If you’re hoping to have a career that is challenging and engaging but also personally rewarding, then becoming a chiropractor might be the right route. Chiropractors use non-pharmaceutical approaches to help relieve pain and improve the quality of life for patients daily. Chiropractors have the option of starting their own practices, and with the increased interest in more natural healthcare approaches, demand for chiropractors is increasing.
To become a chiropractor in Illinois, you will need to follow the requirements set forth by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. These requirements include undergraduate and chiropractor school education, plus passing National Board of Chiropractic Examiners scores. Given the amount of education required to become a chiropractor, it’s helpful to carefully start planning your educational path early on.
In addition to meeting education and training requirements, chiropractors must pay a $700 application fee and include numerous documents in their licensure application:
Chiropractic education official transcript
Official transcript containing prerequisite coursework for chiropractic college
Copy of marriage certificate (if applicable) to confirm name changes
Work history from chiropractic college graduation to present
Proof of successful completion of National Boards Parts I, II, III and IV
Education and training requirements
Students who wish to become a chiropractor in Illinois must earn a high school diploma or equivalent and complete at least two years of college courses. They must also graduate from a chiropractic school. Keep in mind that while Illinois requires two years of college courses, many chiropractic schools require applicants to have completed at least three years of undergraduate study before applying, and it’s also recommended to complete a bachelor’s degree program. Pursuing undergraduate coursework in subjects like the physical, social and behavioral sciences can help to prepare students for chiropractic schools.
Given the amount of schooling required, students should plan to spend two to four years in undergraduate study, as well as three to four years completing chiropractic school.
Exam and licensing requirements
To become a chiropractor, students must take and pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exam. This is a four-part standardized exam covering basic sciences, clinical sciences, clinical competency and practical skills.
Dr. David Lask, a chiropractor with 27 years of experience and founder of AskDrLask.com, recommends that students improve their chances of passing the NBCE exam by always going to class and taking notes while in school. “I found it better to take handwritten notes, because they seemed to cement [the information] into my brain more than keying it in on a laptop,” he explains. He notes that studying with friends also helped him prepare, and study preparation courses can help students prepare for their exam.
CE for chiropractors in Illinois
Chiropractic licenses must be renewed every three years, and Illinois requires chiropractors to complete continuing education requirements to renew their licenses. Illinois requires chiropractors to complete 150 hours of continuing education, including:
1 hour of Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for the Employer
1 hour of Mandated Reporter Training for Child and Elder Abuse
1 hour of Implicit Bias Awareness Training
1 hour of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia Training
Chiropractors must be prepared to submit documentation of their continuing education activities when they apply for licensure renewal.
Dr. Lask explains that there are several places and outlets where chiropractors can access continuing education opportunities. Local universities typically offer a list of courses for continuing education. Additionally, Parker Seminars hosts an annual Las Vegas seminar with continuing education opportunities, and the Florida State Chiropractic Association hosts The National, an annual event for chiropractors.
Legal considerations for chiropractors in Illinois
Transferability: Out-of-state applicants and chiropractors
The Illinois Chiropractic Society states that doctors who are currently or who have been licensed chiropractors in other states may apply for licensure in Illinois. If chiropractors haven’t been actively practicing or been chiropractic students during the two years before they apply for an Illinois license, they may be required to complete additional testing, training, or education as requested by the Licensing Board.
Professional conduct and ethical guidelines
The IDFPR maintains guidelines for professional chiropractic practice, as well as any guidelines that may result in the denial or loss of licensure. Candidates applying for chiropractic licensure must submit to a state and FBI criminal history background check.
Scope of practice
The IPSCA states that Illinois defines a chiropractor as a physician who is licensed to “treat human ailments without the use of drugs and without the use of operative surgery. While chiropractors can provide advice regarding the use of non-prescription products or administering atmospheric oxygen, chiropractors cannot prescribe drugs.
Insurance and liability
While Illinois doesn’t require chiropractors to carry malpractice insurance, such coverage can help to protect chiropractors against any lawsuit a patient might file to seek damage for medical negligence.
Dr. Lask explains that several insurance companies offer malpractice insurance for chiropractors, and malpractice insurance for chiropractors is one of the most affordable types of insurance among any medical profession. “Our risk of getting sued is so low compared to surgeons,” says Dr. Lask. “Because chiropractors typically have a close relationship with our patients, the incidence of lawsuits is one of the lowest of any medical profession.”
Working as a chiropractor in Illinois
Chiropractor salary in California
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median wage for chiropractors in the state of Illinois in 2023 was $61,910 per year.
Keep in mind that salary can vary depending on whether a chiropractor starts their own practice or works with another doctor. “Typically, schools will help a student locate employment,” explains Dr. Lask. “There are different options. Straight out of school, you can become an associate of another doctor, and will work for them serving their patients as you develop your own base of patients.”
Chiropractors can work as independent contractors, moving into an existing office and starting their own practice independently. Chiropractors who start their own practices will have more control of their business and salary, but they will face more upfront and overhead costs than chiropractors who start by working as associates and then gradually build their own businesses.
Chiropractors
10%$38,150
25%$38,410
50%$61,910Median
75%$66,060
90%$104,750
Median Hourly Wage$30
Job growth8.8%
Total Employment2,590
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Rockford, IL
$80,080
$38,950
$187,160
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
$61,910
$38,150
$104,230
Peoria, IL
$58,610
$34,920
$184,480
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Job outlook and finding employment opportunities in Illinois
A total of 2,590 chiropractors were employed in Illinois in 2023, according to the BLS. The BLS predicts employment of chiropractors to grow by 8.8% through 2032, which is much faster than the average growth across all occupations. Many of the projected openings are due to increased demand for a nonsurgical way to help relieve pain and improve wellness. The increased interest in complementary healthcare services has led more people to seek out chiropractic services.
“The growth potential is great…overall, people are trying to seek out natural healthcare versus medications and surgery.”
Dr. David Lask
“The growth potential is great,” Dr. Lask says of the chiropractic industry. I feel that overall, people are trying to seek out natural healthcare versus medications and surgery.”
Setting up a private practice in Illinois
Setting up a private chiropractic practice can be rewarding, but Dr. Lask notes that it’s more challenging, and practice owners will face more upfront expenses than they will if they start by working with another chiropractor. “The biggest tip is to keep your overhead low,” he says. “If you can do that, then you don’t have to see 100 patients a day to try to survive. If you can share space with someone where your monthly overhead is just a couple thousand dollars versus $10,000 to $15,000 per month, you can make a decent living by seeing a reasonable number of people.”
He also recommends that new practice owners invest in coaching. “There are coaching companies that can guide you through that first year or two and show you best practices for business.” These companies specialize in the chiropractic field and usually charge a monthly fee or might work with six- or 12-month contracts. “Pay someone who’s been there and has the experience, processes and procedures to get you set up,” he advises.
Staying up to date on industry developments and trends
Chiropractors should consult the IDFPR licensure and license renewal guidelines for any updated regulations and requirements. Becoming a member of the Illinois Chiropractic Society can also be helpful, since the Society provides resources and updates including on-demand courses and in-person events.
Several other chiropractic organizations can also help chiropractors stay up-to-date on industry developments and trends:
The American Chiropractic Association lobbies for chiropractic legislation and policies, provides practice resources and hosts events like conferences and symposiums.
The International Chiropractors Association promotes chiropractic care throughout the world, shares industry news and hosts in-person and distance learning events and programs.
Final thoughts
Becoming a chiropractor in Illinois starts with undergraduate study in preparation to enroll in a chiropractic school. From there, you will need to take and pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam before you can apply for your license.
Given the growing interest in more natural healthcare, like chiropractic, becoming a chiropractor can be a highly rewarding career choice. “I think it’s a great profession,” says Dr. Lask. “You’re typically your own boss, working with your mind and hands, and you’re helping people. I highly recommend it.”
