Chiropractic.

Degree Overview

Chiropractic (CIP 51.0101) is a specialized healthcare field focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing neuromusculoskeletal disorders—especially those involving the spine and nervous system—through hands-on, non-surgical care. Chiropractors emphasize the body’s natural ability to heal itself when the spine, joints, and nervous system are functioning properly. This degree represents a patient-centered, drug-free approach to healthcare that blends anatomy, biomechanics, and holistic wellness principles.

For a degree search site, Chiropractic stands out as a professional doctoral pathway with strong independence, high patient interaction, and growing demand. It appeals to students who want to become licensed healthcare providers without attending medical school, and who are drawn to manual therapy, preventive care, and whole-body health rather than pharmaceuticals or surgery.

What Is a Chiropractic Degree?

A Chiropractic degree leads to the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), a professional doctoral credential required for licensure as a chiropractor. Unlike undergraduate health degrees, chiropractic programs are intensive, graduate-level programs that prepare students to diagnose and treat patients in clinical settings.

This degree typically focuses on:

• Spinal anatomy and biomechanics
• Neurology and musculoskeletal health
• Chiropractic adjustments and manual therapies
• Diagnostic imaging and physical examination
• Patient-centered, conservative healthcare

Chiropractic programs are offered by accredited chiropractic colleges and are designed to:

• Prepare students for licensure as independent healthcare providers
• Train practitioners in evidence-based manual therapy
• Emphasize non-invasive, drug-free treatment approaches
• Support careers in private practice, clinics, or integrative healthcare settings

Completion of the program is followed by national and state licensing exams.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how the spine and nervous system influence overall health and how misalignments or dysfunctions can contribute to pain, limited mobility, and reduced quality of life. The curriculum is science-heavy and clinically focused, combining classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training.

Early coursework emphasizes foundational sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, and biochemistry. As students progress, the focus shifts to chiropractic technique, diagnosis, patient assessment, and clinical decision-making. Clinical internships allow students to treat real patients under supervision, developing confidence and professional competence.

Students also learn ethical practice, patient communication, and practice management to prepare for long-term professional success.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates of chiropractic programs typically develop skills such as:

• Spinal and joint assessment—identifying dysfunction
• Chiropractic adjustments and manipulations—manual treatment techniques
• Neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis—clinical evaluation
• Patient examination and history-taking—holistic assessment
• Rehabilitation and corrective exercise guidance—movement-based care
• Diagnostic imaging interpretation—X-rays and scans
• Patient education and wellness counseling—preventive care
• Clinical ethics and professional judgment—safe practice

These skills support independent practice and integrative healthcare collaboration.

Topics You May Explore

Coursework in a chiropractic program commonly includes:

• Human Anatomy and Neuroanatomy: structure and function
• Physiology and Pathophysiology: body systems and disease
• Chiropractic Technique and Adjustments: hands-on care
• Orthopedics and Neurology: musculoskeletal disorders
• Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology: clinical interpretation
• Physical Examination and Diagnosis: patient assessment
• Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Exercise: recovery support
• Nutrition and Lifestyle Counseling: holistic health
• Clinical Internship and Practice Management: real-world application

Programs are structured to meet licensing and accreditation requirements.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Chiropractic degree prepares graduates for licensed professional practice. Most chiropractors work as primary contact providers for musculoskeletal care.

Common career paths include:

• Chiropractor (Doctor of Chiropractic): independent or group practice
• Associate Chiropractor: established clinics
• Sports Chiropractor: athletic performance and injury care
• Rehabilitation or Wellness Specialist: integrated care teams
• Chiropractic Consultant or Educator: teaching or outreach
• Clinic Owner or Healthcare Entrepreneur: private practice

Some chiropractors pursue additional certifications in sports medicine, pediatrics, or rehabilitation.

Where Can You Work?

Licensed chiropractors work in a variety of healthcare and wellness settings:

• Private chiropractic practices
• Multidisciplinary medical or wellness clinics
• Sports medicine and athletic training facilities
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy centers
• Integrative and holistic healthcare practices
• Corporate wellness or occupational health programs

Many chiropractors operate their own practices, offering professional autonomy.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings for chiropractors vary by location, experience, and practice ownership.

Typical ranges include:

• Early-career chiropractors: often $60,000–$75,000
• Experienced chiropractors: commonly $80,000–$110,000
• Successful clinic owners or specialists: can exceed $130,000+

Income potential increases with patient volume, specialization, and business skills.

Is This Degree Hard?

Chiropractic is considered academically rigorous and physically demanding. Students must master advanced anatomy and diagnostic skills while developing precise manual techniques. The workload is comparable to other professional health programs, requiring discipline, stamina, and strong study habits.

The challenge lies in integrating scientific knowledge with hands-on clinical skill and patient care.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Want to become a licensed healthcare provider
• Prefer hands-on, non-invasive treatment approaches
• Are interested in spinal health, movement, and biomechanics
• Enjoy working closely with patients
• Want autonomy through private practice or clinic ownership

How to Prepare in High School and College

To prepare for a chiropractic program:

• Take biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physics courses
• Develop strong study habits and time management skills
• Maintain physical fitness and body awareness
• Shadow or interview licensed chiropractors
• Complete required undergraduate science prerequisites

Chiropractic (CIP 51.0101) is a respected healthcare profession centered on restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving quality of life through natural, hands-on care. It offers professional independence, meaningful patient relationships, and growing demand in a health system increasingly focused on conservative and preventive treatment. For students seeking a clinical career that combines science, manual skill, and holistic wellness, chiropractic provides a challenging and rewarding path into modern healthcare.