Action | Four-year degree for licensure in chiropractic |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 12/26/2007 |
The national trend- not just in neighboring states is to increase the requirements to a 4 yr degree, and to accept Part I.V. clinical exams. I personally see no problem with this pre-requisite. Infact, I think it should have been implemented long ago. When I decided to go to chiropractic school there was no 4 year pre-requisite in most states, however I decided that my education would be more complete and while unnecessary I completed a 4 year degree when I could have just taken a couple weekend classes at the chiro schools and acquired a license 2-3 years ago.
I understand that there is concern over the implementation of this ruling however, and I would not support this measure if it were to be made retro-active. I.E.- it would be ridiculous for someone who has been practicing for thirty years to be forced to go back and get a 4 year degree. There is not a major influx of "young" chiropractors that I have seen in virginia, I am 28 years old (with a B.S. in biology from a state university) and I just do not see this state as a dumping ground for fresh grads. I do believe that the issue of professionalism in public image should be addressed, but in the proper forum. It should be under the scope of practice.