Prerequisites for prospective animal chiropractic students in North America include licensure as a doctor of chiropractic or doctor of veterinary medicine, or a student of chiropractic or veterinary medicine within six months of graduation.
According to veterinarian Paul Rowan, chairman of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, "Always check with the licensing board in your state." Animal chiropractors are limited by the chiropractic practice act written in their state of residence. "If the act says that the practice is limited to the human spine, then there is a problem," Rowan advises, "unless there is some other statutory description of animal chiropractic as being a separate entity."
To become certified as an animal chiropractic, Rowan recommends, students should attend a school approved by the Animal Chiropractic Accreditation Commission of the AVCA. The AVCA is the only organization to offer certification in animal chiropractic. Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission (ACCC) of the AVCA is the primary national credential for the field of animal chiropractic in North America.
Animal chiropractic programs consist of a minimum of 210 hours of additional training after completion of veterinary or chiropractic school and licensure. These programs include studies of anatomy, neurology, rehabilitation therapy, philosophy and chiropractic manipulation techniques. Upon completion of an animal chiropractic program, a passing grade of 75 must be achieved in written, theoretical and clinical competency examination in order to obtain certification. Certified animal chiropractors are able to complete a medical history and physical evaluation. They will communicate diagnoses and treatment plans while providing continued care as necessary for the health and well-being of the animal.
ACAC continuing education requirements are 30 credits every three years for recertification. Twenty or more hours must be approved animal chiropractic continuing education. Ten hours or less can be acquired through approved literature, professional training, lecture or observation of another certified animal chiropractor. "In most instances, unless a state recognizes animal chiropractic, continuing education credits are not accepted toward re-licensure," Rowan said. Recertification requirements must be submitted prior to the end of the certification expiration year.