Chiroclass.jpgCHIROPRACTIC EDUCATION
Many people have no concept of what type of academic effort it takes to become a Doctor of Chiropractic.  Here is the coarseload for the DC program at Northwestern Chiropractic College.  Course work is taught by qualified DC's, Ph.D.'s, and MD's.  For each class hour there was an equivalent 2-3 hours of study time needed to master the material.

The process from beginning to end takes 3 and 1/2 years to complete.  Classes run year-round. 

Here is the courseload broken down by trimester:

 

TRIMESTER 1 - 21.95 CREDIT HOURS/WK
Biochemistry I
Gross Anatomy I
Histology I
Skeletal Radiology I
Professional Issues
Infection Control
Healthcare Provider CPR
Principles and Philosophy
Spine and Pelvis

TRIMESTER 2 - 23.50 CREDIT HOURS/WK
Physiology I
Peripheral Nervous System
Gross Anatomy II
Histology II
Principles and Philosophy II
Methods II

TRIMESTER 3 - 28.25 CREDIT HOURS/WK
Physiology II
Biochemistry II
Central Nervous System
Pathology I
Skeletal Radiology II
Physical Diagnosis
Critical Thinking
Methods III (Cervical and Thoracic)
Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions I

TRIMESTER 4 - 27.75 CREDIT HOURS/WK
Medical Microbiology
Pathology II
Skeletal Radiology III
Neurodiagnosis
Principles and Philosophy
Methods (Lumbar and Pelvis)
Neuromusculoskeletal II
NMS III (Extremity Disorders)

TRIMESTER 5 - 22.00 CREDIT HOURS/WK
Skeletal Radiology IV
Ears, Eyes, Nose, and Throat
Clinical Pathology I
Infectious Disease
Public and Preventative Health
Methods V
Physiological Therapeutics I
Clinical Nutrition I
Patient Interviewing
Intro to Clinical Chiropractic

TRIMESTER 6 - 27.25 CREDIT HOURS/WK
Radiation Physics and Safety
Radiology of the Abdomen and Chest
Cardiopulmonary System
Gastro-intestinal/Genito-urinary System
Clinical Pathology II
Principles and Philosophy
Physiological Therapeutics II
Methods VI
Clinical Internship I

TRIMESTER 7 - 25.25 CREDIT HOURS/WK
Radiographic Technology and Positioning
Gynecology
Endocrinology
Dermatology
Obstetrics
Emergency Medical Procedures
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Mental Health I
Flexion Distraction Technique
Structural Approach To Patient Care (Extremities)
Physiological Therapeutics II
Clinical Nutrition II
Clinical Internship II

TRIMESTER 8 - 21.50 CREDIT HOURS/WK
Pediatrics
Geriatrics
Mental Health II
Clinical Practice
Clinical Case Studies I
EMT - Basic
Chiropractic Clinical Internship III

TRIMESTER 9
Clinical Case Studies II
The Business of Clinical Practice II
Legal Aspects of Chiropractic Healthcare
Chiropractic Clinical Externship

Trimester 10
Chiropractic Clinical Residency

Cumulative Credit Hours: 4200 hours

 

CHIROPRACTIC NATIONAL BOARD EXAMINATIONS
Even after passing all school's academic tests, doctors are required to pass all 4 National Boards Exams delivered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners to become licensed.  Here is a brief description of those licensing exams:

PART I - A basic science subjects examination covering general anatomy, spinal anatomy, physiology, chemistry, pathology, and microbiology and public health. (880 questions)

PART II - A clinical science subjects examination covering general diagnosis, neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, principles of chiropractic, chiropractic practice, and associated clinical sciences. (880 questions)

PART III - A written clinical competency examination that addresses case history, physical examination, neuromusculoskeletal examination, roentgenologic examination, clinical laboratory and special studies, diagnosis or clinical impression, chiropractic technique, supportive techniques, and case management.

PHYSIOTHERAPY - An elective examination assessing physical therapy modalities, their indications, contraindications and applications, and therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation.

PART IV PRACTICAL EXAM - Utilizes an Objective Structured Clinical Examination methodology, was developed by the NBCE at the request of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB). The Part IV examination tests individuals in three major areas including x-ray interpretation & diagnosis, chiropractic technique and case management. (25 simulated patients)