15 Mar What Is The Path To Becoming A Chiropractor?
What is the path to becoming a Chiropractor? Are you thinking of a career as a Chiropractor or have been curious of the education your Chiropractor has received? All your questions answered here!
Chiropractors go through 8 years of school which includes an undergraduate degree as well as a graduate degree. Before heading off to Chiropractic school, an undergraduate degree is required for most Chiropractic schools. Most students choose a degree within the sciences which usually ranges from a Bachelor in Kinesiology to a Bachelor in General Sciences. These degrees allow you the basic science knowledge as well as a strong foundation of anatomy and physiology before embarking in Chiropractic school.
A beneficial step to take before deciding on Chiropractic school is shadowing numerous doctors as well as finding a strong mentor. Finding a mentor is a large part of not only getting your foot in the door of the profession but also getting an in-depth view to see if this is truly the career you want. If you are already seeing a Chiropractor a good place to start is shadowing them, from there they often can give you other doctors to reach out to, to get a well-rounded experience within the Chiropractic field. A mentor should be someone who not only supports your journey through school but also someone you can turn to for guidance pre and post Chiropractic school.
There are often 3 ideologies that Chiropractic schools base their curriculum and knowledge from. These three schools of thought include thinking of dysfunction coming from (1) the pelvis moving outwards, (2) feet upward, or (3) head downwards. With that in mind it is important to ask these questions and do your research before deciding on a school. Each school is 3-4 years in length with classes focusing on basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, cardiology, etc.), diagnostic imaging, differential diagnosis and of course hands on classes to learn different adjustment techniques, as well as soft tissue!
Another important fundamental to take into consideration is extracurricular activities offered including working at sporting events, playing on sports teams or getting more hands-on experiences with specific techniques (MPI, Gonstead, Rehab2Performance, etc.). Some great movement specific schools include (but not limited to): Palmer College of Chiropractic (West Campus), University of Western States and Northwestern Health Sciences University. Unfortunately, there is only one option for school within Canada which includes Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Ontario – otherwise, students choose schools within the USA or even New Zealand!
Finding a job post-graduation can be daunting and seem intimidating at best. Finding a clinic for your preceptorship that best aligns with your views and values will not only help to form that strong mentorship but also allow you to build connections and continue to learn and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Being a sponge and taking in all learning opportunities pre-graduation will help set you up best to take that leap of faith to have that confidence to add as much as you can to an ever-progressing profession.
At MYo Lab, our Chiropractors can whole heartedly say the 8 years, sleepless nights and bottomless pots of coffee have all been worth it. There is nothing more fulfilling then helping others get out of pain and into the best movement patterns and activity they have ever experienced. Being part of a multidisciplinary team will not only allow you to network with other professionals but allow your patient to have the most evidence-based care.
MYo Lab is a great place to start with many professionals ready to make a positive change within their members future as well as help upcoming students. Click here to apply to be on our team today!
We are always accepting new members who are ready to commit to their health and wellness journey. If you are ready to experience the MYo difference, book now so one of our team members can welcome you to the MYo Lab community!