Chiropractic college is a unique journey that ends with a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree and begins a career in the most rewarding and fastest-growing healthcare field. Gathering the materials for your college application is the first big step, so be sure you have completed the prerequisites to ensure you get off to the right start. Here are the right prerequisites you need to attend chiropractic college, as well as a helpful application checklist and some tips to strengthen your application.

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Prerequisites for Chiropractic College.

a group of students and instructors in the FAST lab

Prereq #1:

3 Academic Years (90 credit hours) of undergraduate study at an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized agency, or an equivalent foreign agency.

Why: A Doctor of Chiropractic degree is earned over 10 trimesters (just over 3 calendar years). Completing 90 credit hours prior to chiropractic college provides you with the foundation needed to earn the advanced degree.

Prereq #2:

Minimum 24 Credit Hours in Life and Physical Science Courses.

  • A life science is any of several branches of science — such as biology, medicine and ecology — which study structural and functional organization of living organisms and their relationship to each other and the environment.
  • A physical science is any of several branches of science (like chemistry and physics) that study the nature and properties of energy and nonliving matter. Included in this category are movement science course work such as kinesiology, exercise science and biomechanics.

Why: Most of your learning and skills will build on these backgrounds. These science courses will provide a background for success in the program, since at least half of these courses will have a substantive laboratory component. Knowledge of life and physical sciences is the foundation of medical science and is crucial for success in the healthcare field.

Prereq #3:

3.0+ GPA
Why: A high GPA is a strong indicator of future success in chiropractic college. Northeast candidates with a GPA of 2.75 to 2.99 in the designated 90 credit hours, along with demonstration of life and physical science coursework, may be considered for admission under Northeast's alternative admissions criteria as consistent with the Council on Chiropractic Education's guidance. Students admitted under these criteria will be provided an individual education plan designed to optimize their opportunity for success.

Now that you've determined whether you have the right prerequisites for Chiropractic college, use this Application Checklist to stay on top of your application!

Application Checklist.

✓ Application Form
Your application form is the cornerstone of your application. Complete it with care and seek the help of a proofreader to ensure no errors.

✓ Personal Essay
This is your chance to tell your unique story. Some questions to consider: why do you want to become a chiropractor? What moment in your life has shaped your decision? How do you want to impact the chiropractic healthcare industry?

✓ Letters of Recommendation
Recommendations from former college professors and/or current healthcare professionals (including practicing chiropractors) help your application stand out.

✓ Official Transcripts
Double check your transcripts to ensure there are no errors.

Learn More with a free transcript evaluation from the Northeast admissions team!

Tips to Strengthen Your Application.

Here are some actionable tips you can use to strengthen your application:

Gain Healthcare Experience Working at a healthcare clinic in any capacity and being surrounded by healthcare professionals can strengthen your application. It demonstrates your commitment and preparedness for Chiropractic college.

Volunteer at Clubs & OrganizationsVolunteering at a club or organization shows your ability to juggle your time commitments. Since you are applying to join a humanitarian profession, volunteering also displays your commitment to serving others in your community.

Get Leadership Experience Chiropractors are leaders by nature and relied upon by their patients, staff, colleagues, and community. There are many ways to demonstrate your leadership skills, like joining a committee, becoming part of a humanitarian project, taking on a larger role at work, or coaching a sports team.

Learn how to "Prepare for Chiropractic College," with our free guide.