Also known as alternative medicine, the chiropractic profession is the largest in chiropractic care. Chiropractors are required by an approved school to hold a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. DC services typically provide therapeutic rotations and often internships, in addition to classroom teaching. A chiropractic course focuses on teaching the student about diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the human locomotor system, mainly the spine. The human locomotive system (also known as the human musculoskeletal system) provides support, form, movement, and stability to the body. For students who are passionate about entering a career-focused program through the field of health and medicine, a chiropractic degree will prepare you for various job opportunities such as a group or solo Chiropractic practitioner, administrator, researcher, educator, among others.
These classes are usually tailored for first-time freshmen college students and incorporate a Bachelor of Science (BS) curriculum in biology with a DC program. There are drawbacks of these intensive services if you decide early on that you want to practice as a chiropractor. A hybrid degree normally requires seven years, instead of finishing a four-year undergraduate degree and a four year DC curriculum. This will help save time and some cash for you. Students enrolled in this degree should expect a curriculum focused in chiropractic philosophy, chiropractic technique, business management, and basics sciences. At the end of the course, they will be expected to exemplify clinical competence.
Top 5 Chiropractic Schools in California
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Life Chiropractic College West | Hayward, California |
| 2 | Southern California University of Health Sciences | Whittier, California |
| 3 | Palmer College of Chiropractic | San Jose, California |
| 4 | California State University-San Marcos | San Marcos, California |
| 5 | California State University, Long Beach | Long Beach, California |
Why people become chiropractors
The profession of chiropractic is often selected by people because they enjoy the concept of helping other people spontaneously gain wellness through the use of medications and surgery. Successful students in this field have characteristics such as;
- An affinity for wellness and a decent lifestyle
- A sense of creativity and a love for being your own boss
- The fun of meeting people and sharing time with them
- A personal drive to support
- individuals and make a difference
- An urge to feel different and tell something fresh and meaningful
What do you need to do to be certified as a chiropractor once you graduate?
You will need a couple more items to get certified after receiving your PhD degree in chiropractic.
- National Boards: You would need to complete the four elements of the national boards that are individually operated by the NBCE to practice in the US (National Board of Chiropractic Examiners link). The boards are used by certain students when they move to school and while the data is freshest on their minds.
- State license to practice: Each state has somewhat varying licensing criteria, ranging from pre-school requirements to detailed instructional coursework while in chiropractic school. You may need to become acquainted with the specifications of every state in which you feel you will be involved in getting licensed. You will do this job on the website of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards. In the end, it would be your job to guarantee that you will become certified in the state of your preference.
If you cherish treating the ailing but despise the detailed ambulance calls from the hospital, then look no further than Chiropractic. You should set up your own practice, go for a relationship, or function as a counselor in a fitness center after you get out of college. You may also transfer to a new location and set up your business. The center of chiropractic is remarkably common, unlike traditional medical practice that requires tons of nitty-gritty depending on the geography of an area. There are also a range of academic organizations that, on a contractual basis, recruit alternative medical practitioners.You can always obtain a chiropractic degree through online or in-person classes. Start looking for the right certified Chiropractic Doctoral Degree program and start your journey on this rewarding profession.
Best 9 Chiropractic Schools in California
Life Chiropractic College West
Life Chiropractic College West is a medical college based in Hayward, California. The school was founded in 1976 as a leader in chiropractic education. With a curriculum based on technique and philosophy, the school renders a degree of Doctor of Chiropractic. The college is passionate about coming up with outstanding chiropractic graduates who are a combination of holistic and natural medicine with a comprehensive understanding of the human musculoskeletal system. Life West is a certified college by the Council on Occupational Education and home of over 400 students.
School Overview
Southern California University of Health Sciences
This is one of the top-rated colleges in California. Southern California University of Health Sciences is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), and the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program is awarded programmatic accreditation by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), and is also approved by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners. The university was established in 1911. The college is known as the leader and pioneer of integrative care and innovative chiropractic education. Southern California curriculum is focused on increasing the lab time and decreasing the long lecture hours. All graduates from the university will always have the same learning outcome in the following areas: Integrative health care, critical thinking, communication, professionalism, outcome-focused practice, evidence-based knowledge and professional therapies. The college offers an unique learning environment where students spend long hours in small groups having problem-solving discussions and learning basic concepts in science using clinical-based case studies. The chiropractic program prepares students to become a competent and qualified integrative healthcare professional, ready to provide tailored treatment and service to future patients.
In the annual universities ranking, Southern California University of Health Sciences was in the following categories: best value schools, best overall colleges, and best college in each major. The faculty to student ratio at the institution is 1 to 12. The full-time percentage for the faculty is 35 percent.
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), and the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE)
School Overview
Palmer College of Chiropractic
Palmer College of Chiropractic was started in 1897 by chiropractic discover D.D. Palmer. The university has three campus branches and one of the largest universities in the Chiropractic profession. The university offers education in both the clinical and classroom setting. Students at Palmer College can learn from some of the top Chiropractic Researchers who have been performing high-end studies Chiropractic studies and written some of the top reviewed healthcare journals. Classrooms are enhanced to allow students to easily attend seminars, register for technique lessons, join technique clubs, and engage in continuous education programs.
- Accreditation: The Commission of higher learning, North Central Association of schools and colleges
School Overview
California State University-San Marcos
California State University-San Marcos is a historical forward-focused university that has been in existence for about 30 years. The institution is situated on a 304-acre piece of hillside land offering beautiful views of downtown nightlife, deserts, mountains, and world-class shopping. The institution is passionate about producing critical problem solvers, future leaders and building a great surrounding. The university offers 24 master’s programs, 43 bachelor’s programs, and eight credential programs.
School Overview
California State University, Long Beach
California State University, Long Beach is a public university and one of the largest universities in the state of California. The university was established in 1949, formerly known as Los Angeles-Orange County State College. The university over undergraduate degree programs in several faculties, including business, education, counseling psychology, natural science and mathematics, liberal arts, nursing, English, music, among others. The school staff and faculty are always engaged in transform the professions of their undergraduates and graduates through different programs, professional service organizations, and significant research.
School Overview
Saddleback College
Saddleback College is a public college that was first founded in 1968, Saddleback. The institution is passionate about offering support and educational services to a growing and diverse population in the county of south orange. The university provides certificate and degree programs. They also offer online education. Some of the academic divisions rendered in the institution include health sciences, Creative arts, social science, and humanities, learning resources, computer science, and applied technologies, among others.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Junior and Community Colleges, Western Association of Colleges, and schools
School Overview
Vanguard University of Southern California
Vanguard University of Southern California’s mission is to cultivate character, pursue knowledge, deepen faith as well as empower their students to be seeds of greatness in society. The institution offers special learning opportunities such as study abroad, distance education for both the graduate and undergraduate programs offered, teachers’ certification, and evening and weekend classes. Other services provided in the university include career and academic counseling services, employment and placement services as well as remedial services.
School Overview
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a privately-owned research institution found in Los Angeles, California. The institution was established by Robert. M. Widney in the year 1880. The university offers several programs in fields such as law, medicine, occupational therapy, pharmacy, film, engineering, and business. The University of Southern California is the center of innovation where several technologies have been invented, including image compression, DNA Computing, VoIP, antivirus software, and dynamic programming. The campus has an urban setting with an estimated size of 226 acres. In the 2021 ranking, the institution has been ranked number 24 as one of the best colleges in National universities. The University of Southern California uses a semester-based academic calendar.
School Overview
Ranking Methodology
This ranking was based on the analysis of best software data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and the respective university websites. The schools were ranked based on tuition amounts per year, total enrollment, and Accreditation. All the factors were accorded equal points and each school was assigned points based on how it compared with others on tuition amounts total enrollment, and Accreditation. The points earned for both ranking factors were then added together to get each school’s total score. The school with the most points ranked first in the list and the points were accorded down the list accordingly.
For more programs, check out our chiropractic degrees in Florida page.
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