Pre-Medical Preparation at UHMānoa: Chiropractic Medicine

(Text compiled from the American Chiropractic Association www.acatoday.org, the Chiropractic Resources Organization, and the UHM 2008-2009 catalog.)

Chiropractic D.C. Programs
Prerequisites for Admission
What makes a strong candidate?
Standardized Tests
Researching Schools
The Application Process
Additional Information
Downloadable Brochure

Chiropractic physicians, or chiropractors, are trained health care professionals whose focus is treating disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous system.  Within the context of a broad medical knowledge, chiropractors treat back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches owing to neuromusculoskeletal problems, using a drug-free, hands-on approach called "spinal manipulations," or "chiropractic adjustment."  In addition to spinal manipulation, chiropractics also have the ability to provide nutritional, dietary, and lifestyle counseling, along with therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises.  Chiropractors, other than those working in the state of Oregon, do not write drug prescriptions.

Chiropractors determine whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate through diagnostic methods including clinical examinations, laboratory testing, and diagnostic imaging.  When chiropractic care will not address the patient’s condition, or when the condition requires co-management, chiropractors will refer patients to the appropriate health care provider.

There are three main approaches to chiropractic care, "straight," "reform," and "mixer."  Although each approach uses subluxation (the aligning of vertebra) to treat patients, straight remains separate from mainstream healthcare system, while mixer approach includes naturopathic, osteopathic, medical and chiropractic viewpoints in their treatment.  Reform is a variation of mixer that treats osteoarthritis.  The main differences between these approaches lie in their philosophies of manipulation, and in the types of additional treatments provided.

Following graduation, chiropractics have the option to specialize in fields such as: sports injuries, occupational health, orthopedics, and neurology.   In some states chiropractors may obtain additional training to perform minor surgery, obstetrics, and proctology.

There are currently 18 accredited chiropractic schools and about 70,000 chiropractors serving in the United States.

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Chiropractic D.C. Programs

Becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine (D.C.) requires approximately 6-11 years of education:

  • Bachelors Degree (2-4 years);
  • Chiropractic School (4 years);
  • Specialization (2-3 years).

Chiropractic school consists of a rigorous education similar to that of a medical doctor, with the first two years spent taking courses and the last two years spent doing clinical rotations.  In areas such as anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation, chiropractics may receive an even more intensive education than medical physicians.  Owing to the hands-on approach and the complex manipulation techniques used in chiropractics, a significant portion of the four years is spent in clinical training.  The curriculum requires a minimum of 4,200 hours in classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience.

Upon graduation, all chiropractors must be licensed to practice.  To become licensed, chiropractic physicians must pass 4 examinations from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and complete State specific requirements.

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Prerequisites for Admission

Most importantly, remember that requirements vary from school to school!  You must research to create a list of all the prerequisites you will need to apply to the medical schools you are interested in attending.

The following UHM courses are commonly required for admission to chiropractic schools:

 
Cleveland Chiropractic College - Kansas City
X
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cleveland Chiropractic College - Los Angeles
X
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life University College of Chiropractic
X
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life Chiropractic College West
X
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Palmer College of Chiropractic
X
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Palmer College of Chiropractic - Florida
X
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Palmer College of Chiropractic - West
X
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic
X
 
 
 
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Western States Chiropractic College
X
 
 
 
X
X
X
X
X
X
 
Logan College of Chiropractic
 
X
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Texas Chiropractic College
 
X
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
D'Youville College, Doctor of Chiropractic Program
 
X
 
 
X
X
X
X
X
X
 
New York Chiropractic College
 
X
 
 
X
X
X
X
X
X
 
Parker College of Chiropractic
 
X
 
 
X
X
X
X
X
X
 
Souther California University of Health Sciences
 
X
 
 
X
X
X
X
X
X
 
University of Bridgeport, College of Chiropractic
 
 
X
 
X
X
X
X
X
X
 
Northwestern Health Sciences University
 
 
X
 
X
X
X
X
 
X
 
National University of Health Sciences
 
 
X
 
X
X
X
X
 
X
 

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What makes a strong candidate?

Tuition, as high as it is, covers only a fraction of the cost of educating a student of chiropractic medicine, which means that each new student represents a huge investment by the school.  Schools need to be certain that the students they accept will be capable of completing the medical curriculum and are likely to become good chiropractic physicians.

Are you capable of completing the chiropractic curriculum?

Medical school admissions committees are looking for students who have:

  • completed the prerequisites
  • a high overall GPA
  • a high science/math GPA
  • balanced their course load so it is challenging yet realistic

Are you likely to become a good chiropractor?

Admissions committees look for students who have:

  • demonstrated empathy, compassion, and a commitment to public service
  • high ethical and moral standards and a conscientious work ethic
  • demonstrated maturity (judgment, responsibility, dependability)
  • a broad liberal arts education that includes the humanities and social sciences
  • experience in the field and with what chiropractic medicine entails
  • a well-rounded life that balances academics, community service, social activities, and personal interests (hobbies, skills, sports, etc.)
  • excellent oral and written communication skills
  • strong letters of evaluation or recommendation

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Standardized Tests

None of the accredited chiropractic schools currently requires a standardized entrance exam, but students should always check with individual schools to be certain.

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Researching Schools

There are now 18 public and private chiropractic medical schools in the U.S., each one unique in its mission, philosophy, criteria, and strengths.  Although there are resources that "rank" schools, the rankings are rarely pertinent for individual applicants.  More important is whether there is a good match between the applicant and the school.

To find schools that are a good match for you:

  • Assess your individual strengths and weaknesses, your professional interests, learning style, and personality;
  • Research the school’s missions and philosophies and make a list of those who match your goals.
  • Using the schools’ websites, tailor your list to those whose profiles of recently admitted students match your own profile;
  • Research further to learn about the school’s specialties, faculty, teaching style, and cost attendance, then prioritize your list;
  • Finally, if possible, visit the schools to see the facilities, talk to the Admissions Directors, and chat with the students.

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The Application Process

There is no general application service for chiropractic schools.  You will have to apply directly to each individual school by completing the application provided on their website and by submitting it by the deadline.  Depending on the school, they may also ask that you send a cover letter, one or more letters of recommendation, a personal statement, college transcripts, and sometimes high school transcripts.

Some schools will also invite promising applicants to interview.  Applicants are responsible for all costs incurred while interviewing, including airfare, lodging, and meals.

Tips on applying:

  • The more you know about the school, the better your chances of being accepted.
  • Contact individual schools’ Admissions Offices to find out how they handle:
    • advanced placement (AP) credits
    • College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits
    • courses taken at a community college
    • courses taken for credit/no credit instead of a grade
    • residency issues
    • time limits on acceptable science courses
    • coursework taken outside the U.S.

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Additional Information

UHMānoa’s Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center (PAC) has reference books, lists of volunteer opportunities, academic planning worksheets, and one-on-one advising by peers who can help you prepare for and apply to chiropractic schools.

UHM's Pre-Medical Association (PMA) www.hawaii.edu/premed
premed@hawaii.edu
UHM's Biology Club www2.hawaii.edu/~bioclub
bioclub@hawaii.edu
UHM's Chemistry Club www2.hawaii.edu/~chemclub
bioclub@hawaii.edu
American Chiropractic Association www.acatoday.org

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