University of Wisconsin–Madison

Chiropractic

About Chiropractic

Chiropractors provide natural, drugless, nonsurgical health treatments, relying on the body’s inherent recuperative abilities. Chiropractic is based on the principle that spinal joint misalignments interfere with the nervous system and can result in different conditions of diminished health. 

Check out discoverchiropractic.org for a guide to learning about, preparing for, and applying to Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) programs. The Association of Chiropractic Colleges also house helpful information on the profession and academic programs. 

 

Note: UW-Madison does not offer a chiropractic program. While this field is not among CPHA’s primary areas of advising expertise, we are here to support you in exploring the career, building helpful experiences, and navigating some aspects of professional program applications. Talk with us if you have questions!

Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)

Most Doctor of Chiropractic programs require students to have earned their bachelor’s degrees by the time they begin chiropractic school. Some chiropractic schools admit applicants earlier in their college careers who then earn both their bachelor’s degree and their DC degree from their chiropractic college.

For the most up-to-date salary information, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Explore Your Interest in Chiropractic

Shadowing & Informational Interviewing

An excellent way to explore your interest in chiropractic is by observing providers, also known as shadowing. Shadowing chiropractors shows you what their day is like and how they work with patients and others within the healthcare team. A quick Google search for ‘Chiropractic Clinics Near Me’ can be a great starting point for identifying providers to contact for an informational interview.

Volunteering

Chiropractic programs look for applicants who demonstrate a sustained commitment to serving others. Check out the Gain Experience sections of our website to earn more about opportunities to volunteer in clinical and non-clinical settings that interest you.

Jobs

Part-time work in a chiropractic setting is an excellent way to learn about the field, network with providers, and confirm that chiropractic is a career you might pursue. Any position in a chiropractic practice is great experience, whether you are doing office work, assisting practitioners, or anything else. In addition to searching for part-time positions online, ask the chiropractors you shadow if they have ideas about how you might work in a chiropractic office.

Finding a Program

For a list of schools, visit the Association of Chiropractic Colleges School Directory.

Additional Resources

Educational & Professional Associations

Preparing for CD Programs

Application Process

Chiropractic programs do not use a common application. Instead, applicants apply to each school individually. To apply to a chiropractic program you will need to submit transcripts from each college you have attended and write brief essays on why you want to be a chiropractor and your career goals.

Some Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) admit students have not yet earned their bachelor’s degrees. Students at those programs have the option of completing their bachelor’s degree while they work on their DC (highly recommended). Other DC programs require a bachelor’s degree at the time a student begins their program.

Learn more about Applying to Health Professions Programs

Enroll in Applying to Health Programs

CPHA runs a Canvas course called Applying to Health Programs, a non-credit course designed to help you with the process of applying to programs like DC programs.