Doctors of chiropractic are licensed doctors. A licensed chiropractor will have the initials, “DC” after his/her name referring to “doctor of chiropractics.” The chiropractic licensing board is recognized by the US Department of Education to do just such work. Therefore you can be confident that a chiropractor is a “real” doctor.

In fact, the first couple years of training for general practitioners and doctors of chiropractics are very similar. They both study anatomy, physiology and neurology to a great extent. It is not until after these two first years are done that the program changes for the two types of doctors. The length of schooling is the same as well. It’s truly not even a difference in majors or studies but rather concentrations. Imagine the difference between a chemistry major with a concentration in chemical technology and physics. Both would be just as educated and helpful to the community. When you consider the difference between a general medical doctor and a chiropractic practitioner, imagine it in this way.

Remember that chiropractic doctors do not dispense prescription medicine. They promote a more holistic, natural type of approach that does not include medication. Due to this, they do not study pharmacology like a traditional medical doctor would. Also, there is no need for chiropractors to do rotations within different fields because they have already chosen their expertise and will not be required to provide care outside of that realm. In fact, they will not be licensed to provide care outside of that expertise and therefore have absolutely no use for it.

The licensing for chiropractors will differ between states, but this is not a dramatic change. For the most part, chiropractors receive their license from the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and some states require additional fees or testing.

Chiropractors go to undergrad just like every other doctor before being accepted to medical school. Medical school itself is typically a five year program. That’s nine years of post high school coursework for the vast majority of people. In any other field, that would be equivalent to a doctorate. The notion that chiropractors get their diploma on the internet or through a weekend course is ludicrous. As long as they have been licensed through the CCE, they are real doctors.

It is true that chiropractors are often seen as something less than real doctors but this is just not the case. There are over 150,000 chiropractors working throughout the US and that number is growing. As people consider all the benefits to seeing a chiropractor, the number of students pursuing this career will increase.

You can feel confident that your licensed chiropractor is a real doctor. Don’t hesitate to examine if the doctor has proper credentials, but once they are verified you can breath easily that you are in good hands. Chiropractors can be a cost effective way to live a happier, healthier life.

Philip Vincent is a health educator. Need a Bellevue Chiropractor? Consider a visit to this Factoria Chiropractor.