Career Guide
Chiropractic
Chiropractors are medical practitioners who diagnose and treat conditions related to the body’s muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, with special focus on the spine. They practice based on the philosophy that interference with these systems impairs the body’s normal functions and lowers its resistance to disease. They work with patients to treat dysfunction and injury, but also to maintain health. Chiropractors provide natural, drugless, non-surgical health treatments and rely on the body’s inherent recuperative abilities. Chiropractors can work in a variety of settings, and will often have their own practice. When appropriate, chiropractors consult with and refer patients to other health practitioners.
Degree Requirements
Chiropractic schools award a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. All states and the District of Columbia regulate the practice of chiropractic and grant licenses to chiropractors who meet educational and examination requirements established by the state. Chiropractors can practice only in states where they are licensed. Specialty councils within some chiropractic associations offer programs leading to clinical specialty certification, called “diplomate” certification, in areas such as orthopedics, neurology, sports injuries, occupational and industrial health, nutrition, diagnostic imaging, thermography, and internal disorders. Because the medical field is ever-changing with new advancements, research, and technology, chiropractors are expected to engage in continuing education throughout their careers.
Criteria for Acceptance
Chiropractic schools require a minimum of 90 credits of college level work, although many recommend or require a bachelor’s degree. A minimum of 24 credit hours should be in life & physical sciences, with at least half of those having a lab component. Schools look for students who possess the desire and patience to meet the needs of a diverse population of people, a commitment to academic rigor, and motivation and enthusiasm for the profession.
MCC Prerequisite Courses
Typical prerequisite courses include biology, physics, chemistry including organic, anatomy & physiology, English, psychology, and humanities. Admission requirements vary by program. Research each program you are interested in.
Examples of MCC courses include:
- CHE 151 & 152 General College Chemistry I & II
- CHE 251 & 252 Organic Chemistry I & II
- PHY 161 & 261 University Physics I & II
- BIO 155 & 156 Intro to Cell & Molecular Bio and Into to Organismal Bio & Ecology
- BIO 144 & 145 Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- PSY 101 Intro to Psychological Science
- SOC 101 Intro to Sociology
- MTH 160 Statistics I
Additional recommended or required courses may include microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, and philosophy. Certain technical standards must also be met. These include but are not limited to physical strength, coordination and manual dexterity.
Institutions
D’Youville University, Buffalo, NY
Northeast College of Health Sciences (formerly NY Chiropractic College), Seneca Falls, NY
Other Important Information
While every effort is made to ensure that the information in this guide is accurate, students are advised to contact transfer institutions for specific course requirements and the most up-to-date information.
Updated 09/25/2025