Pre-Chiropractic
Pre-Professional Program
Explore pre-chiropractic at UW-Eau Claire
Make a difference in people’s daily lives by becoming a chiropractor. At the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, you’ll experience a rigorous curriculum and unique learning opportunities that will prepare you well for a career in the chiropractic field.
Pre-chiropractic is not a major at UW-Eau Claire, but rather a declaration of your intention to continue your education and become a chiropractor. No specific undergraduate major is required for a career in chiropractic, giving you the opportunity to select an academic program that fits your interests and goals. Most UWEC students choose to major in rehabilitation science, exercise science or biology.
Certain courses, skills and experiences are also favored when applying for graduate school. Most accredited chiropractic colleges expect involvement in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, observations or job shadowing and direct work experience with a licensed chiropractor. You’ll find direct access to those opportunities here, especially with the help of our exceptional faculty and career advisors — as well as pre-health peer advisors. This incredible team behind you is aware of the academic requirements most graduate schools expect and will ensure you gain the knowledge and experiences necessary for acceptance into your school of choice.
Chiropractors provide professional health care and aid for a variety of ailments. Typically, they provide therapy by manipulating the spine to assist with pain management. Approaching health with a holistic approach, chiropractors improve patients’ lives from the inside out.
Community outreach opportunities
Pre-chiropractic students can get involved locally with P.R.I.D.E, a program that serves children and adults with cognitive, sensory and physical disabilities, or the Community Fitness Program, which aims to improve health and wellness in the Chippewa Valley.
Why be pre-chiropractic at UW-Eau Claire?
Small, supportive cohort. While pursuing your undergraduate degree at UWEC, you'll learn alongside a small team of students who, like you, are interested in noninvasive ways of helping others lead healthier and happier lives. Pre-chiropractic students work closely with faculty and staff members in the kinesiology department and can participate in a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including volunteer work, student-faculty research and internships.
Innovative facilities. UW-Eau Claire is one of only a few schools of its size with a career center dedicated to supporting pre-chiropractic students. The William J. and Marian A. Klish Health Careers Center offers one-on-one advising, opportunities to meet with professional school admissions representatives, connections to health-related clinical research, and volunteer opportunities and workshops designed to build effective tools for career development and competitive applications.
Exceptional preparation. While pursuing your major at UWEC, you'll have access to several pre-chiropractic advisors. These faculty and staff members can help you with things like planning out your semesters, finding your major, preparing for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) (which is required for admission to some chiropractic programs) and securing field experience.
Relevant student organizations. On-campus student organizations — like the Pre-Professional Health Club and the Pre-Chiropractic Club — directly connect you with other pre-chiropractic students. These extracurriculars are also an excellent way to learn about the profession's latest research and best practices, and enable students to network, volunteer and educate the community about chiropractic care.
Quick facts
Pre-chiropractic program details
- Offered: in person
- Campus: Eau Claire
- Students are able to choose a major and/or minor that best aligns with their career goals.
UWEC student organizations related to pre-chiropractic
- Pre-Professional Health Club
- Biology Club
- Kinesiology Club
What's next after completing the pre-chiropractic program?
After earning your undergraduate degree from UWEC, your next step toward becoming a chiropractor is earning your doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) degree. The university’s success rate at preparing students who gain admission to graduate schools is outstanding. Previous students have gone on to attend Northwestern Health Sciences University, Palmer College of Chiropractic, National University of Health Sciences, Logan University and Life University.
What can I do with a D.C.?
Doctors of chiropractic — often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians — practice a drug-free approach to health care. Responsibilities include patient examination, wellness promotion, health assessment, diagnosis and treatment. As a chiropractor, you’ll use broad diagnostic skills and be trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling. A doctor of chiropractic is a part of the health care community, often consulting with or referring to other health care providers.
Pre-chiropractic curriculum
The pre-chiropractic curriculum at UWEC prepares students for entrance into their chosen chiropractic school. This includes completion of all prerequisite courses, observation or work experience with a licensed chiropractor, and competitive overall and science GPAs. Students are also prepared to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), which is required for admission to some chiropractic programs. The exam consists of three sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing. It is often taken in the spring semester or summer following the junior year.
What classes do pre-chiropractic students take?
Students interested in a career in chiropractic may focus on these topics during their undergraduate career:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Biomechanical kinesiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Exercise physiology
- Anatomical kinesiology
- Physics
- Psychology
- Math
- English
Learn more about pre-chiropractic in the UWEC course catalog.
Learn more about UWEC
Related programs at UW-Eau Claire
A few majors that would best support a career in chiropractic care include:
Department information
Multiple departments support this program. Learn more about them!

Biology
Phillips Science Hall 330101 Roosevelt Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701 Visit the Biology department website

Kinesiology
McPhee Physical Education Center 208509 University Drive
Eau Claire, WI 54701 Visit the Kinesiology department website