Chiropractor license requirements vary slightly from state to state. Each state enforces standards for the chiropractic profession and administers licensing tests. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, chiropractors can practice only in the state they are licensed in. The Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards has information on individual state agencies.
Identification
For chiropractic licensing, most states use all or part of a test administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. States vary required benchmarks such as text scores and educational requirements needed to get a license.
Education
Most states have educational requirements for getting a chiropractic license. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensing boards generally require a minimum of two years of undergraduate education. An increasing number of states are requiring a four-year bachelor's degree, however.
Considerations
You can only be licensed to practice as a chiropractor in the state you are licensed. However, various states maintain agreements that permit chiropractors licensed in one state to get a license in another state without taking more exams. In these cases, educational, examination, and practice credentials must meet state requirements.
Maintaing Licensure
Most states require that licensed chiropractors complete a number of hours of continuing education each year in order to maintain their license. Programs are offered through chiropractic associations and accredited chiropractic programs and institutions.
Advancement
Once you are licensed in your state as a chiropractor, you can set up your own new practice or buy an established one. You may choose to enter into partnership with an established chiropractor where you work in a salaried position. Licensed chiropractors can also work in a group practice or a health care facility.
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