Pre-Chiropractic Program

Pre-Professional Programs at UT Tyler

Overview

Chiropractors, or doctors of chiropractic, are concerned with the proper function of the nervous system as it relates to the body as a whole. This approach to health care stresses the patient's overall health and well-being.

Chiropractors use natural, non-surgical health treatments such as heat, ultrasound, massage, light, diet, water, exercise and rest. Postural and spinal analysis, involving correct alignment of the vertebrae, is unique to chiropractic. Chiropractors are not permitted to prescribed drugs or use surgery to treat their patients. Chiropractors may take diagnostic x-rays as a part of their treatment methods, but Texas law prohibits their use of x-ray or radium therapy.

To become a licensed chiropractor in Texas, an applicant must graduate from a college that is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). The educational requirements call for a minimum of two years of college-level study in an accredited institution of higher learning and graduation from a four-year college of chiropractic that meets the standards of professional education.

Before graduating, a chiropractic student must also complete a program in clinical experience. Upon acceptable completion of the chiropractic college program, the degree of D.C. is awarded.

Once the professional degree is conferred, the doctor of chiropractic must become licensed by the state in which he or she plans to practice. In Texas, chiropractors are licensed by the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners (TBCE).

To receive a license a chiropractor must pass a three part exam administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and a state exam administered by the TBCE. In addition, there are continuing medical education (CME) requirements to maintain licensure.

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the average salary for chiropractors in Texas (2011 data) is $67,600.

Basic Prerequisites

Biological Sciences: Six semester hours (nine quarter hours). General biology, anatomy and physiology are preferred. The biological sciences requirements must include pertinent laboratory experiences that cover the range of material presented in the didactic portions of the course(s). Suggestions: General Biology I & II; Anatomy and Physiology I & II; general zoology; general botany; microbiology.
General Inorganic Chemistry: Six semester hours (nine quarter hours). Courses should be acceptable for pre-professional majors. The general inorganic chemistry requirements must include pertinent laboratory experiences that cover the range of material presented in the didactic portions of the course(s).
Organic Chemistry: Six semester hours (nine quarter hours). Courses should be for pre-professional majors. The organic chemistry requirements must include pertinent laboratory experiences that cover the range of material presented in the didactic portions of the course(s).
General Physics and Related Studies: Six semester hours (nine quarter hours) including laboratory in sequence. The courses can be algebra-trigonometry-based or at a pre-professional level. The physics requirement may be met with either one or more physics courses with unduplicated content (of which one must include a pertinent related laboratory that covers the range of material presented in the didactic portions of the course), or three semester hours in physics (with laboratory) and three semester hours in biomechanics, kinesiology, statistics, or exercise physiology
English or Communications Skills: Six semester hours (nine quarter hours) English composition, speech, or English literature.
Psychology: Three semester hours (five quarter hours).
Social Sciences/Humanities Electives: 15 semester hours (23 quarter hours). Electives may include such courses as history, government, English literature, foreign language, sociology, psychology, drama, philosophy. A course in public speaking is highly recommended.

Note: In addition to the above social sciences and humanities electives, course work in computer skills, statistics, business management and marketing are recommended.

Texas Chiropractic School Sites

For more information or questions concerning courses at UT Tyler that will fulfill chiropractic school prerequisites, please contact:

Dr. Rachel Mason
Chief Health Professions Advisor & JAMP Faculty Director
Associate Professor of Chemistry & Assistant Chair
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
The University of Texas at Tyler
3900 University Blvd
Tyler, Texas 75799
Office: RBS 3002
Phone: 903.565.5641

Marti Halbrook, MS
Assistant Director, of Academy of Future Health Professionals
The University of Texas at Tyler
3900 University Blvd
Tyler, Texas 75799
Office CAS 132
Phone: 903.566.7193