What It Takes to Become a Chiropractor: Inside Logan University’s Curriculum
Ever wonder what chiropractors study in school? It’s a lot more than just learning how to “crack” backs. In fact, chiropractic students complete a rigorous program similar to medical school, covering everything from anatomy and physiology to neurology, radiology, and even business management.
Let’s take a tour through the Doctor of Chiropractic curriculum at Logan University (formerly Logan College of Chiropractic) and explore how it prepares future chiropractors. We’ll also break down the national board exams (NBCE) that all students must pass to become licensed.
Year 1: Building the Basics (Foundational Sciences)
First-year chiropractic students at Logan start with foundational science—many of the same subjects studied in the early years of medical school. Courses include:
• Gross Anatomy (with cadaver labs)
• Histology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology
• Spinal Anatomy, General Anatomy
They also begin their chiropractic-specific education with courses like Principles of Chiropractic and Fundamentals of Chiropractic, learning the profession’s history, philosophy, and the core ideas behind spinal health and adjustments.
Hands-on learning begins immediately. About 40% of first-year time is spent in clinical skills labs, where students learn examination techniques, assessment procedures, and early-stage chiropractic adjusting setups. For example, courses like Clinical Methods I and Myofascial Technique help students gain practical skills from day one.
Year 2: Advancing into Clinical Sciences & Techniques
In the second year, the curriculum becomes even more hands-on, with approximately 90% of time devoted to clinical skills development. Coursework moves deeper into clinical sciences, including:
• Pathology
• Diagnostic Imaging (reading X-rays and other scans)
• Neurology
• Internal Disorders (chiropractic’s version of internal medicine)
• Lab Diagnosis & Physical Diagnosis
This year also focuses heavily on chiropractic technique. Logan teaches up to 15 different methods, including:
• Diversified Technique (the classic manual adjustment)
• Logan Basic Technique (a gentle, low-force method unique to Logan)
• Activator Method (instrument-assisted adjustments)
• Extremity Adjusting & Myofascial Release
Students continue to develop diagnostic and adjusting skills by practicing on each other in lab settings under faculty supervision. Technique integration is emphasized through Correlative Technique courses.
The second year also includes essential training in real-world skills like:
• Nutrition & Rehabilitative Exercise
• Healthcare Business Management & Accounting
• Documentation, Ethics & Law
By the end of Year 2 (around Trimester 6), students have transitioned from classroom theory to practical clinical knowledge and are ready to enter real-world patient care.
Year 3 & 4: Clinical Internships & Specialized Knowledge
The final phase of the program is largely clinical. Starting in the third year, students become interns and begin treating real patients under supervision at Logan’s outpatient clinics.
As student interns, they:
• Perform patient intakes and physical exams
• Analyze diagnostic imaging
• Create care plans and adjust patients
• Manage cases from start to finish under licensed doctor supervision
In addition to clinical internships, students continue academic coursework in:
• Orthopedics & Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions
• Clinical Nutrition
• Pain Management & Rehabilitation
• Radiology, Dermatology, Clinical Psychology, and Pharmacology
Students also train to care for specific populations through courses in:
• Pediatrics (infant & child care)
• OB/GYN (pregnancy-related care)
• Geriatrics (aging adults)
By Trimester 7, students are balancing clinic work with advanced elective coursework. Many complete a Clinic Capstone Project to demonstrate their full clinical competence, and some participate in a preceptorship (internship at an external chiropractic practice) during their final trimester.
By the time of graduation, Logan students will have completed over 4,500 hours of training, combining academic study, laboratory work, and direct patient care. They’re prepared to diagnose, manage, and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
National Board Exams (NBCE) – Becoming Board Certified
Graduation is just one milestone. To become a licensed chiropractor in the U.S., students must pass a series of national board exams administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE).
There are four main exams, plus a few additional optional/required ones depending on the state:
📘 Part I – Basic Sciences
Taken near the end of Year 2, Part I covers:
• General Anatomy
• Spinal Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Pathology
• Microbiology
🧪 Part II – Clinical Sciences
Usually taken in Year 3. Topics include:
• General Diagnosis
• Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnosis
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Chiropractic Principles
• Chiropractic Practice
• Associated Clinical Sciences (e.g., nutrition, pediatrics, dermatology)
🩺 Part III – Case Management
Taken during the final year. Focuses on:
• Clinical case scenarios
• Imaging interpretation
• Diagnosis & treatment plans
• Case management decision-making
🤲 Part IV – Hands-On Practical Exam
Taken near graduation. A practical test of:
• Physical exams (including ortho/neuro testing)
• X-ray interpretation
• Chiropractic technique (adjusting demonstrations)
• History-taking and clinical documentation
➕ Other Exams
• Physiotherapy Exam (required in many states)
• State Jurisprudence Exam (tests knowledge of state-specific laws)
Passing all four NBCE Parts (and the Physiotherapy Exam, if required) is a must for licensure in most U.S. states. These exams ensure a consistent national standard for chiropractic knowledge, safety, and clinical readiness.
In Summary
Logan University’s Doctor of Chiropractic program is a demanding, science-based education that combines academic excellence with practical, hands-on training. Students graduate with thousands of hours of anatomy, diagnostic, radiologic, and technique instruction—and they pass a gauntlet of national board exams to prove their competence.
Chiropractors are not only experts in musculoskeletal care—they are trained healthcare professionals who can evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients with knowledge grounded in biology, science, and clinical experience.
