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Chiropractic Medicine

Want to become a Chiropractor (D.C.)? Most students choose to major in biologychemistry or sport and exercise sciencefrom UNC before going to chiropractic college, but you can choose any undergraduate major.

Choosing a major outside of the sciences might increase the time it takes you to earn your degree as you'll also need to complete the graduation requirements for that major.

Contact Information

NHS Advising Center

970-351-3082

nhsadvising@unco.edu

Ross Hall, Room 1210

Suggested courses

Two semesters of each are usually required for most chiropractic college:

  • Introductory biology with lab
  • Introductory chemistry with lab
  • Organic chemistry with lab
  • Chemistry elective with lab
  • Physics with lab 
  • Biomechanics, kinesiology or exercise physiology 
  • Anatomy and Physiology

Other recommended courses

These courses could also help you on your next journey:

  • English 
  • Math (include statistics) 
  • Psychology 
  • Social Sciences/Humanities

Illustration of footsteps

Timeline

During your time here, you should do your best to stick to this timeline. It will help make sure you're ready for chiropractic college.

  • First Year

    During your first year, it's important that you focus on your coursework and learn how to be a successful student. Knowing how to study and manage your time is critical and can help you earn a strong GPA. You should also:

    • Begin to work on prerequisite courses, especially both semesters of biology (BIO 110 and 111) and chemistry (CHEM 111 and 112)
    • Shadow a Chiropractor — either over breaks or during the summer
    • Obtain volunteer or work experience in a medical setting — either over breaks or during the summer
    • Research and learn more about chiropractic practice
    • Join the Pre-Health Professionals Club (PHPC) student organization
    • Meet with your pre-health advisor
  • Sophomore Year

    You should continue doing as best you can in your courses to earn a strong GPA during your sophomore year, as well as continuing to look for community service and shadowing (or other clinical experience) opportunities. You should also:

    • Look for leadership opportunities
    • Meet with your pre-health advisor
  • Junior Year

    During your junior year, you should still strive to earn a strong GPA as well as continuing your community service and shadowing (or other clinical experiences) and leadership activities. You should also:

  • Senior Year

    You should continue your community service and shadowing (or other clinical experiences) and leadership activities during your senior year. You should also:

    • Begin application to chiropractic colleges
    • Meet with your pre-health advisor
    • Go to chiropractic school interviews
    • Write thank-you notes to references and admissions officers
    • Let your pre-health advisor know about your final decision
    • Apply for financial aid as needed

How to apply to chiropractic college

There is no centralized application for chiropractic college. You must apply to individual schools through an online application and submission of all supplemental materials. 

Application cycles vary by program. We recommend you apply approximately 6 months prior to matriculation date(s). 

General information about applicants

There are 22 chiropractic colleges in the United States. Students accepted typically have a minimum GPA of 3.0.