Improving the overall health of the U.S. population
- Reducing per capita costs for back and neck pain
Welcome to the University of Pittsburgh—a leader in the field of chiropractic!