List of chiropractic credentials

Doctors holding the DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) degree may claim numerous credentials, denoted by letters placed after the doctor's name in official correspondences and business publications. Some of these credentials are recognized by the Chiropractic academic community at large, and some only by the specific organization that issued the credential. This list clarifies the meanings of the various credentials.

Academic pre/post doctoral degrees

DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) Degree: The vast majority of chiropractors today are graduates of fully accredited "first professional degree" granting institutions. This means that the DC degree is accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies, (e.g. Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools), or National accrediting agencies (e.g. the New York State Board of Regents). The DC degree is also listed as a "First Professional Degree" (in the same category as the MD (Doctor of Medicine), D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine), OD (Optometry), DDS or DMD (Dentistry) degrees, and in some states ND or NMD (Naturopathic Medicine), and DHM (Homeopathic Medicine), as listed by the US Department of Education. There are also the Professional degrees which are for other licensed health and allied health professionals, like RN (Nursing), LAc (Acupuncturist), ATC (Athletic Trainer), PT (Physical Therapist), etc. There are chiropractors who have also earned, and thus list after their names, any of these other degrees, in nearly any combination.

International chiropractic degrees

Degree Full Name Nation(s) in which it is awarded
B.App.Sc. (clin). & B.C.Sc. Bachelor of Applied Science (Clinical Science) & Bachelor of Chiropractic Science  Japan
B.Sc. (chiro) & B.C. Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic) & Bachelor of Chiropractic  Australia,  Japan
B.App.Sc. (Compl) & M.Clin.Chiro. Bachelor of Applied Science (Complementary Medicine) & Master of Clinical Chiropractic  Australia
B.Chiro. Bachelor of Chiropractic  New Zealand
B.Sc. Chiro. & M.Chiro Bachelor of Chiropractic Science & Master of Chiropractic  Australia
B.Sc. (Hons) Chiro Bachelor of Science (Hons) Chiropractic  Malaysia
B.Tech. (chiro) and M.Tech. (chiro) Bachelor in Technology (Chiropractic) & Master in Technology (Chiropractic)  South Africa
D.C. Doctor of Chiropractic  Brazil,  Canada,  France,  Japan,  Mexico,  Spain,  Sweden,  United States
M.C. or M.Chiro. Master of Chiropractic or Master in Chiropractic  Australia,   Switzerland,  United Kingdom
M.C.B. Master in Clinical Biomechanics  Denmark
M.Tech. (chiro) Master in Technology, Chiropractic  South Africa

Bachelor of Chiropractic - Indian Board of Alternative Medicines ( Registered in the state of West Bengal)

Academic pre or post-doctoral graduate degrees

Some chiropractors have received Masters or Doctoral Degrees from another accredited college or university before they commenced chiropractic college, and some achieved those degrees after they received their DC degrees. Some chiropractic colleges are accredited to offer Masters and PhD degrees in related fields, such as nutrition, Oriental medicine, or acupuncture.[1]

Diplomate or Fellow?

As a general rule, as defined by the dictionary, one who receives a diploma is a diplomate. Thus, the "Diplomate" programs are post-doctoral programs leading to a Board examination. The successful candidate receives the degree. Whereas a medical fellowship implies completion of a post-residency subspecialty training program, in other fields, the term fellow is, generally speaking, an honorary title, usually awarded to someone who is already a diplomate, for extraordinary contributions to that specific field of study. Some agencies confer only the title of "Fellow" when they have no diplomate programs.

Certifications recognized[Notes 1] by the chiropractic academic community

Degree Full Name Description
CAC[2] Certified in Animal (Veterinary) Chiropractic Continuing education course, in this specialty, sponsored by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. The program consists of 100 post-doctoral hours, run through the continuing education programs of accredited Chiropractic colleges, and culminating in an examination.
CCEP[3][4] Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner American program, 7 week-ends post-Doctoral course; provided by an accredited American Chiropractic college; followed by a Certifying Examination.
CCRD[5][6] Certified Chiropractic Rehabilitation Doctor Continuing education course, in this specialty, sponsored by the American Chiropractic Association Council of Chiropractic Physiological Therapeutics and Rehabilitation. The program consists of 100 post-doctoral hours, run through the continuing education programs of accredited Chiropractic colleges, and culminating in an examination.
CCSP[7] Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician American program, (but exported)1 yr post-Doctoral; consisting of 12 week-end seminars provided by an accredited American Chiropractic college; followed by a Nationally administered Certifying Examination administered by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
CCST[8] Chiropractic Certification in Spinal Trauma International Chiropractor's Association Council on Applied Chiropractic Sciences affiliated program. The program consists of ten (10) week-end sessions taught through the continuing education department of an accredited Chiropractic College and culminating in a qualifying examination.
ICSSP[9] International Chiropractic Sport Science Physician A program offered by the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic (FICS), of week-end seminars, run through an accredited Chiropractic college, and followed by a FICS certification examination.

Board certifications recognized[Notes 2] by the chiropractic academic community

Degree Full Name Description
DABCA[10] Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Acupuncture American program, 3 yr post-Doctoral; consisting of 36 week-end seminars provided through an accredited American Chiropractic college; followed by a Nationally administered Board Certifying Examination. This Board is affiliated with the American Chiropractic Association.
DABCN[11] Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition American program, 3 yr post-Doctoral; consisting of 36 week-end seminars provided through an accredited American Chiropractic college; followed by a Nationally administered Board Certifying Examination. This Board is affiliated with the American Chiropractic Association.
DACBR[12] Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology American program, 3 yr post-Doctoral; consisting of a 3 year in-house post-doctoral residency program at an accredited American Chiropractic college; followed by a Nationally administered 2-part (written & oral) Board Certifying Examination. This Board is affiliated with the American Chiropractic Association.
DACAN or DACNB[13][14] Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Neurology American program, 3 yr post-Doctoral; consisting of 36 week-end seminars provided through an accredited American Chiropractic college; followed by a Nationally administered Board Certifying Examination. This Board is affiliated with the American Chiropractic Association.
DABCI[15] Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Diagnosis and Internal Disorders American program, 3 yr post-Doctoral; consisting of 36 week-end seminars provided through an accredited American Chiropractic college; followed by a Nationally administered Board Certifying Examination. This Board is affiliated with the American Chiropractic Association.
DABCO and FACO[16] Diplomate (or Fellow) of the American Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedics (ACO) This is a 3-year postdoctoral American program consisting of 36 weekend seminars provided through an accredited American Chiropractic college and is affiliated with the American Chiropractic Association. Having completed the required coursework, individuals become board eligible for a nationally administered board certifying examination. Individuals having completed the postdoctoral program and along with passing the ACO board examination are entitled to the designation of Diplomate of the Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists (DBACO). Individuals who have achieved Diplomate status with the ABCO and are also current members of the ACO are entitled to the status of Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists (FACO).[17]
DACRB[18] Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Rehabilitation American program, 3 yr post-Doctoral; consisting of 3 years full-term residency program provided through an accredited American Chiropractic college; followed by a Nationally administered Board Certifying Examination. This Board is affiliated with the American Chiropractic Association.
DACBSP[19] Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians American program, 3 yr post-Doctoral; consisting of 36 week-end seminars provided through an accredited American Chiropractic college; a practical experience component and followed by a Nationally administered Board Certifying Examination.
DCCJP[20] Diplomate in Chiropractic Craniocervical Junction Procedures This is a 3-year, 300-hour, post-graduate American program; consisting of week-end seminars provided through the Council on Upper Cervical Care of the International Chiropractic Association (continuing education Certificates of Attendance were sponsored by Palmer College of Chiropractic, an accredited American Chiropractic College); year one has a final exam, successful candidates enter year two where a research paper and presentation is required, year three is followed by a three-day, Nationally administered, Board Certifying cumulative examination consisting of a combination of multiple choice, essay and oral tests; The Board responsible for developing the curriculum and credentialing is affiliated with the International Chiropractic Association.
FACCR Fellow of the Australian College of Chiropractic Radiologists This program is recognized in Australia, but there is no web site and attempts to locate specifics are difficult. It is believed to be a three year, post-doctoral program leading to a Board examination, and run through one of the accredited Chiropractic colleges.
FCCR (C)[21] Fellow, College of Chiropractic Radiology (Canada) This is a three year post-doctoral program operated by the Canadian College of Chiropractic Radiology, in association with an accredited Chiropractic College, culminating in a Board Examination administered by the College.
FCCSS(C)[22] Fellow, College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences(Canada) Canadian Program, of three years of week-end seminars provided through a Canadian accredited Chiropractic College; a practical experience component; a research component / publication requirement, and followed by a Board certifying examination.
FIAMA and Dipl.Ac. IAMA [23] Fellow and Diplomat, International Academy of Medical Acupunture American program, run through the International Academy of Medical Acupunture. "Fellowship" Certification (FIAMA) is restricted to professionals possessing the degree of MD, DO, DC, ND, DDS and DPM.

Fellowship in the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture Inc. is earned after completing the requirements of its one-year program provided through an accredited Chiropractic College (currently New York Chiropractic College and Logan College of Chiropractic). The program consists of postgraduate accelerated didactic symposiums consisting of seven 15-hour didactic modules in addition to 200 hours of documented clinical applications over a period of one year (305 hours). Outside class study and assignments add hundreds of dedicated hours of study to the program. The program terminates with the administration of both the International competency examination (5 hours), in addition to the "Blood borne pathogen/Clean needle examination. Diplomate status (Dipl.Ac. IAMA) may be earned by "Fellows" with the addition of the submission of 30 case study presentations utilizing the eight-page template the Academy provides as a guide (125 hours). The applicant has one year to present their case studies for peer review.

DICCP and FICCP[24] Diplomate and Fellow, International College of Chiropractic Pediatrics American program, run through the International Chiropractor's Association, Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics. It consists of three years of week-end seminars provided through an accredited Chiropractic College (currently New York Chiropractic College, Palmer College of Chiropractic and the New Zealand College of Chiropractic all sponsor this program); and followed by a Board certifying examination. Fellowship is awarded by the Council's Board of Directors, to those Diplomates having made significant contributions to the field, and is an honorary title.
CACCP and DACCP[25] Certified and Diplomate, Academy of Chiropractic Family Practice American program, run through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. It consists of 180 hours of week-end seminars for Certification and 360 hours of seminars for the Diplomate provided through an accredited Chiropractic College; as well as participation in Practice Based Research projects; and followed by a Board certifying examination. The entire Diplomate Program is co-sponsored by Cleveland Chiropractic Colleges. Additional post graduate sponsors of the Certification Program include: Northwestern Health Sciences University, Life University, and Parker Chiropractic College. Previously the ICPA issued credentials of DICPA and FICPA with similar requirements to the current CACCP and DACCP programs.
DGCSS and FGCSS[26] Diplomate and Fellow, Gonstead Clinical Studies Society This credential is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic by the Board[27] who have taken a minimum of 238 post-doctoral seminar hours in the Gonstead technique; have been in practice for a minimum of 3 years for Diplomate and 10 years for Fellow; and have passed written and practical examinations. The Fellow credential also carries a requirement of participation in GCSS sponsored research or other research specific to the Gonstead technique. This board recognizes educational hours from seminars run by both non-profit and for-profit groups recognized as authorities in the Gonstead technique and certified by accredited Chiropractic Colleges.

Honorary titles conferred by recognized chiropractic bodies

Degree Full Name Description
FICC[28] Fellow, International College of Chiropractors This honorary degree is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic by a body generally allied with the American Chiropractic Association.
FACC[29][30] Fellow, American College of Chiropractors This honorary degree is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic by a New York based, body generally allied with the American Chiropractic Association and the New York Chiropractic College.[31]
FICA [32] Fellow, International Chiropractors Association This honorary degree is bestowed periodically by the "Distinguished Fellows" of the International Chiropractor's Association upon those deemed worthy.
PhC Doctor of Chiropractic Philosophy This was an honorary degree awarded to doctors of chiropractic by chiropractic colleges, especially by Palmer College of Chiropractic. The requirements for this honorary degree transitioned from its inception in 1908 until it demise in 1968, and included: high chiropractic academic achievement, postgraduate chiropractic philosophic coursework, or writing a 15,000 word essay regarding chiropractic philosophy. During the 1960s the Ph.C. was awarded indiscriminately and requirements for achievement were not maintained. In 1968 the Council on Chiropractic Education officially denounced recognition of this award and opposed its use.[33]

Certifications conferred upon chiropractors (and others) by outside agencies

Degree Full Name Description
CSCS[34] Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist This degree is conferred by the National Strength and Conditioning Association upon those who complete their proprietary certification. One must have a BA/BS degree, and complete a certifying examination, including a skills evaluation component, and have practical experience.
FACSM[35] Fellow, American College of Sports Medicine This honorary degree is bestowed upon those with either Professional or Academic Doctoral degrees by the American College of Sports Medicine. Recipients must have been members in good standing for a certain number of years; they must attend a specific number of ACSM National Conventions; have the recommendations of two Fellows, ; have published in peer reviewed journal(s); and have either made a "significant contribution to the field of sports medicine", or have a distinguished history of teaching in the field.

CHC[36] Certified Health Coach This certification is conferred by the Wellness Education Foundation upon those who complete their proprietary certification. One must have a BA/BS degree, and complete a certifying examination, including a skills evaluation component, and have practical experience.

Certifications and Boards from proprietary (non-profit) organizations[Notes 3]

Degree Full Name Description
BCAO[37] Board Certified, Atlas Orthogonist This "degree" is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic by the corporation which appears to run seminars to teach their technique. This is a body which is proprietary, in fact apparently family run, and whose programs are generally not run by accredited Chiropractic Colleges. The site does not explain under what circumstances one may be allowed to call oneself "Board" certified.
DIBAK[38] Diplomate of the International Board of Applied Kinesiology This "degree" is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic by the corporate agency which runs seminars to teach their technique. This is a body which is proprietary, and whose programs are generally not run by accredited Chiropractic Colleges. They do have an examination in this specialty, practice and publication requirements.
FASBE[39] Fellow Academy of Spinal Bio-Engineering This "degree" is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic by the corporation[40] which runs seminars to teach their technique. This is a body which is proprietary, and whose programs are generally not run by accredited Chiropractic Colleges, but solely by the "Society" operated by Dr. Ron Aragona .
DAAPM[41] Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management This "degree" is bestowed upon Doctors of all kinds, by the organization which runs seminars to provide their "credentialing". This is a body which appears to be proprietary, and whose programs are apparently not generally run by accredited Colleges, but solely by the "Academy" itself.
DABCC [42] Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Consultants This specialty "diplomat" is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic, by the organization which runs seminars to provide their required course work. They also accept hours gained in other, generally recognized certification and diplomate programs. This is a body which appears to be proprietary, and whose programs are apparently not generally run by accredited Colleges, but solely by the "Academy" itself.
ABDA and FABDA[43] American Board of Disability Examiners, and "Fellow" of the ABDA. This "degree" is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic, by the organization which runs seminars to provide their required course work. They also accept hours gained in other, generally recognized certification and diplomate programs. This is a body which appears to be proprietary, and whose programs are apparently not generally run by accredited Colleges, but solely by the Board itself.
FAFICC[44] Fellow, Academy of Forensic and Industrial Chiropractic Consultants This "degree" is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic, by the organization which evaluates credentials to determine the basis for recognition. This is a body which appears to be proprietary, and whose programs are apparently not generally run by accredited Colleges, but solely by the Board itself.
FNAMUAP[45] Fellow, National Academy of Manipulation Under Anesthesia Physicians This "degree" is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic, by the organization which evaluates credentials to determine the basis for recognition. This is a body which appears to be proprietary, and run by an individual Doctor, and whose programs are apparently not generally run by accredited Colleges, but solely by the Board itself.

Legitimate titles which are not generally considered a "professional qualification" and therefore not listed after one's name nor used in advertising.[Notes 4]

Degree Full Name Description
CCSS(C) College of Chiropractic Sports Science (Canada) The rationale for this is that anyone can join the college and thus this is not a credential, only "Fellowship" is a credential.
Diplomate-NBCE or DNBCE[46] Diplomate of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners The rationale for this is: that all American DC's must take and pass these exams in order to qualify for a license to practice, and thus the fact that one has done so, is not a qualification which should be used to differentiate one DC from another by education. To use this a DC must have completed Parts I-II of the NBCE prior to 1983 and may indicate that he/she “holds NBCE Diplomate Certificate 19XX.” Completing the boards after 1983 does not allow a DC to use this as credentials.
MACSM[47] Member, American College of Sports Medicine The rationale for this is: that anyone who applies and pays dues will be accepted as a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and thus being a member is not a differentiating professional qualification for professionals.

Certifications and Boards manufactured by the corporate world [Notes 5]

Degree Full Name Description
CHIRMD[48] Presumably Chiropractic Medical Doctor? This recently manufactured "degree" seems to have been simply manufactured by a website advertising Doctors nationally, called "Healthgrades". If one googles the "degree" all those using it are listed on that site.

Notes

  1. ↑ "Recognized" means that the Chiropractic academic community generally recognizes these certifications as representing a program of advanced study at, or through an accredited institution, and that the holder has passed a certifying examination.
  2. ↑ "Recognized" means by the Chiropractic Profession generally. Some of these are also accredited by other professional specialty credentialing agencies. It must be understood that medical specialty boards are themselves likewise "credentialed" by agencies, also composed entirely of medical and osteopathic physicians, and they generally refuse to consider chiropractic specialties.
  3. ↑ These credentials are generally recognized only by the bodies which grant them, and may be meaningful only to another DC. They may indicate that the Doctor has taken some proprietary course in someone's technique, but the program may, or may not yet be taught at accredited academic institutions. Or it is taught only by the company or organization offering the "certification".
  4. ↑ Meaning that it is not accepted practice to list these after one's name, or use them in advertising. This is not to say that the information is not genuine, or that the facts are incorrectly reported.
  5. ↑ These credentials are generally recognized only by the companies which created them, and are simply otherwise non-existent.

References

  1. ↑ National Univ. of Health Sciences
  2. ↑ AVCA Site
  3. ↑ Extremity Practitioner's Site
  4. ↑ Palmer College Continuing Ed Site
  5. ↑ American rehab Board Site
  6. ↑ ACA Rehab Council Site
  7. ↑ ABCSP
  8. ↑ CCST Schedule of Courses
  9. ↑ FICS Education Commission
  10. ↑ ACA Council information site
  11. ↑ Nutrition Board Site
  12. ↑ Diagnostic Imaging Board Site
  13. ↑ Neurology Board Site
  14. ↑ Int'l Neuro. Bd. Site
  15. ↑ Internist's Board Site
  16. ↑ Orthopedics Academy Site
  17. ↑ Membership and Maintenance of Credentials: Orthopedics Academy Site
  18. ↑ Rehab Board Site
  19. ↑ Sports Physician's Board Site
  20. ↑ UC Council Member Site
  21. ↑ canadian Coll. of radiology Site
  22. ↑ Canadian Sports Board Site
  23. ↑ Academy Site
  24. ↑ Board Site
  25. ↑ Board Site
  26. ↑ GCSS Website, Diplomate and Fellow Program
  27. ↑ Gonstead Clinical Studies Society
  28. ↑ ICC website
  29. ↑ Editorial Staff: "ACC Confers Fellowships at NYCC Graduation", Dynamic Chiropractic, Vol. 10, Issue 04, February 14, 1992
  30. ↑ Editorial Staff: "NYCC Hosts 68th Annual ACC Convocation", Dynamic Chiropractic, Vol. 10, Issue 21, October 9, 1992
  31. ↑ Hug, Reginald P. "100 Years of Organized Chiropractic in America". JACA. American Chiropractic Association. Retrieved 2012-03-20.
  32. ↑ Staff (2001). "R.BOB HOFFMAN NAMED ICA'S CHIROPRACTOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2002". ICA Website.
  33. ↑ Stout, Robert J. "The Ph.C. degree: an affirmation of chiropractic philosophy" (PDF). Chiropractic History. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
  34. ↑ NSCA Site
  35. ↑ ACSM document
  36. ↑ WEF Site
  37. ↑ Atlas Orthogonal Site
  38. ↑ ICAK website
  39. ↑ WCA Website, article
  40. ↑ Aragona Spinal Biomechanical Engineering Research Laboratories, Inc
  41. ↑ Academy Site "Credentialing"
  42. ↑ Consultant's Board requirements
  43. ↑ ABDA Website
  44. ↑ Forensic Consultants Site
  45. ↑ Academy of MUA Physicians site
  46. ↑ NBCE Site, rationale
  47. ↑ ACSM Ethics (see ¶ D.)
  48. ↑ Listing of DC's using this degree.
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