About 70 percent of active chiropractors are in solo practice. The remainder are in group practice or work for other chiropractors. A small number teach, conduct research at chiropractic institutions, or work in hospitals and clinics. Many chiropractors are located in small communities. There are geographic imbalances in the distribution of chiropractors, in part because many establish practices close to chiropractic institutions.
Chiropractors can only practice in states where they are licensed.
Some states have agreements that permit chiropractors licensed in one state to obtain a license in another without further examination. Most state licensing boards require completion of a 4-year chiropractic college course following at least 2 years of undergraduate education, although a few states require a bachelor's degree. All state boards recognize academic training in chiropractic programs and institutions accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. For licensure, most state boards recognize either all or part of the four-part test administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. State examinations may supplement the National Board tests, depending on state requirements.