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Pre-Chiropractic Undergraduate Programs for Military and Veterans

Pre-Chiropractic Undergraduate Programs for Military and Veterans

Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those of the spine. According to the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, “Doctors of chiropractic provide vital, life-changing care to over 35 million American adults annually.”

This medical career field emphasizes diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions of the spine and related issues. Many ask, "How long does it take to become a chiropractor?" To practice as a chiropractor, you must first earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, typically requiring three to five years of postgraduate study.

Additionally, chiropractors must obtain state licensure and engage in ongoing continuing education to maintain their credentials and stay current on the latest advancements in the field. Do chiropractors go to medical school? Some may attend pre-med classes as an undergraduate, but the coursework for Chiropractic degrees is not necessarily identical to medical school for other disciplines.

Select Yellow Ribbon Chiropractor Schools

Sherman College

Sherman College, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, emphasizes a "straight" approach in chiropractic medicine (a small range of treatments, mostly spinal adjustments) instead of the diagnostic and symptomatic treatment focus of "mixed" (traditional spine fixes in addition to acupuncture, massage therapy, or physical therapy) Sherman's program spans 14 quarters; it features classroom and hands-on instruction, internships, research opportunities, and community service.



Cleveland University, Kansas City

Located in Overland Park, Kansas, CUKC students can pursue a D.C. degree and a Bachelor of Human Biology through a combined program. Additionally, it provides students with business training through its Success Strategies seminars and club.



Texas Chiropractic College

Located in Pasadena, Texas, the school's D.C. program features an evidence-informed curriculum that integrates chiropractic principles within a broad scientific context, equipping students with theoretical knowledge and clinical skills.



National University of Health Sciences

The National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) provides professional degrees in chiropractic and naturopathic medicine. Chiropractic students are trained in over 100 evidence-based adjustments and gain extensive hands-on experience. Within six months of beginning the program, students start practicing adjustments under the guidance of experienced instructors.



Palmer College of Chiropractic

Palmer students start hands-on training early and can further hone their clinical skills through student clubs or extra lab sessions, all under the mentorship of faculty. By their seventh trimester, they begin gaining practical experience in the Palmer Chiropractic Clinics. The DC program involves year-round, in-person classes over approximately 3 1/3 years. All Palmer students master the "Palmer Package" technique and are introduced to both instrument-assisted and table-assisted techniques.

Using the GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon Programs to Become a Chiropractor

There are schools with pre-chiropractic programs that accept the GI Bill and participate in the Yellow Ribbon program. But you’ll need to contact each chiropractic school you're interested in. There is no centralized application process for multiple chiropractic schools.

Be sure to ask the admissions team whether there’s a dedicated office of Veterans Affairs or a similar option at that school for processing GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon applications.

Be sure to monitor your benefits and payments: Stay informed about your benefit status and payment disbursements, and know the school’s policies on what happens if GI Bill benefit payments to the school are late or delayed.

Learn more about how to use the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon programs.

College Needed to Become a Chiropractor

The educational career path for a Doctor of Chiropractic degree does not necessarily include a pre-med type program; however, typically, an undergraduate degree is required before beginning the more formal, upper-graduate coursework leading to a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.

Once they complete their undergraduate work, aspiring chiropractors must enroll in an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree program and pass the state licensure board examinations to begin practicing in the field.

Careers with a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree

Pre-Chiropractic Programs

Pre-chiropractic programs are sometimes, but not always, included in undergraduate options. These focus on coursework in STEM areas, allowing the pursuit of a bachelor's degree in a field of your choice and getting pre-Chiropractic prerequisites met at the same time.

Specific requirements may vary between institutions. Pre-chiropractic programs typically demand a foundation in:If you want to start an undergraduate academic program with the goal of becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic, it’s smart to learn about prerequisite courses required by some chiropractic schools. These typically include biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Some recommend a set of core classes, which may include:Research different universities that offer pre-chiropractic tracks. When making your decision, consider factors like program curriculum, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and location.

Choosing a pre-chiropractic track can be an important first step toward a career in chiropractic care.

Learn about using the Yellow Ribbon program to help pay for college.