Who Responded?
The response rate was 67%, most of whom were women (91%). The age breakdown was:
| Age | % |
| 18-24 | <1% |
| 25-34 | 4% |
| 35-44 | 22% |
| 45-54 | 37% |
| 55 & Older | 37% |
Level of Education Required
Only 13% of the respondents recognized the requirement of "more than 6 years of college level study." Over 30% didn't know what level of education a DC has:
What level of education is required to earn the degree of doctor of chiropractic?
| Years of College Level Study | % |
| Less than 2 years | 2% |
| 2 Years | 7% |
| 3 Years | 2% |
| 4 Years | 21% |
| 6 Years | 24% |
| More than 6 Years | 13% |
| Don't Know | 31% |
Requirements to Open a Practice
More than 50% of the respondents knew all that a DC must go through to open a chiropractic practice. But again, almost 30% don't know:
| Requirement | % |
| Obtain a degree, pass a national board exam and state licensing exam | 51% |
| Pass a state licensing exam | 22% |
| Present the degree and obtain a license | 20% |
| Nothing, no license required | 2% |
| Don't Know | 28% |
Considering a DC for Back/Neck Pain
Over 36% of respondents "definitely would consider seeing a Doctor of Chiropractic." But over 30% definitely or probably wouldn't:
| Would Considering Seeing a DC? | % |
| Definitely Would | 36% |
| Probably Would | 32% |
| Probably Would Not | 22% |
| Definitely Would Not | 10% |
Do DCs Utilize Drugs and Surgery?
Only 65% of the respondents knew that doctors of chiropractic do NOT utilize drugs or surgery. Over 30% thought they do, or didn't know:
| Utilize Drugs and Surgery | % |
| No | 65% |
| Yes | 13% |
| Don't Know | 22% |
Chiropractic Colleges vs. Medical Schools - Basic Sciences
Education seems to be the area where DCs are most underrated. Only 8% of the respondents knew that "chiropractic colleges have more classroom hours in basic science" than medical schools:
| Which has more basic science hours? | % |
| Medical Schools Have More | 21% |
| About the Same | 25% |
| Chiropractic Colleges Have More | 8% |
| Basic Science Not Offered in Chiropractic College | 1% |
| Don't Know | 45% |
This survey provides important information about what people who are health conscious know about chiropractic. One message is clear: Approximately 30% don't know anything about the qualifications of a doctor of chiropractic. The question is whether this advertising campaign can effectively inform and change what people think about the qualifications of chiropractors.
Dynamic Chiropractic editorial staff members research, investigate and write articles for the publication on an ongoing basis. To contact the Editorial Department or submit an article of your own for consideration, email
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