It’s one of the most frequently searched questions in healthcare: do chiropractors go to medical school?
The short answer is no. Chiropractors do not attend medical school to earn an MD or DO degree. Instead, they complete a professional doctoral program in chiropractic education and earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree.
The fuller answer is more nuanced.
Chiropractic education is a science- and clinically focused professional program that includes subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, diagnostic imaging, biomechanics, physical examination, and chiropractic techniques. Accredited chiropractic programs also include supervised clinical training. Current chiropractic education standards require substantial instructional and patient-care education.
The important distinction is that chiropractors and medical doctors follow different educational pathways, licensing systems, and scopes of practice.
Whether you’re a patient comparing healthcare options, a student considering a career, or simply curious about the difference between a DC and an MD, understanding these distinctions can make the healthcare system much easier to navigate.
Below, we’ll unpack what a chiropractor is, what a medical doctor is, how chiropractic school compares with medical school, what chiropractors can diagnose and treat, whether they can prescribe medicine, and how chiropractic care may be covered by insurance.
What Is a Chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a licensed healthcare professional who receives specialized education in chiropractic care, with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, including the spine, joints, muscles, and related structures.
Chiropractors are trained to take patient histories, perform physical examinations, evaluate neuromusculoskeletal conditions within their scope, and provide chiropractic care using techniques permitted by state law.
Common chiropractic approaches may include:
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Spinal adjustments
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Manual manipulation
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Joint mobilization
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Traction
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Therapeutic exercise
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Rehabilitation
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Lifestyle and wellness guidance
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Other conservative techniques allowed by state law
Patients may seek chiropractic care for concerns involving the back, neck, joints, movement, sports injuries, or injuries associated with automobile accidents.
However, chiropractic practice is not identical in every state. State law determines what a chiropractor can diagnose, what procedures may be performed, what imaging can be used, and what other services fall within the professional scope.
For example, North Carolina defines chiropractic practice through state law and regulates chiropractors through the North Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
Understanding what is a chiropractor therefore, means understanding both the professional education and the legal scope of practice.
What Is a Doctor of Chiropractic?
Chiropractors hold the professional title Doctor of Chiropractic, abbreviated DC.
So, what is a Doctor of Chiropractic in practical terms?
A DC is a healthcare professional who has completed a doctoral-level chiropractic education program, clinical training, required examinations, and the licensing process applicable to the state where they practice.
The “doctor” title often creates confusion.
Patients may ask:
Is a Doctor of Chiropractic degree a real doctorate?
Is a chiropractor a medical doctor?
Why do chiropractors call themselves doctors?
Why do some sources use the term chiropractic physician?
The answer is that a DC is a doctor by professional degree, but a DC is not an MD or DO.
A Doctor of Chiropractic degree prepares graduates for chiropractic practice. A Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine prepares physicians for medical practice.
These are different professional degrees with different scopes of practice.
What Degree Does a Chiropractor Have?
If you’re asking what degree does a chiropractor have, the answer is the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree.
It is a professional doctorate designed specifically for chiropractic practice.
What Is a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree?
So, what is a Doctor of Chiropractic degree actually made of?
A Doctor of Chiropractic program is not limited to learning spinal adjustments. Students receive education in biomedical sciences, clinical sciences, diagnostic skills, chiropractic practice, and supervised patient care.
Accredited chiropractic education includes subjects such as:
Basic sciences: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, and related sciences
Diagnostic sciences: physical examination, clinical assessment, diagnostic imaging, and clinical decision-making
Musculoskeletal sciences: biomechanics, orthopedics, neurology, and spinal analysis
Clinical sciences: chiropractic technique, rehabilitation, patient management, and related clinical subjects
Patient care: supervised clinical experience in which students apply their education with patients
The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners also evaluates knowledge in areas including anatomy, physiology, chemistry, pathology, microbiology, diagnosis, neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, chiropractic principles, clinical sciences, physical examination, case management, and practical chiropractic skills.
Current professional standards require extensive instructional education, including significant patient-care training.
In short, what is a Doctor of Chiropractic degree?
It is a rigorous professional doctorate focused on chiropractic practice and neuromusculoskeletal care. It is not a medical degree.
Chiropractic Education: What the Training Actually Involves
Chiropractic education is sometimes underestimated because the profession has a specialized scope.
In the foundational stages, chiropractic students study many of the same biomedical subjects found in other healthcare programs. Anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, and neurology provide the scientific foundation for understanding the human body.
The difference becomes clearer as students move into professional and clinical training.
Chiropractic programs place substantial emphasis on areas such as:
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Spinal anatomy
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Biomechanics
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Neuromusculoskeletal assessment
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Orthopedic examination
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Neurological examination
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Diagnostic imaging
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Chiropractic adjustment and manipulation
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Rehabilitation
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Patient management
Medical programs, by comparison, provide broader education across the full medical system and include clinical rotations in areas such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and numerous medical specialties.
The postgraduate pathways are also different.
Medical school graduates generally enter residency training before independent practice in their chosen medical specialty. Chiropractors who meet their state licensing requirements can enter chiropractic practice without completing a medical residency, although some pursue additional postgraduate education or specialty credentials.
The distinction is therefore not simply about one profession receiving “more education.” The two educational systems are designed to prepare professionals for different healthcare roles.
Do Chiropractors Go to Medical School?
No, chiropractors do not go to medical school.
They attend chiropractic colleges and earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree.
The Bridgeport competitor article identifies this same fundamental distinction: chiropractic students follow a separate professional pathway from students pursuing an MD.
Chiropractors therefore do not follow the medical-school pathway used by MDs and DOs.
Instead, chiropractic students complete chiropractic coursework and clinical training, then meet national examination and state licensing requirements.
The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners states that its examinations assess knowledge and skills in areas including basic sciences, diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, chiropractic practice, and clinical sciences. All 50 states either accept or require NBCE Parts I–IV for licensure.
So the simple answer to do chiropractors go to medical school is no.
The more complete answer is that chiropractors receive specialized doctoral education through a separate healthcare profession.
Is a Chiropractor a Medical Doctor?
A chiropractor is a doctor, but not a medical doctor.
A chiropractor earns a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree.
A medical doctor earns a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is also a physician and follows the medical education and physician licensing pathway.
So, is a chiropractor a medical doctor?
No.
That distinction matters because the degree a healthcare professional earns influences their training, licensing, and legal scope of practice.
A DC does not have the same prescribing or surgical authority associated with an MD or DO simply because both professionals use the title “doctor.”
In some jurisdictions, chiropractors may also be referred to as chiropractic physicians under state law. That terminology should not be confused with being an MD or DO.
What Is a Medical Doctor?
To understand the difference, consider what is a medical doctor.
An MD is a physician who has completed an accredited medical education program and obtained the appropriate medical license.
Medical education is designed to prepare physicians to evaluate and manage a broad range of diseases, injuries, and medical conditions.
The typical pathway includes:
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Undergraduate education and medical school prerequisites
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Medical school
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Medical licensing examinations
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Residency training
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Additional fellowship training when required for a particular specialty
Medical students receive broad clinical exposure across different areas of medicine.
Depending on their specialty and applicable laws, physicians may diagnose and treat diseases, prescribe medications, perform procedures, perform surgery, manage hospitalized patients, and coordinate care for complex medical conditions.
In simple terms, what is a medical doctor?
An MD is a physician trained for broad medical practice, while a DC is a doctor trained specifically for chiropractic practice.
MD vs DC: The Big Differences
The easiest way to understand MD vs DC: the big differences is to look at their education, professional degrees, clinical training, areas of focus, and scope of practice. Both are healthcare professionals, but they follow different educational pathways and are trained for different types of patient care.
MD: Doctor of Medicine
An MD, or Doctor of Medicine, is a physician who completes medical school and receives broad training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and other medical conditions. Medical education includes extensive study of subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, and other basic and clinical sciences.
After medical school, physicians typically complete supervised postgraduate training, such as a residency, depending on their chosen area of practice. This training can prepare them to work in fields such as family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, emergency medicine, and many other medical specialties.
The scope of an MD’s practice is broad and depends on state licensing and specialty training. Physicians may use medical history, physical examinations, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, medications, medical procedures, surgery, rehabilitation, and referrals as part of patient care. Prescription medications and surgical treatment are within the scope of appropriately licensed physicians, subject to applicable laws and professional training.
DC: Doctor of Chiropractic
A DC, or Doctor of Chiropractic, is a healthcare professional who completes a professional chiropractic education and earns the Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Chiropractic education includes substantial coursework in basic and clinical sciences, along with specialized training in areas such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostic procedures, biomechanics, neurology, spinal analysis, chiropractic techniques, rehabilitation, and patient management.
Chiropractic training is particularly focused on the musculoskeletal and neuromusculoskeletal systems, including the spine and joints. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate patients, identify conditions within their legal scope of practice, and provide chiropractic care using techniques such as spinal or joint manipulation, manual care, rehabilitative exercise, and other permitted conservative approaches.
A DC does not have the same scope of practice as an MD. Chiropractors generally do not prescribe medications or perform surgery, and their exact scope depends on the laws and regulations of the state where they practice. When a patient’s symptoms, diagnostic findings, or healthcare needs fall outside chiropractic scope, a chiropractor may refer the patient to a physician or another appropriate healthcare professional.
MD vs DC: Why the Difference Matters
An MD and a DC are separate professional credentials with different educational pathways, clinical training, and scopes of practice. Neither degree should be treated as a substitute for the other. The appropriate healthcare professional depends on the patient’s condition, healthcare needs, and the type of evaluation or treatment required.
At the same time, MDs and DCs can be part of coordinated patient care. When appropriate, different healthcare professionals may work together or make referrals so that a patient receives care that matches their individual needs.
How to Become a Chiropractor
For students researching how to become a chiropractor, the pathway involves several stages.
1. Complete Prerequisite Education
Students first complete the undergraduate or pre-chiropractic coursework required by the chiropractic program and applicable licensing jurisdiction.
Admission requirements can differ between chiropractic colleges and states, so students should check the current requirements of the program and state where they intend to practice.
2. Earn a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree
The next step is completing an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic program.
The curriculum combines classroom education, laboratory work, clinical sciences, diagnostic training, and supervised patient care.
3. Complete Clinical Training
Chiropractic students receive supervised clinical experience to develop practical skills in:
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Patient history
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Physical examination
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Clinical assessment
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Diagnostic procedures
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Chiropractic techniques
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Patient management
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Clinical decision-making
4. Pass Chiropractic Board Examinations
The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners administers four major examination parts.
Part I covers subjects such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, pathology, and microbiology.
Part II covers general diagnosis, neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, chiropractic principles, chiropractic practice, and associated clinical sciences.
Part III evaluates areas including case history, physical examination, diagnosis or clinical impression, imaging, chiropractic techniques, supportive interventions, and case management.
Part IV is a practical examination assessing hands-on clinical skills.
All 50 states either accept or require NBCE Parts I–IV for licensure, although states may impose additional requirements.
5. Obtain State Licensure
After completing the educational and examination requirements, graduates apply for licensure in the state where they intend to practice.
Each state establishes its own licensing rules.
6. Maintain Professional Licensure
Licensed chiropractors must follow the renewal and continuing education requirements established by their state.
Some chiropractors also pursue additional education in areas such as sports chiropractic, rehabilitation, neurology, orthopedics, or other specialties.
Knowing how to become a chiropractor also clarifies what degree does a chiropractor have: a DC earned through professional doctoral education, clinical training, examinations, and state licensure.
Are Chiropractors Licensed Healthcare Professionals?
Yes. Chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals.
Chiropractic is a regulated profession, and every U.S. state recognizes chiropractic practice through its own laws and licensing system. The NBCE states that all 50 states either accept or require its Parts I–IV examinations for licensure.
Licensing generally involves:
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Completing the required professional education
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Passing applicable examinations
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Meeting state-specific requirements
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Maintaining an active license
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Following professional and ethical standards
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Completing continuing education where required
However, being a licensed healthcare professional does not mean that every healthcare professional has the same authority.
A chiropractor is licensed as a chiropractor, not as an MD or DO.
That distinction is especially important when discussing diagnosis, medications, surgery, imaging, and other services.
Can Chiropractors Diagnose Medical Conditions?
Chiropractors receive training in patient examination, clinical assessment, diagnosis, and diagnostic imaging, but the exact legal scope of diagnosis depends on state law.
The NBCE examination system specifically assesses general diagnosis, neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, physical examination, clinical laboratory and special studies, and clinical impression.
However, this does not mean a chiropractor has unlimited authority to diagnose and manage every medical disease.
A chiropractor’s professional scope is centered on chiropractic and neuromusculoskeletal practice.
For example, when a patient’s symptoms suggest a condition outside that scope, appropriate care may involve referral to another healthcare professional.
This is an important part of healthcare. A licensed provider should recognize when a patient’s needs require another type of evaluation or treatment.
So the answer to can chiropractors diagnose medical conditions is best understood as:
Yes, chiropractors are trained to assess and diagnose conditions within their professional scope, but the specific scope of diagnosis is determined by state law.
Can Chiropractors Prescribe Medicine?
Generally, chiropractors do not have the same prescription authority as MDs or DOs.
Chiropractic care is primarily centered on non-drug approaches, and prescription authority depends on state law.
For most patients, the practical distinction is straightforward:
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Chiropractors provide care within the chiropractic scope.
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Medical doctors can prescribe medications within their medical scope.
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Chiropractors generally refer or coordinate care when medication or medical treatment is needed outside chiropractic practice.
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The exact legal rules should always be checked in the state where the chiropractor practices.
This is another reason the question can chiropractors prescribe medicine cannot be answered solely by looking at the word “doctor” in the professional title.
Is Chiropractic Care Covered by Insurance?
It can be, but coverage varies by insurance plan, state, diagnosis, treatment, and the specific service being provided.
Medicare
Medicare provides a limited chiropractic benefit.
CMS states that Medicare coverage is limited to manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation when the applicable coverage and documentation requirements are met. Other services furnished or ordered by chiropractors are not covered under this specific chiropractic benefit.
That means Medicare coverage should not be interpreted as coverage for every service offered by a chiropractic office.
Private Health Insurance
Private insurance plans may include chiropractic benefits, but individual policies can have different rules.
Coverage may depend on:
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Deductibles
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Copayments
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Coinsurance
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Visit limits
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Prior authorization
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In-network status
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Covered services
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Medical-necessity requirements
Medicaid
Medicaid chiropractic coverage varies by state.
Auto and Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Patients receiving chiropractic care after an automobile accident or work-related injury may have additional coverage options, depending on the applicable insurance policy and state rules.
Because insurance policies change, the best way to determine is chiropractic care covered by insurance is to verify benefits directly with the insurer and ask the chiropractic office about billing and accepted plans.
Is It Harder to Become a Doctor or a Chiropractor?
A common question is: Is it harder to become a doctor or a chiropractor?
There is no useful universal answer because “doctor” can refer to different professional degrees and training pathways.
If the comparison is between an MD and a DC, the two programs have different goals.
Medical education covers a much broader range of diseases and medical specialties, followed by residency training. Chiropractic education focuses more heavily on chiropractic practice and neuromusculoskeletal care.
A better comparison looks at:
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Educational requirements
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Professional curriculum
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Clinical training
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Licensing examinations
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Postgraduate requirements
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Scope of practice
The Bridgeport competitor also identifies the major difference in postgraduate training: medical graduates continue into residency, while chiropractors who meet their licensing requirements can enter chiropractic practice without a medical residency.
Rather than describing one profession as simply “harder,” it is more accurate to say that both require substantial professional preparation but prepare graduates for different healthcare roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Doctor of Chiropractic degree a real doctor?
Yes. A Doctor of Chiropractic is a professional doctoral degree. Graduates complete specialized professional education, clinical training, examinations, and state licensing requirements.
However, a DC is not an MD or DO. The degrees represent different healthcare professions.
Do chiropractors go to medical school?
No. Chiropractors attend chiropractic colleges and earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. They do not attend medical school to earn an MD or DO.
Is a chiropractor a medical doctor?
No. A chiropractor is a Doctor of Chiropractic, or DC. A medical doctor is an MD. They are separate professional degrees with different educational pathways and scopes of practice.
Are chiropractors recognized as medical doctors?
No. Chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals, but their professional license is a chiropractic license rather than a medical license.
Why do chiropractors call themselves doctors?
They use the title “doctor” because they hold a professional doctoral degree: Doctor of Chiropractic.
The title does not mean they are medical doctors.
Can chiropractors diagnose medical conditions?
Chiropractors are trained in patient examination and diagnosis within their professional scope. The exact authority varies by state, and chiropractors may refer patients to other healthcare professionals when a condition falls outside their scope.
Can chiropractors prescribe medicine?
Generally, chiropractors do not have the same prescription authority as medical doctors. Prescription authority is determined by state law.
What degree does a chiropractor have?
A chiropractor earns a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree after completing the required professional education, clinical training, examinations, and licensing requirements.
Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
It depends on the insurance plan and the service. Medicare has a limited chiropractic benefit, while private insurance, Medicaid, automobile insurance, and workers’ compensation plans can have different coverage rules.
Chiropractic Fitness – Charlotte, NC
At Chiropractic Fitness, patients in Charlotte, NC, can access personalized chiropractic care focused on mobility, injury recovery, sports performance, family wellness, and overall physical health. Led by Dr. Craig Schulman, the practice combines chiropractic techniques with modern technology and individualized care plans.
Services
Book Your Appointment
Chiropractic Fitness – Charlotte, NC
8316 Pineville-Matthews Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
Phone: (704) 543-7206
Website: Chiropractor in Charlotte, NC
Conclusion
So, do chiropractors go to medical school?
No.
Chiropractors follow a separate professional education pathway and earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree rather than an MD or DO.
That distinction should not be confused with a lack of professional education. Chiropractic programs include extensive study of basic sciences, clinical sciences, diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, chiropractic techniques, and supervised patient care. The NBCE examination system also evaluates knowledge and practical competency before licensure.
The biggest difference between a DC and an MD is not simply the use of the word “doctor.” It is the education, professional degree, licensing pathway, clinical focus, and legal scope of practice behind that title.
Medical doctors receive broad medical education designed around the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases and conditions. Chiropractors receive specialized education centered on chiropractic practice and neuromusculoskeletal care.
For patients, understanding that distinction can make it easier to know what type of healthcare professional to consult and when care from multiple healthcare providers may be appropriate.
Author Bio
Dr. Craig Schulman developed an interest in chiropractic after experiencing neck pain, low back pain, and headaches during his years as a football player. His personal experience with chiropractic care influenced his decision to pursue a career in the field.
Dr. Schulman attended Life University in 1998, where he studied subjects including anatomy, biochemistry, physics, X-ray reading, and chiropractic techniques. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree as a cum laude graduate.
His additional education includes coursework in injury triage, trauma care, head trauma, and brain injury. His listed qualifications also include Board-Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician®, Active Release Therapy® certification, and Kinesio Tape® certification.
At Chiropractic Fitness, Dr. Schulman provides personalized chiropractic care for patients seeking support with injuries, sports-related concerns, family care, and wellness.
