There are four items to consider when choosing the best chiropractic schools: education level, equipment, admissions requirements, and faculty. A chiropractic school can be part of a larger university or college, or a separate school. The best chiropractic schools are affiliated with the local hospitals, providing opportunities for guest lecturers and inter-discipline courses.
There are two types of programs available through chiropractic schools: Doctor of Chiropractic education or chiropractic assistant. The chiropractor is responsible for making the actual adjustments to the patient, and the assistant provides help with administrative and medical procedures. The doctor of chiropractic program is four years in length, and the chiropractic assistant program is one to two years in length.
Selecting the best school should be based on your own goals, achievements, and skill levels. An honest review of your high school marks, level of effort and dedication is a strong indicator to help you decide which school is best for you. Select a school where you will be both challenged and successful.
The best chiropractic school should have a wide range of equipment available for student use. This includes full- and half-size mannequins, as well as full-size skeleton models. Check the average class size to ensure you will have ample opportunity to use this equipment. The best schools also have clinics, where students work on real clients under the close supervision of a licensed chiropractor.
In order to qualify for admission to chiropractic school, you must have high school courses in biology, English, and at least one other science course. For the doctor of chiropractic program, at least 90 credits at the university level are required for admission into the program. The best schools are usually located near a hospital or medical treatment facility. Select the items important to you, and make sure that you find the best school for your needs and goals.
If you are looking at the best chiropractic school in the country or state, take note that the admissions standard is higher to reflect the increased demand. These schools often require students to have a combination of high marks and letters of recommendation from former teachers. It is important to note that being in the lowest quarter of your class at the best school does not help either your career or quality of education you are receiving.
Most chiropractic schools provide the biographies of their faculty or instructors on their website. The information listed typically includes the academic credentials, work experience, special training, and any awards they have received. Review this information to learn more about a career in chiropractic and the educational options available to you.