Chiropractic Medicine: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Chiropractic Medicine is a specialized health profession focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders through non-invasive, hands-on interventions. Rooted in the foundational principles established by Daniel Palmer, the discipline emphasizes the body’s innate ability to heal itself when the spine and nervous system are properly aligned. Graduates are prepared to deliver patient-centered care that supports overall wellness and functional mobility.
- Basic Medical Sciences: Core instruction in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and biochemistry to build a strong scientific foundation for clinical decision-making.
- Chiropractic Theory and Science: Exploration of the philosophical and scientific principles underlying chiropractic care, including the relationship between spinal alignment and nervous system function.
- Postural and Spinal Analysis: Training in evaluating posture, biomechanics, and spinal alignment to identify functional imbalances and guide treatment planning.
- Diagnostic Radiology and Ultrasound: Hands-on experience with imaging techniques to assess skeletal integrity, detect pathology, and support accurate diagnosis.
- Adjustment Technique: Mastery of manual and instrument-assisted spinal manipulation methods designed to restore joint mobility and reduce pain.
- Patient Counseling and Health Promotion: Development of communication strategies to educate patients, support lifestyle changes, and encourage long-term wellness.
- Professional Standards and Ethics: Study of legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks governing chiropractic practice and patient care.
- Practice Management: Instruction in business operations, documentation, billing, marketing, and healthcare systems to support professional independence and sustainability.
Chiropractic Medicine Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Chiropractic Medicine Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Chiropractic Medicine degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary and Chiropractors. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 267,350 professionals.
National Average Salaries
Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
Chiropractors 29-1011 | $79,000 | $44,780 - $149,990 | 37,630 | $37.98 |
Chiropractic Medicine Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $67,055 in Wyoming to $161,830 in District of Columbia—a 141% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Arkansas, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 267,350 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Chiropractic Medicine by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 17 institutions offering Chiropractic Medicine programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Chiropractic Medicine is found at Palmer College of Chiropractic (596 graduates), Parker University (351 graduates), Life University (304 graduates), Logan University (237 graduates), and Life Chiropractic College West (Life West) (169 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 2,707 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Palmer College of Chiropractic |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
596 | Davenport, Iowa | Private | palmer.edu |
Parker University |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
351 | Dallas, Texas | Private | parker.edu |
Life University |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
304 | Marietta, Georgia | Private | life.edu |
Logan University |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
237 | Chesterfield, Missouri | Private | logan.edu |
Life Chiropractic College West (Life West) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
169 | Hayward, California | Private | lifewest.edu |
Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
169 | Whittier, California | Private | scuhs.edu |
Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
166 | Bloomington, Minnesota | Private | nwhealth.edu |
University of Western States (UWS) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
160 | Portland, Oregon | Private | uws.edu |
Cleveland University (CUKC) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
122 | Overland Park, Kansas | Private | cleveland.edu |
Northeast College of Health Sciences |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
88 | Seneca Falls, New York | Private | northeastcollege.edu |
Sherman College of Chiropractic |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
83 | Spartanburg, South Carolina | Private | sherman.edu |
National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
72 | Lombard, Illinois | Private | nuhs.edu |
Texas Chiropractic College Foundation Inc (TCC) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
68 | Pasadena, Texas | Private | txchiro.edu |
University of Bridgeport (UB) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
42 | Bridgeport, Connecticut | Private | bridgeport.edu |
Keiser University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
41 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Private | keiseruniversity.edu |
D'Youville University |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
24 | Buffalo, New York | Private | dyu.edu |
Universidad Central Del Caribe (UCC) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
15 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | uccaribe.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Chiropractic Medicine programs
How much can I earn with a Chiropractic Medicine degree?
Salaries for Chiropractic Medicine graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually, while Chiropractors earn around $79,000. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $161,830 compared to $67,055 in Wyoming. Approximately 267,350 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Chiropractic Medicine programs?
Currently 17 accredited institutions offer Chiropractic Medicine degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Palmer College of Chiropractic (596 graduates), Parker University (351 graduates), and Life University (304 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Chiropractic Medicine growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 2,601 in 2010 to 2,707 in 2023-24. This represents a 4% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Chiropractic Medicine degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Chiropractors, . Related occupations employ approximately 267,350 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Health Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Health field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Art Therapy
A program that prepares individuals for admission to a professional art therapy program.
Physician Assistant Preparation
A program that prepares individuals for admission to a professional physician assistant program.
Health and Medical Preparatory Programs
Any instructional program in health and medical professional preparation not listed above.
Medicine
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of medicine, involving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses, injuries, and other...
Osteopathic Medicine
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of osteopathic medicine, involving a combination of medical principles and procedures and osteopathic...
Podiatric Medicine
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of podiatric medicine, involving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and...