When working with the body, education is important. Chiropractors manipulate the musculoskeletal structure by performing spinal and other adjustments to relieve pain and prevent injury and illness without the use of surgery or drugs. Healing is the goal, but this cannot be done correctly without proper education.

To practice as a chiropractor, you will need proper licensure. Each state has its own requirements, but most of them are similar. The first requirement is between 60 and 90 credit hours of undergraduate study at an accredited university. These classes need to include general studies, such as English, math and science, and plenty of health and science classes, including organic and inorganic chemistry, anatomy, physiology, biology and psychology. Several states require aspiring chiropractors to have a bachelor’s degree, and many chiropractic institutions are recommending four years of undergraduate study before or during their specialty programs.

After or during your undergraduate education, you must attend an accredited chiropractic institution, where you will study for four years before graduating as a Doctor of Chiropractic. You must become a DC to obtain a license.

During the first two years of DC training, the focus is science. Classes such as anatomy, microbiology and physiology will dominate your coursework. Laboratory work is also a frequent requirement during these two years, so online classes are not recommended.

The last two years of chiropractic school include clinical work. Clinical experience gives you the ability to network and discover which area of chiropractic you want to specialize in. Specializations include areas such as family practice, geriatrics, pediatrics and sports medicine, among others. During this time you will become familiar with x-ray machines, ultrasounds and chiropractic devices such as braces and straps that chiropractors use in their practice. You will begin diagnosing and implementing different therapy techniques. Also, you will begin the art of spinal adjustment and manipulation during the last two years of your education.

After graduating from an accredited chiropractic school, you must take the licensing exam. The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners delivers a four-part exam, but some states only require you to complete part of the test. However, other examinations given by the state can supplement this test. Once you've completed your education and met all state licensing requirements, you can become a practicing chiropractor.

When you obtain licensed as a chiropractor, however, your education is not over. Further school is needed each year to maintain licensure. Each state requires a set amount of hours of continuing education, except New Jersey. Continuing education may include courses in ethics, pain management, neurology, acupuncture and many specialized fields for chiropractors. Some of these courses can be taken online. Check ahead of time to see which classes your state has approved to meet their continuing-education requirements.

As with most careers, it is important to plan ahead. You should research the standards and requirements for the state you want to work in to avoid potential problems. It is a nightmare for many students to realize at the last second that they needed one extra credit hour or class.

During your schooling, you may want to consider working in a medical facility doing administrative tasks. Doing so will familiarize you with office tasks such as the proper way to update charts and interact with patients. These tasks are common responsibilities for chiropractors, and knowing them will aid you once you begin your practice.