Obtaining a Chiropractic License
Licensure is the next step on the road to becoming a practicing doctor of chiropractic, after finishing your education. All states require chiropractors to obtain a state-issued license to legally practice, but the requirements for obtaining this license vary between states.
Basics
- Before applying for licensure, applicants must have completed at least two years of undergraduate course work and four years of chiropractic school; some states require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree.
- Applicants must pass all parts of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners four part examination, a state board examination, or some combination thereof.
- Some states allow chiropractors licensed in other states to obtain a license in their state without re-taking the examination, provided they meet the state’s licensing requirements.
- All states except New Jersey require chiropractors to complete continuing education courses every year to maintain their licenses.
Decide Where You Wish to Practice
Before deciding to get a chiropractic license and even before you begin school, individuals should consider their future and the states where they might wish to practice chiropractic. For example, completing only two years of undergraduate work instead of a bachelor’s degree could limit your options, as more and more states are requiring the four-year undergraduate degree and four years of chiropractic school as a prerequisite for licensure.
Look at the chiropractic boards in several states to get an idea of the varying requirements. If you’re unsure of where you see yourself settling down, it may make sense to meet the most stringent requirements of the states where you’re interested in to avoid limiting your future options.
Take the Exams
All boards require those seeking licensure to pass an exam after completing their chiropractic education. The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners examination is the national test which many states except in lieu of their test, or as a supplement to it. Parts I through III of the written exam are offered in March and September, while part IV, the practical examination, takes place in May and November.
The standard written NBCE exam contains three parts. The first two consist of multiple choice questions about basic science and clinical science areas; each part is allotted 90 minutes for completion. Part three of the test takes four hours to complete, and has questions about specific chiropractic techniques; multiple choice questions are combined with “vignettes,” case studies which are answered through extended multiple choice questions. Separate from these written examinations is part four of the NBCE test, a practical exam which covers X-ray skills, chiropractic technique, and case management.
Complete Continuing Education Requirements
All states except New Jersey require licensed chiropractors to complete continuing education courses on a yearly basis in order to keep their license. These courses are offered by chiropractic colleges, some career colleges, and online. Most states require the courses to be accredited by a recognized accrediting body, such as the Council on Chiropractic Accreditation.
Source:
Chiropractors. (2011) Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Written Examinations. (2011) National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
