When you see “Dr.” before a chiropractor’s name, you may wonder what that title means. Is a chiropractor a real doctor, and does a chiropractor have the same education as a medical physician?
A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who earns a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree after completing specialized education and clinical training. Chiropractors are different from medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), who follow a separate medical education and residency pathway.
Understanding these differences can help you know what chiropractors are trained to do and when chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.
What Is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care focuses primarily on the musculoskeletal system, including the spine, joints, muscles, and related structures.
People may visit a chiropractor for concerns such as:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Joint stiffness
- Limited mobility
- Sports-related injuries
- Whiplash following an accident
Depending on the patient and the chiropractor’s scope of practice, care may include spinal adjustments, manual techniques, exercise recommendations, and other conservative approaches.
Chiropractic care is not intended to replace medical care for every condition. A qualified chiropractor should recognize when a patient needs additional evaluation or care from another healthcare professional.
Is a Chiropractor a Real Doctor?
Yes. A chiropractor who has completed a Doctor of Chiropractic program and met the applicable licensing requirements holds a professional doctoral degree.
However, this does not mean a chiropractor is an MD or DO. A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) is a different professional credential from a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
The important point is that the word “doctor” does not mean every doctor has the same education or professional scope. Different healthcare professions have different training pathways and responsibilities.
Is a Chiropractor a Medical Doctor?
No. A chiropractor is not a medical doctor simply because they hold a doctoral degree.
Medical doctors complete medical school and generally continue with residency training. Chiropractors attend professional chiropractic programs that prepare them specifically for chiropractic practice.
Both professions require significant education, but their training has different purposes. Medical education covers a broad range of diseases and medical conditions, while chiropractic education places considerable emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, spine, movement, and chiropractic care.
What Kind of Doctor Is a Chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC).
The DC degree is a professional qualification designed to prepare students for chiropractic practice. Students study subjects related to the human body and clinical care, including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neurology, pathology, and chiropractic techniques.
A DC credential should not be confused with an MD or DO credential. Each represents a different healthcare profession.
What Is the Chiropractic Degree?
The Chiropractic Degree, or Doctor of Chiropractic degree, combines academic education with practical clinical training.
Students generally complete prerequisite college coursework before entering a professional chiropractic program. Their education may include subjects such as:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
- Neurology
- Biomechanics
- Diagnostic assessment
- Imaging
- Clinical sciences
- Chiropractic techniques
- Patient care
The exact educational and licensing requirements can vary by state and jurisdiction.
Chiropractors: Specialized Education, Extensive Clinical Experience
Chiropractic education includes supervised clinical experience in addition to classroom and laboratory instruction.
Students learn how to take patient histories, perform appropriate examinations, assess musculoskeletal concerns, develop care plans, and recognize situations that may require referral.
Clinical training also gives students an opportunity to develop practical skills under supervision.
This education is specialized for chiropractic practice. It is not the same as medical school or physician residency because the professions have different training pathways and scopes of practice.
DC Training Path
The DC training path generally involves several important steps.
Complete Prerequisite Education
Students complete the college-level coursework required for admission to a chiropractic program.
Enter a Chiropractic Program
Students enroll in an appropriate Doctor of Chiropractic program.
Complete Academic and Clinical Education
The program combines science-based coursework, chiropractic education, laboratory work, and supervised clinical experience.
Complete Required Examinations
Graduates must meet the examination requirements established by the appropriate licensing authority.
Apply for Licensure
After completing the required education and examinations, graduates can apply for a chiropractic license according to the rules of the state or jurisdiction where they plan to practice.
Because requirements can vary, students should check the current regulations in the location where they intend to work.
Steps to Become a Chiropractor
The steps to become a chiropractor generally include:
- Completing prerequisite education
- Entering a professional chiropractic program
- Earning a Doctor of Chiropractic degree
- Completing supervised clinical training
- Passing required examinations
- Meeting state licensing requirements
- Completing continuing education when required
A chiropractic degree alone does not necessarily authorize someone to practice independently. Licensure is an important part of becoming a practicing chiropractor.
Do Chiropractors Go to Medical School?
Generally, no. Do chiropractors go to medical school? Chiropractors normally attend chiropractic programs rather than medical schools that award MD or DO degrees.
There may be similarities in the sciences studied by both professions, such as anatomy and physiology. However, the professional training is designed for different roles.
Medical school prepares students for the practice of medicine and is followed by residency training. Chiropractic programs prepare students for chiropractic practice and related clinical responsibilities.
MD vs DC: The Big Differences
Understanding MD vs DC: the big differences can make the distinction easier to understand.
| Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) | Medical Doctor (MD) |
|---|---|
| Earns a Doctor of Chiropractic degree | Earns a Doctor of Medicine degree |
| Completes chiropractic professional education | Completes medical school |
| Training focuses significantly on chiropractic and musculoskeletal care | Training covers broad areas of medicine |
| Uses chiropractic and conservative approaches within the applicable scope | May use medications, procedures, or surgery depending on specialty and license |
| Licensed as a chiropractor | Licensed as a physician |
| Follows a different clinical training pathway | Typically completes residency after medical school |
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are also physicians. They complete medical education and residency training and practice medicine within their licensing and specialty.
How Are Medical Doctors Different Than Chiropractors?
How are medical doctors different than chiropractors? The main differences involve their education, clinical training, professional roles, and scope of practice.
Medical physicians are trained to evaluate and manage a broad range of medical conditions. Depending on their specialty, they may prescribe medication, provide hospital care, perform procedures, or conduct surgery.
Chiropractors generally focus on chiropractic care and musculoskeletal concerns within the scope allowed by their state or jurisdiction.
This does not mean one profession is a replacement for the other. In some situations, different healthcare professionals may work together to support a patient’s care.
Are Chiropractors Licensed?
Yes. Chiropractors generally need to meet licensing requirements before practicing independently.
Requirements vary by jurisdiction but may include:
- Completing recognized chiropractic education
- Passing required examinations
- Meeting state regulatory requirements
- Maintaining professional standards
- Completing continuing education when required
Patients can check a chiropractor’s credentials and license through the appropriate state licensing authority.
Chiropractic Care at Cornerstone Chiropractic Clinic in Woodbury, MN
If you are looking for chiropractic care in Woodbury, MN, Cornerstone Chiropractic Clinic provides personalized care for individuals and families. The clinic’s approach is centered on helping patients work toward their health and wellness goals through chiropractic care.
Cornerstone Chiropractic follows a three-step process that begins with an assessment, followed by findings, and then an appropriate adjustment. During the initial visit, the team reviews the patient’s health history and concerns before completing the necessary evaluation.
The clinic also specializes in Torque Release Technique (TRT) and offers manual adjustments. Its website lists care related to back pain, headaches, neck pain, whiplash, pregnancy, sports injuries, and pediatric chiropractic care.
Cornerstone Chiropractic Clinic is located at 8470 City Centre Drive Ste D, Woodbury, MN 55125. Patients can contact the clinic to learn more about chiropractic care and determine whether an appointment is appropriate for their needs.
When Should You See a Medical Doctor Instead?
Chiropractic care is not appropriate for every health concern.
Seek prompt medical attention for symptoms such as:
- Sudden weakness or paralysis
- New difficulty speaking
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe or unusual headache
- Significant trauma
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- High fever with severe symptoms
- Rapidly worsening neurological symptoms
If pain is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by unusual symptoms, appropriate medical evaluation may be necessary.
Have questions about chiropractic care? Contact Cornerstone Chiropractic Clinic in Woodbury, MN, to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a healthcare approach that primarily focuses on the musculoskeletal system. Depending on the patient and provider, care may include spinal adjustments, manual techniques, movement recommendations, and other conservative approaches.
What Does It Mean to Be a Chiropractor?
Being a chiropractor means completing the required chiropractic education, clinical training, and licensing requirements for the jurisdiction where the professional practices. Qualified chiropractors generally hold a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
What Is the Chiropractic Degree?
The chiropractic degree is generally called the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. It is a professional doctoral credential specifically designed to prepare graduates for chiropractic practice.
Is a Chiropractor a Medical Doctor?
No. Chiropractors generally earn a DC degree, while medical physicians earn an MD or DO degree. The education and scope of practice are different.
Is a Chiropractor Considered a Doctor?
Yes. A qualified chiropractor who has earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree holds a professional doctoral credential. However, this should not be confused with being an MD or DO.
What Kind of Doctor Is a Chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC). Their education is specifically designed to prepare them for chiropractic practice.
Do Chiropractors Go to Medical School?
Generally, no. Chiropractors attend professional chiropractic programs rather than medical schools that award MD or DO degrees.
Are Chiropractors Licensed?
Yes. Chiropractors generally must meet state or jurisdictional licensing requirements before practicing. These requirements can include education, examinations, and continuing education.
Final Takeaway
A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) is a professional doctoral credential, but it is different from an MD or DO degree.
Chiropractors receive specialized education and clinical training for chiropractic practice, while medical physicians follow a broader medical education pathway and typically complete residency training.
Knowing the difference can help you understand what to expect from chiropractic care and choose the right healthcare professional for your needs.