How do you become a diplomate?


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Achieving a doctor of chiropractic degree marks the first major step in lifelong learning about chiropractic — a process that is required by licensing laws in all states except New Jersey.

Many individuals prefer to formalize and systematize their continuing education by working toward a specialty.

A number of different diplomate programs are available. All of the programs require 300 – 400 hours of continuing education, available through colleges, associations and institutes (depending upon the program selected). Some programs allow online continuing education; others do not.

The degrees earned — even within a specialty, such as neurology or orthopedics — come with different titles, depending upon the conferring agency.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) sponsors 12 diplomate programs; the International Chiropractors Association (ICA), four. Diplomate degrees are also conferred by other organizations, such as the American Academy of Spine Physicians, the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture.

To help you investigate diplomate programs, Chiropractic Economics has compiled a non-inclusive list of programs, cross-referenced to the chiropractic colleges that offer current programs in them. (Note: Several colleges only listed the programs they currently offer. Periodically, they offer programs leading to additional diplomate certifications.)

As you decide on your specialty, check with the college and the certification-conferring organization to determine academic requirements.

Chiropractic Colleges Offering Specialty Programs Grid
Click for the easy to read pdf version

Additional diplomate studies

Not all diplomate studies are provided by chiropractic colleges.

Can you advertise your diplomate?

According to Donna Liewer, executive director of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards, “Some [state licensing] boards have advertising regulations that prohibit DCs from promoting that they have education superior to another DC, because the scope of practice conferred by the license is the same for both.

“Some boards recognize a ‘short list’ of diplomates and not others. And some don’t address it at all.”

Because the issue of diplomate programs is so complex, FCLB attendees planned to address the complex issue of diplomate programs in its annual meeting in May.

Certification in acupuncture is given by at least two institutions, the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM, www.nccaom.org) and the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture (IAMA,www.iama.edu). Each has different coursework requirements.

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (www.spinephysicians.org) offers DAASP certification. This certification is earned by taking courses offered through its organization. No examination is required.

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) offers a three-year, 360-hour diplomate program, which requires the successful completion of a take-home exam, to be awarded a diplomate in pediatrics.

Certification from the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (www.acnb.org), requires coursework from either the Université du Quebec a Trois-Rivières in Quebec or from the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies in Florida prior to sitting for the exam.

Dr. John Donofrio, president of ACNB, explained that its diplomate program is fully accredited by the National Commission for Certification Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation body of the National Organization from Competency Assurance (NOCA). He told Chiropractic Economics that Parker College of Chiropractic and National University of Health Sciences have applied to provide coursework leading to the DACNB in neurology.

Donofrio added that individuals who previously had been awarded DACAN or DABCN certifications are eligible to recertify through the accredited program.

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