A chiropractor is an independent health-care provider whose practice focuses on promoting correct physical alignment to maintain health. In maintaining health and well-being, chiropractic considers influences and relationships among a variety of structural, spinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional, emotional, and environmental factors. Chiropractors use “manipulations” to correct spinal alignment and perform treatments with massage, heat therapy, and ultrasound, along with nutritional changes, exercise, or support aids.
The pre-chiropractic curriculum includes a minimum of three years (90 semester hours) of college coursework in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, social sciences, and humanities, and students are encouraged to obtain the Bachelor’s degree. There is no preferred major. Students should contact the individual chiropractic school about specific admission requirements and should consult with advisors to help plan a course of study that complies with the requirements for admission to the schools of chiropractic of the student’s choice. Pre-chiropractic students at USD may use the suggested curriculum for the pre-medicine program as a guide in completing chiropractic prerequisites. Admission to schools of chiropractic is based upon application, academic preparation, character, and general fitness for the field of chiropractic.
For more information about Schools of Chiropractic contact: Association of Chiropractic Colleges (www.chirocolleges.org); American Chiropractic Association (http://www.acatoday.org/); Academic & Career Planning Center, 677-5381; Health Professions Advisor, 677-7273, or by visiting the following web site: http://admissions.usd.edu/academics/majors/pre-health-professions.cfm.
