Become a Chiropractor — Starting in High School

I need you to understand something: most future chiropractors discover the profession in college — often after a detour through pre-med, kinesiology, or "I don't know yet." Nothing wrong with that road. But if you're in high school and you're already curious about this, you're years ahead, and those years compound. Here's how to use them.

Take the sciences seriously — but don't worship them

Biology, chemistry, and physics in high school build the base for the college prerequisites every DC program requires. Anatomy and physiology, if your school offers it, is a preview of the single biggest subject of your first year of chiropractic school. AP or dual-enrollment science credit can sometimes count toward college prerequisites — check how your target colleges handle it. But hear this too, because it came through in our ~333 interviews with this profession again and again: the doctors who thrive aren't the ones who were best at memorizing. They're the ones who learned to connect with people. Your communication classes, your team sports, your job at the front counter — those are pre-chiro training too.

Experience chiropractic — don't just read about it

If you've never been in a chiropractic office, that's your first move — and it's available to you right now, at any age. Get adjusted if your family's open to it. Ask your chiropractor questions; most doctors light up when a young person is genuinely curious about the work. And yes, you can shadow in high school — many offices welcome it, sometimes with a parent's sign-off. Here's exactly how to ask.

Choose your college with the path in mind

This is the head start that actually saves you years. Chiropractic programs want roughly 90 semester hours of specific coursework — which means the college you pick and the major you choose either line up with those requirements or fight them. Before you commit to a college, look at two or three chiropractic schools you might target and check their prerequisites against your intended college's courses. Some students even pick colleges near a chiropractic campus so they can stay close to the profession while they finish prerequisites. The full school index is here — and the prerequisites breakdown is here.

Build proof of your interest

Admissions people told us something worth writing on your wall: purpose shows. A high schooler who shadowed two offices, kept notes, asked real questions, and can say clearly why this profession — that student walks into every future application, scholarship conversation, and interview with something most applicants don't have. Start a simple record now of every exposure hour, every conversation with a DC, every question you couldn't stop thinking about. Future-you will thank you at application time.

What about the timeline?

From where you sit: finish high school, complete about three years of college prerequisites (or a full bachelor's), then a 3.3–4 year Doctor of Chiropractic program, then boards and licensure. It sounds long because it is long — and starting with clarity is exactly how it doesn't feel wasted. Full timeline here.

FAQ

What classes should I take in high school to become a chiropractor?

Biology, chemistry, and physics as your base; anatomy & physiology if offered; plus communication-heavy classes — the profession is as much about people as science.

Can I shadow a chiropractor in high school?

Often, yes — many offices welcome high school observers, sometimes with parental consent. A short, respectful, in-person ask works best.

Do AP classes count toward chiropractic school prerequisites?

Sometimes — AP or dual-enrollment credit may satisfy college coursework that later counts toward DC program prerequisites. Confirm with both your target college and target chiropractic schools.

How long does it take to become a chiropractor after high school?

Typically 7–8 years: about 3 years of college prerequisites (or a 4-year degree) plus a 3.3–4 year DC program, then boards and state licensure.