Definition - What does Doctor of Chiropractic mean?
A doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) is the degree earned, and is also the physician who practices under this degree. They are a licensed health professional that practices an alternative style of medicine specializing in diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system. A doctor of chiropractic also focuses on the relation between these illnesses and their impact on general health. A doctor of chiropractic is often called a chiropractor.
SureHire explains Doctor of Chiropractic
The doctor of chiropractic degree has specific requirements that are detailed by the national boards of chiropractics.
- Four years of training to become a doctor of chiropractic including 2 years of basic sciences with the completion of National Boards Part 1
- The following 2 years regard the clinical sciences after which the completion of National Boards Part 2 is needed
- National Boards Part 3 is required if the doctor of chiropractic intends to use psychological therapeutics during practice.
- The National Boards Part 4 includes
- Diagnostic imaging
- Chiropractic technique
- Case management
After specific educational requirements, a 1-year internship is required to obtain the license of doctor in chiropractic.
Post-graduate, some states require a course work credit of 40 hours every two years or similar programs, depending on the state of practice.
Further certifications for chiropractors include a 1 - 3 year program with 300+ hours of course work with a minimum of 5 years in practice. Some of the certification a post-graduate residency program can award for chiropractors include:
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Sports medicine
- Rehabilitation
- Nutrition
- Family practice
- Pediatrics
