How Long Does It Take to Become a Chiropractor?
Quick Answer
7–8 years after high school. This includes 3–4 years of undergraduate study followed by a 4-year Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program, plus licensing exams.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
Becoming a licensed chiropractor takes 7–8 years of education after high school. The path includes 3–4 years of undergraduate coursework (a bachelor's degree is strongly recommended) followed by a 4-year Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program at an accredited chiropractic college. After graduation, you must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams and obtain a state license before practicing.
Timeline Breakdown
| Step | Duration | Running Total |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate prerequisites / bachelor's degree | 3–4 years | 3–4 years |
| Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program | 3.5–4 years | 7–8 years |
| NBCE licensing exams (Parts I–IV) | Taken during DC program | — |
| State licensing | 2–8 weeks after graduation | 7–8 years |
| Optional residency or specialization | 1–3 years | 8–11 years |
Undergraduate Prerequisites (3–4 Years)
Most chiropractic programs require at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework, though earning a full bachelor's degree is strongly recommended and preferred by most DC programs. Required prerequisites typically include:
| Subject | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| General biology with lab | 2 semesters |
| General chemistry with lab | 2 semesters |
| Organic chemistry with lab | 1–2 semesters |
| Physics with lab | 2 semesters |
| English / communications | 2 semesters |
| Psychology | 1 semester |
| Humanities / social sciences | 2–3 courses |
Popular undergraduate majors include biology, kinesiology, exercise science, and pre-health studies. A strong science GPA (3.0+) is important for competitive admission.
Doctor of Chiropractic Program (3.5–4 Years)
The DC program is an intensive, full-time graduate program totaling approximately 4,800 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical instruction. Programs are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).
| Year | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | Anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, spinal anatomy, chiropractic philosophy |
| Year 2 | Pathology, microbiology, diagnostic imaging, clinical diagnosis, nutrition |
| Year 3 | Clinical assessment, chiropractic technique, radiology, differential diagnosis, clinical internship begins |
| Year 4 | Advanced clinical internship, practice management, board exam preparation |
Well-known CCE-accredited programs include Palmer College of Chiropractic (Davenport, IA), Life University (Marietta, GA), Logan University (Chesterfield, MO), and Parker University (Dallas, TX).
Licensing Exams
All states require passing the NBCE exams (Parts I–IV), taken progressively during the DC program, plus a state jurisprudence exam after graduation.
Cost of Becoming a Chiropractor
| Expense | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree (4 years) | $40,000–$160,000 |
| DC program tuition (3.5–4 years) | $100,000–$200,000 |
| NBCE exam fees (Parts I–IV) | $1,500–$2,500 total |
| State licensing fees | $100–$500 |
| Malpractice insurance (first year) | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Total | $142,000–$366,000+ |
The average DC graduate carries approximately $150,000–$250,000 in student loan debt.
Earning Potential
| Career Stage | Typical Salary |
|---|---|
| New graduate (associate) | $50,000–$70,000 |
| Established practitioner (3–5 years) | $70,000–$100,000 |
| Practice owner | $100,000–$200,000+ |
| Specialist (sports, pediatrics, radiology) | $90,000–$150,000+ |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for chiropractors is approximately $75,000, with the top 10% earning over $130,000.
Tips for Aspiring Chiropractors
- Shadow a chiropractor early. Most DC programs require or strongly recommend observation hours. Start accumulating these during your undergraduate years.
- Focus on science GPA. A 3.0+ science GPA is typically the minimum, but competitive applicants have a 3.3 or higher.
- Choose your DC program carefully. Consider technique philosophy, clinical hours, location, and board pass rates when selecting a chiropractic college.
- Start NBCE prep early. Pass rates are highest for students who begin studying for Part I well before the exam window.
- Plan for business skills. Over 50% of chiropractors are self-employed, so practice management and marketing knowledge are essential for long-term success.