Admission requirements for Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine (D.C.)
According to the Association of Chiropractic Colleges:
“Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the body's main structures—the skeleton, the muscles, and the nerves—and the patient's health. Chiropractors believe that health can be improved and preserved by making adjustments to these structures, particularly to the spinal column. They do not prescribe drugs or perform surgical procedures, although they do refer patients for these services if they are medically indicated.
“Chiropractic has become a well-recognized and highly respected health care field. Chiropractic services are covered by health insurance, including Medicare, and chiropractors are bound by the same regulations and ethics as medical doctors and doctors of osteopathy.
“Most patients seek chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain, and joint problems. However, many patients choose a chiropractor as their primary care doctor because they prefer treatment plans that do not rely on medication or surgery.
“Because of the emphasis on holistic health care, chiropractic is associated with the field of complementary and alternative medicine.”
Degree requirements: 90 college credits
Time to degree: 10 trimesters (about three years and four months)
Clinical requirements: One year (minimum) of patient care
Certification requirements: Successful completion of four board exams
Median Indiana salary: $102,870
Projected job growth: 15% by 2022
Minimum GPA: 3.0 (those between 2.75 and 2.99 can enroll in alternative track)
Application deadline(s): Rolling admission, three application deadlines per year (January, May, and September start dates)
Classes
What to Do
Questions to Ask
Year 1
Fall 1
ENG-W 131, BIOL-K 101, CHEM-C 105/125, MATH-I 153
Volunteer work/student activities
Do I want to study abroad? What kind of research experience do I want?
Spring 1
BIOL-K 103, CHEM-C 106/126, MATH-I 154, PSY-B 110
Volunteer work/student activities; apply for the LHSI
Summer 1
Volunteer work; start shadowing
To which programs do I want to apply?
Year 2
Fall 2
BIOL-N 261, CHEM-C 341/343, ENG-W 231 or W 230, Arts & Humanities
Volunteer work/student activities; keep shadowing
Spring 2
CHEM-C 342, PHYS-P 201 or PHYS-I 218
Volunteer work/student activities; apply for the LHSI (if not accepted in Year 1)
Whom do I want to be a reference for me?
Summer 2
How much can I spend on the application process?
Year 3
Fall 3
PHYS-P 202 or PHYS-I 219, BIOL-K 384
Start working on application essays
Who can look at my essays and give me constructive, honest feedback?
Spring 3
Summer 3
Apply to schools
Year 4
Fall 4
Spring 4
Summer 4
Year 5
Fall 5
Start school!
24 credits in humanities and social sciences, often including:
English
Psychology
Speech
24 credits in life and physical sciences:
Biology with a lab
Physics with a lab
General chemistry with a lab
Organic chemistry with a lab
Anatomy and biochemistry recommended
Health and Life Sciences Advising Center social media channels