Pre-Chiropractic Roadmap
Start your journey to becoming a chiropractor.
Chiropractic uses a wide variety of techniques and approaches to relieve pain, increase mobility and optimize performance through safe and effective spinal adjustments and manipulation. It emphasizes the interrelatedness of the body parts as a whole system, but especially as they relate to the functions of the nervous system. Since the majority of the body's organs are connected by nerves that enter or leave the spine, chiropractic practice places emphasis on the correct structure and function of the spine and the body joints.
Chiropractors consider themselves to be primary care providers - persons who are a point of first contact with a person seeking relief from some malfunction.
Pre-Chiropractic Roadmap at UNL
Chiropractic Prerequisite Classes
Depending on the school you plan to attend, you may need additional prerequisite courses. Meet with an advisor for more information.
Typical Chiropractic School Requirements
Life & Physical Sciences with labs – 6-8 courses
Psychology – 1 semester
English – 2 semesters
Social Sciences/Humanities– 5 courses
What to Take at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Some classes require prerequisites. Meet with an advisor for help planning your courses and for Social Sciences and Humanities options.
Life & Physical Sciences with labs – LIFE, BIOS, CHEM, PHYS or NUTR
Psychology – PSYC 181
English – ENGL 150, 151, 254, or 354
Social Sciences/Humanities – See below and speak with an advisor for specific options.
The above courses are a list of generally accepted prerequisites with specific UNL courses that fulfill most chiropractic admission requirements. Specific admission requirements vary per chiropractic school. Students should consult with schools of interest to determine their specific admission requirements.
Other Notes:
- Math: Some required science courses, like chemistry, require math as a prerequisite. See your pre-health advisor for math placement information.
- Science: Most chiropractic schools require 24 hours (incl. 12 hours of labs) spread across CHEM, PHYS, LIFE, BIOS, and NUTR. Check with each school to find out which specific courses are required and then meet with an advisor to plan your courses.
- Social Science/Humanities: Commonly accepted areas include anthropology, communication, computer science, sociology, economics, management, history, literature, philosophy, art, theater, music, religion, psychology, management, marketing, political science, and world language.
3-Year Suggested Sequencing
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
*Sequence may vary from above depending on declared major and chiropractic school requirements
4-Year Suggested Sequencing
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
Extracurricular Involvement and Activities:
Pursuing Pre-Chiropractic requires more than just coursework. Your extracurricular activities, employment, and healthcare experiences like shadowing and volunteering will contribute greatly to your success in this field. See a pre-health advisor in the Explore Center to plan extracurricular activities that will prepare you for this program.
Application and Admission
Application: Apply directly to the school. Check school websites for application materials required.
Entrance exam: No entrance exam is required.
Additional admission requirements: Check with chiropractic schools to which you plan to apply to find out what type of letters of recommendation are required. Generally, one from a faculty member and one from a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine will be required.