Pre-Chiropractic

These are the most common prerequisites for chiropractic doctorate programs. However, different schools may have different prerequisites on what classes you should take. Make sure to check your desired program’s website.

24 semester hours in life and physical sciences (half with labs)

Life sciences:

• Biology: human anatomy, physiology, embryology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, cellular biology, exercise physiology, kinesiology
• Chemistry: general chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology/pharmacology and nuclear medicine

Physical sciences:

• Physics, biomechanics, statistics

A well-rounded general education includes required coursework in life and physical sciences; humanities; social and behavioral sciences; and communications and languages.

Humanities:

• Literature, history, philosophy, art, theatre, music, religion, physical education

Social and Behavioral Sciences:

• Psychology, sociology, political science, business, economics, geography, anthropology, computer science

Communication and Languages:

• Oral communication, written communication, digital communication, foreign languages

Preparing for professional school starts year one at Carthage and we are here to help you each step of the way! We recommend that you reach out to your advising team as soon as possible regarding your plans so they can help you start preparing.

Healthcare Professional School Applications
While Carthage students usually apply to somewhere between three and seven schools, you can apply to as many schools as you would like. However, you should be aware that there is a financial commitment associated with application fees and the cost of submitting materials for review. As such you should only apply to schools you would genuinely consider attending.

Applications will be submitted through the individual school. Each school has their own application deadlines so be sure to check their website for the most available information. Many schools also have multiple start dates throughout their academic year.

Below is the list of application materials they may ask for:

• Shadowing hours
• GRE scores
• Personal statement
• 3 or more letters of recommendation
• Transcripts (official copy)

Shadowing and Volunteering Amount/Location
The amount of shadowing depends on the schools you are applying to. Many programs do not require shadowing, although to be a competitive applicant you should aim for 100 hours. You should also have an ample amount of volunteering hours to strengthen your application. You should be shadowing at multiple Chiropractic locations (2-3) to demonstrate your understanding and commitment.

Entrance Exam: Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Although most chiropractic schools do not require a GRE, some schools may require one. Make sure you check your list of schools you plan to apply to before registering. The GRE will require less or more time studying based on how extensive your knowledge is on tested material and you should pace out those hours around your own current and anticipated schedules. ETS.org has free resources and practice tests available to assist you. We recommend that you take the GRE at least one full year before you submit your application. This would align to the summer going into junior year or the fall of your junior year, allowing adequate time to prepare if you need to retake it and ensures you have your results before your application deadline.

Personal Statement
You may need to submit a personal statement with your application. To help craft your personal statement, attend our Personal Statement Workshop, typically held in the fall semester.

Letters of Recommendation
You will need several letters of recommendations for your application. While schools may have different expectations of how many letters you should submit and from whom, you should expect to send around 3 letters of recommendation. Ideally, you should ask for a letter of recommendations at least 2-3 months in advance of your application deadline, although give as much time as possible. This way they have adequate time to reflect upon their experience and write the best possible letter they can. If you are participating in an experiential role, it is suggested that you ask for a letter a month or two prior to the close of that experience. You should ask within 6 months of working with a Chiropractor if you are asking for a letter.

Pre-chiropractic students are able to complete a bachelor’s degree from Carthage and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan University in just seven years.

Learn about the dual-degree chiropractic program›

Please note that different professions require different degrees and levels of education.

Chiropractor
A chiropractor treats musculoskeletal pain, mainly focusing on the spine, using hands-on adjustments to help patients heal without surgery.

Chiropractic Acupuncturist
Chiropractic acupuncturists combine chiropractic care with acupuncture to treat pain and improve overall health by balancing energy flow.

Chiropractic Neurologist
Chiropractic neurologists focus on treating neurological conditions like migraines and dizziness through spinal adjustments and other techniques.

Pediatric Chiropractor
Pediatric chiropractors specialize in treating children, using gentle techniques to address issues like poor posture or growing pains.

Sports Chiropractor
Sports chiropractors work with athletes to treat and prevent sports-related injuries, improving performance and recovery.

Veterinary Chiropractor
Veterinary chiropractors use chiropractic techniques to treat animals, such as pets and horses, with mobility issues or pain.