3 Routes: Become a ChiropractorEveryone's pathway to become a chiropractor is different. Common routes for OSU students include:
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OSU Bachelor's + Chiropractic School
OSU bachelors degree then attend a doctoral-level chiropractic medicine program.
Steps:
- Earn a bachelor's degree (of your choice) from OSU and complete all of your prerequisite courses for an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program.
- Apply to an accredited chiropractic medicine professional school. If accepted, begin your D.C. program.
- Following your D.C. program, sit for national board exams and a state examination required for licensure to begin practicing as a chiropractor.
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3 years at OSU + Chiropractic School
Some programs allow applicants to begin chiropractic school without completing their bachelor's degree.
Steps:
- Familiarize yourself with chiropractic licensure requirements in the state(s) you intend to practice. Some states require a bachelor's degree to practice as a chiropractor, even if your chiropractic professional school program might not require it to apply.
- Study at OSU for 3 years and complete all of your prerequisite courses for an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program.
- Apply to an accredited chiropractic medicine professional school.
- If accepted, you will leave OSU without a bachelor’s degree to begin your D.C. professional program.
- If you are not accepted, complete your OSU bachelor's degree and later apply - depending on your holistic development (academic and/or non-academic).
- Following your D.C. program, sit for national board exams and a state examination required for licensure to begin practicing as a chiropractor.
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OSU Bachelor's + Gap Year + Chiropractic School
Taking additional time can be to your advantage as a chiropractic school applicant.
Steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (of your choice) from OSU and complete all of your prerequisite courses for an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program.
- If you feel you need more holistic development (academic or non-academic) to be ready to professionally apply, consider taking a “gap/enhancement year” to help you further develop.
- Unsure of what to do during a "gap/enhancement" year? Visit with the Pre-Professional Academic Services Office to discuss your options.
- When holistically ready, apply to an accredited chiropractic medicine professional school.
- Following your D.C. program, sit for national board exams and a state examination required for licensure to begin practicing as a chiropractor.