State examinations may supplement the National Board tests, depending on State requirements. To maintain licensure, almost all States require completion of a specified number of hours of continuing education each year. Continuing education programs are offered by accredited chiropractic programs and institutions, and chiropractic associations. Sixteen chiropractic programs and institutions in the United States are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. All required applicants must have at least 60 accredited semester hours of undergraduate study leading toward a bachelor's degree, including courses in English, the social sciences or humanities, organic and inorganic chemistry, biology, physics, and psychology.
Many applicants have a bachelor's degree.
During the first 2 years of studt, most chiropractic programs emphasize classroom and laboratory work in basic science subjects such as anatomy, physiology, public health, microbiology, pathology, and biochemistry. The last 2 years of study stress courses in chiropractic adjustments, and provide clinical experience in physical and laboratory diagnosis, neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, and nutrition. Chiropractic requires keen observation to detect vertebral subluxations and physical abnormalities. It also takes considerable hand dexterity to perform the chiropractic adjustment, but not unusual strength or endurance. Chiropractors should be able to work independently and handle responsibility.