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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.

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, but typically, an undergraduate degree is needed before you can begin the more formal, upper-grad 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 state licensure board examinations to begin working 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.