How to become a chiropractic radiologist

Is becoming a chiropractic radiologist right for me?

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Overview
What do chiropractic radiologists do?

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How to become a Chiropractic Radiologist

Bachelor’s Degree
There is not a specific degree that is required for pre-chiropractic medicine undergraduate study. According to the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, aspiring chiropractic radiologists are most likely to earn a bachelor’s in one for these disciplines:

Common prerequisite classes include human anatomy, physiology, embryology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, cellular biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, nutrition, nuclear medicine, biomechanics, and statistics.

Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) Degree
Prospective chiropractic radiologists must complete a four-year chiropractic program at a chiropractic college accredited by the Councils on Chiropractic Education International (CCEI). The curriculum combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experience, with emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics, diagnosis, and chiropractic techniques.

Licensure
Chiropractic graduates must obtain licensure in the state where they plan to practise. Licensure requirements vary by state but typically include passing the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exam and meeting state-specific requirements.

Chiropractic Radiology Residency
After earning a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree, a chiropractic radiologist completes a three-year chiropractic radiology residency. Residencies are provided by chiropractic colleges that have accreditation status with the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), the national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Office of Education. As part of these programs , residents spend time in cooperative hospitals and imaging centers to augment the clinical experience received at chiropractic institutions.

The chiropractic radiology residency includes academic, clinical, and scholarly components and delves into all areas of diagnostic imaging, including:

  • Neuro-Radiology – a subspecialty of radiology focusing on the diagnosis and characterization of abnormalities of the central and peripheral nervous system, spine, and head and neck using neuroimaging techniques
  • Gastrointestinal Radiology – the subspecialty devoted to the imaging of disorders of the digestive tract (the stomach and intestines, the liver, the biliary tree, and the pancreas) using a wide variety of modalities, including digital radiography (X-ray), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Genitourinary Radiology – the subspecialty devoted to the imaging of disorders of the urinary (kidneys, adrenal glands, and bladder) and male reproductive systems
  • Musculoskeletal Radiology – a subspecialty of diagnostic radiology that interprets imaging and performs image-guided procedures of the bones, joints, spine, and soft tissues

American Chiropractic Board of Radiology Exam
This exam leads to the designation Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology (DACBR) and membership into the American Chiropractic College of Radiology. The distinction of Diplomate status as a DACBR certifies chiropractic radiologists as experts in radiology in their service to the profession.

Fellowship Training
Typically, chiropractic radiologists also pursue additional fellowship training in:

  • Musculoskeletal Advanced Imaging
  • Neuro-Radiology Advanced Imaging

Chiropractic Radiology Resources

  • American Chiropractic Association (ACA) – The ACA’s Council on Diagnostic Imaging is operated exclusively for educational and scientific purposes. One of its primary goals is to enhance coordination and cooperation for professionals interested in diagnostic imaging technology for chiropractic.
  • American Chiropractic College of Radiology – The ACCR is a professional association of board-certified chiropractic radiologists, a group of practitioners within radiology and chiropractic practice.
  • American Chiropractic Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ACRRT) – The ACRRT recognizes chiropractic paraprofessionals qualified to engage in radiologic technology.
  • International Academy of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine – The IANM promotes continuing education in chiropractic orthopedics and neuromusculoskeletal medicine, and serves to qualify, examine, and provide board certification and re-credentialing of the chiropractic neuromusculoskeletal medicine specialist.