The major focus of chiropractic is concerned with how the nervous system interacts with the various systems of the body (i.e., skeletal, muscular, reproductive, digestive, endocrine, lymphatic/immunity, respiratory, urinary, and cardiovascular).
Keeping the body free from nerve interference has a direct positive benefit to all these body systems. As a result, chiropractors are intensively trained in these various systems, as well as in human anatomy and physiology, neurology, biomechanics, and disease pathologies.
The Doctor of Chiropractic degree (D.C.) is a four-year program, the first two years of which are very similar to medical doctor (M.D.) programs. Chiropractors must pass four national board exams in order to practice, in addition to any required state board examinations and licensure requirements.
In addition to chiropractic adjustment technique classes, elective classes, and a two-year internship, the typical chiropractic program consists of the following coursework (no particular order):
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The following charts are representative of typical educational curriculum for the profession.
The above schools were used to gather the information:
DC (Doctor of chiropractic): University of Western States
DO (Doctor of osteopathy): Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
DPT (Doctor of physical therapy): University of Southern California
MD (Medical doctor): Yale University
ND (Naturopathic doctor): Boucher Institute
RMT (Registered massage therapist): Vancouver Career College (RMT is a Canadian license)
LMT (Licensed massage therapist): Nationally recognized standards