Are Chiropractors Real Doctors? Chiropractic Education Explained

Classroon Hours Chiropractor Vs Medicine

Presented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC — Soft Touch Chiropractic, Porter Ranch & Northridge, California
One question patients frequently ask is:
“Is a chiropractor really a doctor?”
The answer requires an important distinction.
A chiropractor earns a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree and must meet education, examination, and licensing requirements to practice. However, a chiropractor is not a medical doctor (MD). Chiropractic and medicine are separate healthcare professions with different training and scopes of practice.
What Education Does a Chiropractor Receive?Before entering a Doctor of Chiropractic program, students must complete required undergraduate college coursework.
Chiropractic education then includes extensive study of subjects such as:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Neurology
• Pathology
• Biomechanics
• Diagnosis
• Radiology and diagnostic imaging
• Chiropractic adjusting and manipulation
• Nutrition
• Rehabilitation and therapeutic procedures
• Clinical sciences

Students also receive supervised clinical training, where they learn to evaluate and care for patients.
What Is a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree?After completing an accredited chiropractic program, graduates receive the professional degree:
Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)
This is different from an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree.
Each profession has its own educational requirements, licensing process, and legal scope of practice.
Do Chiropractors Have to Pass Board Examinations?Yes.
Chiropractic graduates generally must pass examinations administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) and satisfy the licensing requirements of the state where they intend to practice.
In California, chiropractors are regulated by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
Continuing education is also required to maintain a California chiropractic license.
What Do Chiropractors Focus On?Chiropractic care primarily focuses on the musculoskeletal system, including the spine, joints, muscles, and their relationship to movement and function.
Depending on the patient's condition and the chiropractor's approach, care may include chiropractic manipulation or adjustment, mobilization, therapeutic exercise, stretching, physiotherapy procedures, posture education, and other conservative approaches within the chiropractor's legal scope of practice.
Chiropractors do not replace medical physicians when a condition requires medical treatment, prescription medication, surgery, or emergency care. Appropriate referral and collaboration with other healthcare professionals are important parts of responsible patient care.
Chiropractic Care in Porter Ranch & NorthridgeAt Soft Touch Chiropractic, Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC has been practicing chiropractic since 1994.
Our approach emphasizes gentle, individualized chiropractic and supportive therapies based on each patient's examination and needs.
If you're looking for a chiropractor in Porter Ranch, Northridge, or the San Fernando Valley, we welcome you to learn more about our approach to chiropractic care.
Soft Touch Chiropractic
Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC
Porter Ranch / Northridge, California
This information is for general educational purposes and does not substitute for individualized medical or chiropractic evaluation.