Pre-Chiropractic
Chiropractors care for patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal adjustments and manipulation, as well as other clinical interventions, to manage patients’ health concerns, such as back and neck pain.
Admission to Chiropractic School
The criteria for admission vary from school to school, but usually include academic record (GPA), letters of recommendation, demonstrated knowledge and commitment to the profession and a personal interview. Personal characteristics such as integrity and maturity are considered. Early in your college career you should initiate several hours of observation with at least one practicing chiropractor.
Most chiropractic schools do not require a specific major. Therefore, you may major in almost anything. You should consider a major which you enjoy, in which you will perform well, and which may serve as a basis for further graduate work or employment should you choose not to apply to or are not admitted to chiropractic school. Admissions committees expect variety in educational programs, so you should take courses in a wide variety of subject areas, no matter what you decide to declare as a major.
- Biology I and II with labs: BIOL 1081/1081L and 1082/1082L
- General Chemistry I and II with labs: CHEM 1040/1040L and 1041/1041L
- Organic Chemistry I and II with labs: CHEM 2040/2040L and 2041/2041L
- Physics I and II with labs: PHYS 1051/1051L and 1052/1052L or PHYS 2001/2001L and 2002/2002L
- English: ENGL 1001 and 2089
- Psychology: PSYC 1001
- Social Science or Humanities courses: 15 hours
Most chiropractic schools do not require an entry exam, such as the MCAT or GRE, for admittance into their programs, however, you should consult the admissions literature for the specific requirements at each school in which you are interested in applying.
The national mean GPA of first-year chiropractic students is 3.38. It is particularly important that you perform well in your science courses.
Most schools require three letters of recommendation. Be prepared to secure a recommendation from at least one chiropractor and at least one professor.
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Things to Consider Before Going Pre-Chiropractic
While a career as a chiropractic can be rewarding, there are a few things to keep in mind before you pursue the pre-chiropractic route.
- The cost of education and amounts and types of financial aid vary from school to school.
- Since you will likely incur a substantial debt for chiropractic school, you are strongly encouraged to investigate costs and aid early and adjust finances during your undergraduate education.
- Most applicants are eligible for federal aid.
- If eligible, apply for FAFSA during January of your application cycle, even if you are still awaiting admission decision.
For many students, the most difficult task is to acquire the study skills and self-discipline necessary to attain academic excellence. It is important that you really learn the material, not just memorize it, as it is crucial to develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The rigorous curriculum of a pre-chiropractic student demands tenacity and stamina.
Admission committees look at the "big picture" as they evaluate applicants. They realize that every student does not hit the ground running when they enter college. Admission committees expect an excellent academic record, but may make some allowances for a problem semester, slow start, or rough spot. If academic problems arise, you must bounce back and perform better than ever to show that the problem was an exception, rather than the rule. Use resources such as professor and T.A. office hours and the Learning Commons.
Having a parallel plan or alternative option to chiropractic school is highly recommended. That plan could include attending a post-bac or graduate program or pursuing a different kind of healthcare career. ExploreHealthCareers.org is a great resource to find your alternative career path.
How to Get Started
Preparing for admission to professional schools requires careful long-term planning and accurate information. The PPAC specializes in providing students with necessary information and helping them develop good planning skills. Our staff can provide you with help through each step of the way, including course selection, career exploration, time management tips, information on individual schools, admissions test preparation advice, managing letters of recommendation, and ways to get experience in professional settings.
To get started or learn more, register for a Pre-Health Introduction Workshop.