Additional Information
Want to take a crack at animal chiropractic? "First of all," says animal
chiropractor Alison Seely, "you're going to have to choose which route --
veterinary or chiropractic -- you want to go."
She recommends those interested in animal chiropractic set up a session
with a chiropractor to learn what it's all about. Volunteer at a vet clinic
to learn more.
"You can love animals and still not be suited to work as a vet," says Seely.
Those who plan to start out as a vet must obtain between 45 and 90 hours
of undergraduate studies in the U.S. in order to qualify for a veterinary
program. In the U.S., competition to get into vet school is fierce.
Chiropractic college also requires prior undergraduate experience. American
chiropractic colleges require at least two years of undergraduate study, including
courses in areas like social sciences, biology, chemistry, physics and, at
some schools, psychology.
"Taking biological sciences in high school would be extremely important,"
says animal chiropractor William Schmidt. He also suggests that people try
to seek out opportunities to study animal motion at places like the local
racetrack.
Both Seely and Schmidt strongly recommend certification. All certified
animal chiropractors must take the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association's
150-hour course. Its five modules cover different regions of the body and
touch on subjects such as anatomy, radiology, biomechanics, pathology, neurology,
and ethical and legal aspects of practice.
After completing the course, participants must pass a written and practical
exam with a score of at least 75 percent to officially become animal chiropractors.