Pre-Chiropractic Coursework

Chiropractors care for patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal adjustments, manipulation, and other techniques to manage patients' health concerns, such as back and neck pain.

SMSU provides the required pre-professional courses for students who intend to enroll in a Chiropractic program. You may not need complete a bachelor's degree to start a chiropractic program. The minimum academic requirement for admission to a chiropractic program is the completion of 90 semester hours of coursework at an accredited college and includes the following prerequisites. However, applicants with a BS or BA are given preference, and the vast majority of admitted students have a bachelor's degree. Undergraduate students do not have to major in one of the sciences. However, much of the pre-professional coursework is science focused and so most students major in one of the science areas. We encourage students to pursue a major that they find interesting so they will be successful.

3+3 programs: Save time and tuition. SMSU has agreements with multiple chiropractic programs that allow students to start their undergraduate work at SMSU and then transfer to the chiropractic program after earning 90 credits and satisfactory completion of prerequisite coursework. Courses taken within in the first year of the chiropractic program with transfer back to SMSU so that the student will earn their bachelor’s degree after the first year of chiropractic school. Note: 3+3 students must follow the biology curriculum.

Acceptance to chiropractic school is highly competitive. High GPA, an impressive personal statement, and good recommendations are critical. Good applicants also have research experience, have clinical experience through job shadowing or internships, and participate in university/community service.