Dr. Scott Zack Looks at Key Chiropractic Qualifications and Training

Centered around academic areas including spinal anatomy, gross anatomy, neurology, phlebotomy, and more, formal chiropractic education is required for accreditation purposes in the United States. That’s according to Dr. Scott Zack, an established chiropractor based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, as he takes a closer look at key chiropractic qualifications and training currently required to practice in the U.S.

“While teaching methodology and the nature of chiropractic education offered at chiropractic schools around the world varies considerably, formal qualifications are required here in the United States for accreditation purposes,” reveals Dr. Zack.

World Health Organization guidelines currently stipulate that prospective chiropractors must spend a minimum of 4,200 student/teacher contact hours over the course of four years in full‐time education, including no less than 1,000 hours of supervised clinical training.

According to Dr. Zack, formal chiropractic education consists of either college or university-based learning and training. “While the main focus will be placed upon chiropractic care, students may also wish to pursue various other certifications or diplomas, centered around, for example, public health, ethics, clinical nutrition, pediatrics, or any one of a number of other health or wellness-related areas,” he adds.

Upon completion of all clinical requirements of chiropractic school, a degree in the field is granted. “However,” Dr. Zack reveals, “in order to practice legally in the United States, chiropractors must be properly licensed.”

This, he further points out, applies to all self-regulated healthcare professionals in the U.S. “A license is typically issued upon completion of a series of board exams, largely administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, although this can vary on a state-by-state basis,” adds the Michigan-based expert.

The state of New Mexico, for example, Dr. Zack points out, offers extended licensing which allows qualified chiropractors to prescribe certain medications. “Chiropractors here may approach the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy,” he explains, “to sign what’s known as the Chiropractic Advanced Practice Certification Registry courtesy of the state’s Regulation & Licensing Department.”

With national demand for chiropractic care services growing year on year, it’s an area of healthcare specialization which Dr. Scott Zack is particularly keen to champion. “With most insurers in the United States now covering chiropractic care, and the majority of health maintenance organizations today encouraging a variety of chiropractic services, demand only looks set to increase further moving forward,” he adds, wrapping up, “making chiropractic qualifications and training an especially valuable asset.”