Chiropractors diagnose conditions of the musculoskeletal system to treat patients with general health problems or issues with the nervous system. Chiropractic treatment is based on the idea that musculoskeletal system problems result in disease and problems with the nervous system. Chiropractors must obtain a license to practice in all 50 states. Candidates for licensure must meet education requirements to qualify for licensure.
Education
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, state boards may require a minimum of two years undergraduate education to qualify for licensure. Some state boards may require a four-year undergraduate degree to be eligible for a license in the state. All state boards require the candidate to complete a four-year program from a chiropractic college, which leads to a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
New York requires candidates to have 60 hours of undergraduate study, which includes courses in biology, physics, chemistry and organic chemistry. The state of New York requires chiropractic license candidates graduate from an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic program to qualify for licensure.
Examination
States may also require chiropractic license candidates pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners test. The test consists of three written examination and one practical examination. State boards may require candidates pass all four parts of the test or only the practical portion of the examination. For example, New York requires candidates pass all four sections of the examination. The test assesses the candidate's knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, diagnoses and assessment and chiropractic techniques.
Skills
Chiropractors must have good observational skills and manual dexterity to perform chiropractic techniques. A chiropractor must have a good bedside manner to deal effectively with patients.
Continuing Education
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, all states require continuing education to renew a license or registration with the exception of New Jersey. New York chiropractors must complete 36 hours of continuing education to remain registered as a chiropractor in the state. Registration is valid for three years in New York and candidates must complete the continuing education hours within the three-year period.
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