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 Bachelors 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 medicine.
For more information about chiropractic medicine contact: Association of Chiropractic Colleges (www.chirocolleges.org); American Chiropractic Association (www.amerchiro.org); Academic Advising Center, 677-5381 (Arts and Science, Room 20); Health Professions Advisor, 677-5156 (Julian Hall 143) or Department of Biology, 677-5211 (Med School 225) or 677-5211 (Department of Biology) or by visiting the following web site: http://admissions.usd.edu/academics/majors/pre-health-professions.cfm.
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