List of chiropractic credentials
Doctors holding the DC degree may claim numerous credentials, denoted by letters placed after the doctor's name in official correspondences and business publications. Some of these credentials are recognized by the Chiropractic academic community at large, and some only by the specific organization that issued the credential. This list clarifies the meanings of the various credentials.
Academic pre/post doctoral degrees
DC Degree: The vast majority of chiropractors in the U.S. today are graduates of fully accredited "first professional degree" granting institutions. This means that the DC degree is accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies,, or National accrediting agencies. The DC degree is also listed as a "First Professional Degree," although greatly limited in medical scope compared to other degrees in the category such as the MD, or DO. Like Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree recipients, Chiropractors are considered Physicians. Chiropractors in the United States are required to pass structured board-type exams in order to practice Chiropractic professionally.International chiropractic degrees
Academic pre or post-doctoral graduate degrees
Some chiropractors have received Masters or Doctoral Degrees from another accredited college or university before they commenced chiropractic college, and some achieved those degrees after they received their DC degrees. Some chiropractic colleges are accredited to offer Masters and PhD degrees in related fields, such as nutrition, Traditional Chinese Medicine, or acupuncture.Diplomate / Fellow
As a general rule, as defined by the dictionary, one who receives a diploma is a . Thus, the "Diplomate" programs are post-doctoral programs leading to a Board examination. The successful candidate receives the degree. Whereas a medical fellowship implies completion of a post-residency subspecialty training program, in other fields, the term fellow is, generally speaking, an honorary title, usually awarded to someone who is already a diplomate, for extraordinary contributions to that specific field of study. Some agencies confer only the title of "Fellow" when they have no diplomate programs.Certifications recognized by the chiropractic academic community
"Recognized" means that the Chiropractic academic community generally recognizes these certifications as representing a program of advanced study at, or through an accredited institution, and that the holder has passed a certifying examination.| Degree | Full Name | Description |
| CAC | Certified in Animal Chiropractic | Continuing education course, in this specialty, sponsored by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. The program consists of 100 post-doctoral hours, run through the continuing education programs of accredited Chiropractic colleges, and culminating in an examination. |
| CCEP | Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner | American program, 7 week-ends post-Doctoral course; provided by an accredited American Chiropractic college; followed by a Certifying Examination. |
| CCRD | Certified Chiropractic Rehabilitation Doctor | Continuing education course, in this specialty, sponsored by the American Chiropractic Association Council of Chiropractic Physiological Therapeutics and Rehabilitation. The program consists of 100 post-doctoral hours, run through the continuing education programs of accredited Chiropractic colleges, and culminating in an examination. |
| CCSP | Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician | American program, 1 yr post-Doctoral; consisting of 12 week-end seminars provided by an accredited American Chiropractic college; followed by a Nationally administered Certifying Examination administered by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. |
| CCST | Chiropractic Certification in Spinal Trauma | International Chiropractor's Association Council on Applied Chiropractic Sciences affiliated program. The program consists of ten week-end sessions taught through the continuing education department of an accredited Chiropractic College and culminating in a qualifying examination. |
| ICSSP | International Chiropractic Sport Science Physician | A program offered by the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic , of week-end seminars, run through an accredited Chiropractic college, and followed by a FICS certification examination. |
| PSP | Primary Spine Practitioner | A certifying program offered by the University of Pittsburgh, consisting of approximately 120 hours of seminars and 60 hours online education modules, followed by an in-person certification examination. The program is designed to train physical therapists and chiropractors to be the first-contact provider for patients with spine-related disorders. |
Board certifications recognized by the chiropractic academic community
"Recognized" means by the Chiropractic Profession generally. Some of these are also accredited by other professional specialty credentialing agencies.| Degree | Full Name | Description |
| DABCA | Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Acupuncture | American program, 3 yr post-Doctoral; consisting of 36 week-end seminars provided through an accredited American Chiropractic college; followed by a Nationally administered Board Certifying Examination. This Board is affiliated with the American Chiropractic Association. |
| DACBN | Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition | American program, 3 yr post-Doctoral; followed by a Nationally administered Board Certifying Examination. The ACBN is one of only a very few certifying agencies in nutrition to offer Diplomate status to all professionals in the health care field, beyond the doctorate level in the United States and Internationally; This board is accredited through the NCAA and is affiliated with the American Chiropractic Association. |
| DACBR | Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology | American program, 3 yr post-Doctoral; consisting of a 3 year in-house post-doctoral residency program at an accredited American Chiropractic college; followed by a Nationally administered 2-part Board Certifying Examination. This Board is affiliated with the American Chiropractic Association. |
| DACAN or DACNB or DIACN | Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Neurology or Diplomate of the International Board of Chiropractic Neurology | American program, 3 yr post-Doctoral; consisting of 36 week-end seminars provided through an accredited American Chiropractic college; followed by a Nationally administered Board Certifying Examination. This Board is affiliated with the American Chiropractic Association. |
| DABCI | Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Diagnosis and Internal Disorders | American program, 3 yr post-Doctoral; consisting of 36 week-end seminars provided through an accredited American Chiropractic college; followed by a Nationally administered Board Certifying Examination. This Board is affiliated with the American Chiropractic Association. |
| DABCO , DACO' and FACO | Diplomate of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists | This is a 3-year postdoctoral American program consisting of 36 weekend seminars provided through an accredited American Chiropractic college and is affiliated with the American Chiropractic Association. Having completed the required coursework, individuals become board eligible for a nationally administered board certifying examination. Individuals having completed the postdoctoral program and along with passing the ACO board examination are entitled to the designation of Diplomate of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists. Individuals who have achieved Diplomate status with the ABCO or the ACO and are also current members of the ACO are entitled to the status of Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists. |
| DIANM and FIANM | Diplomate of the International Academy of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine | This is a 3-year advanced postdoctoral program undertaken through the in association with . This includes a 3-year, full-time Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine residency taking place in Federally Qualified Health Centers. The program is designed to prepare chiropractors to take up key leadership positions in hospitals, community health centers and other outpatient clinical settings. Diplomates demonstrate advanced clinical expertise in the diagnosis and management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Having completed the required coursework, individuals become board eligible for a nationally administered board certifying examinations including an Objective Structured Clinical Examination. Individuals having completed the postdoctoral program and along with passing the IANM board examinations are entitled to the designation of Diplomate of International Academy of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. Individuals who have achieved Diplomate status with the IANM and are also current members of the IANM are entitled to the status of Fellow of the International Academy of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. The title is followed by the country the Chiropractic Physician completed their examination. Eg, USA FIANM, Australia FIANM, Canada FIANM. On 30 October 2019, the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists changed their title to the International Academy of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine to better reflect the direction of the Academy. |
| DACRB | Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Rehabilitation | American program, 3 yr post-Doctoral; consisting of 3 years full-term residency program provided through an accredited American Chiropractic college; followed by a Nationally administered Board Certifying Examination. This Board is affiliated with the American Chiropractic Association. |
| DACBSP | Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians | American program, 3 yr post-Doctoral; consisting of 36 week-end seminars provided through an accredited American Chiropractic college; a practical experience component and followed by a Nationally administered Board Certifying Examination. |
| DCCJP and FCCJP | Diplomate in Chiropractic Craniocervical Junction Procedures | This is a 3-year, 300-hour, post-graduate American program; consisting of week-end seminars provided through the Council on Upper Cervical Care of the International Chiropractic Association ; year one has a final exam, successful candidates enter year two where a research paper and presentation is required, year three is followed by a three-day, Nationally administered, Board Certifying cumulative examination consisting of a combination of multiple choice, essay and oral tests; the Board responsible for developing the curriculum and credentialing is affiliated with the International Chiropractic Association. Fellowship is awarded by the Council's Board of Directors, to those Diplomates that have met eligibility criteria. |
| FACCR | Fellow of the Australian College of Chiropractic Radiologists | This program is recognized in Australia, but there is no web site and attempts to locate specifics are difficult. It is believed to be a three-year, post-doctoral program leading to a Board examination, and run through one of the accredited Chiropractic colleges. |
| FCCR | Fellow, College of Chiropractic Radiology | This is a three-year post-doctoral program operated by the Canadian College of Chiropractic Radiology, in association with an accredited Chiropractic College, culminating in a Board Examination administered by the College. |
| FCCSS | Fellow, College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences | Canadian Program, of three years of week-end seminars provided through a Canadian accredited Chiropractic College; a practical experience component; a research component / publication requirement, and followed by a Board certifying examination. |
| FIAMA and Dipl.Ac. IAMA | Fellow and Diplomat, International Academy of Medical Acupunture | American program, run through the International Academy of Medical Acupunture. "Fellowship" Certification is restricted to professionals possessing the degree of MD, DO, DC, ND, DDS and DPM. Fellowship in the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture Inc. is earned after completing the requirements of its one-year program provided through an accredited Chiropractic College. The program consists of postgraduate accelerated didactic symposiums consisting of seven 15-hour didactic modules in addition to 200 hours of documented clinical applications over a period of one year. Outside class study and assignments add hundreds of dedicated hours of study to the program. The program terminates with the administration of both the International competency examination, in addition to the "Blood borne pathogen/Clean needle examination. Diplomate status may be earned by "Fellows" with the addition of the submission of 30 case study presentations utilizing the eight-page template the Academy provides as a guide. The applicant has one year to present their case studies for peer review. |
| DICCP and FICCP | Diplomate and Fellow, International College of Chiropractic Pediatrics | American program, run through the International Chiropractor's Association, Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics. It consists of three years of week-end seminars provided through an accredited Chiropractic College ; and followed by a Board certifying examination. Fellowship is awarded by the Council's Board of Directors, to those Diplomates having made significant contributions to the field, and is an honorary title. |
| CACCP and DACCP | Certified and Diplomate, Academy of Chiropractic Family Practice | American program, run through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. It consists of 200 hours of week-end seminars for Certification and 400 hours of in-office projects for the Diplomate provided through an accredited Chiropractic College; as well as participation in Practice Based Research projects; and followed by a Board certifying examination. The entire Diplomate Program is co-sponsored by Cleveland Chiropractic Colleges. Additional post graduate sponsors of the Certification Program include: Northwestern Health Sciences University, Life University, and Parker Chiropractic College. Previously the ICPA issued credentials of FICPA with similar requirements to the current CACCP and DACCP programs. |
| DGCSS and FGCSS''' | Diplomate and Fellow, Gonstead Clinical Studies Society | This credential is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic by the Board who have taken a minimum of 238 post-doctoral seminar hours in the Gonstead technique; have been in practice for a minimum of 3 years for Diplomate and 10 years for Fellow; and have passed written and practical examinations. The Fellow credential also carries a requirement of participation in GCSS sponsored research or other research specific to the Gonstead technique. This board recognizes educational hours from seminars run by both non-profit and for-profit groups recognized as authorities in the Gonstead technique and certified by accredited Chiropractic Colleges. |
Honorary titles conferred by recognized chiropractic bodies
Certifications conferred by outside agencies
These certifications are not unique to chiropractic but may be given to other health care professionals in other fields.| Degree | Full Name | Description |
| CSCS | Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist | This degree is conferred by the National Strength and Conditioning Association upon those who complete their proprietary certification. One must have a BA/BS degree, and complete a certifying examination, including a skills evaluation component, and have practical experience. |
| FACSM | Fellow, American College of Sports Medicine | This honorary degree is bestowed upon those with either Professional or Academic Doctoral degrees by the American College of Sports Medicine. Recipients must have been members in good standing for a certain number of years; they must attend a specific number of ACSM National Conventions; have the recommendations of two Fellows, ; have published in peer reviewed journal; and have either made a "significant contribution to the field of sports medicine", or have a distinguished history of teaching in the field. Holders of this honorary title are not considered Sports Medicine medical practitioners. |
CHC
Certified Health Coach
This certification is conferred by the Wellness Education Foundation upon those who complete their proprietary certification. One must have a BA/BS degree, and complete a certifying examination, including a skills evaluation component, and have practical experience.
Certifications and Boards from proprietary organizations
These credentials are generally recognized only by the bodies which grant them, and may be meaningful only to another DC. They may indicate that the Doctor has taken some proprietary course in someone's technique, but the program may, or may not yet be taught at accredited academic institutions.| Degree | Full Name | Description |
| BCAO | Board Certified, Atlas Orthogonist | This "degree" is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic by the corporation which appears to run seminars to teach their technique. This is a body which is proprietary, in fact apparently family run, and whose programs are generally not run by accredited Chiropractic Colleges. The site does not explain under what circumstances one may be allowed to call oneself "Board" certified. |
| FASBE | Fellow Academy of Spinal Bio-Engineering | This "degree" is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic by the corporation which runs seminars to teach their technique. This is a body which is proprietary, and whose programs are generally not run by accredited Chiropractic Colleges, but solely by the "Society" operated by Dr. Ron Aragona. |
| DAAPM | Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management | This "degree" is bestowed upon Doctors of all kinds, by the organization which runs seminars to provide their "credentialing". This is a body which appears to be proprietary, and whose programs are apparently not generally run by accredited Colleges, but solely by the "Academy" itself. |
| DABCC | Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Consultants | This specialty "diplomat" is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic, by the organization which runs seminars to provide their required course work. They also accept hours gained in other, generally recognized certification and diplomate programs. This is a body which appears to be proprietary, and whose programs are apparently not generally run by accredited Colleges, but solely by the "Academy" itself. |
| ABDA and FABDA | American Board of Disability Examiners, and "Fellow" of the ABDA. | This "degree" is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic, by the organization which runs seminars to provide their required course work. They also accept hours gained in other, generally recognized certification and diplomate programs. This is a body which appears to be proprietary, and whose programs are apparently not generally run by accredited Colleges, but solely by the Board itself. |
| FAFICC | Fellow, Academy of Forensic and Industrial Chiropractic Consultants | This "degree" is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic, by the organization which evaluates credentials to determine the basis for recognition. This is a body which appears to be proprietary, and whose programs are apparently not generally run by accredited Colleges, but solely by the Board itself. |
| FNAMUAP | Fellow, National Academy of Manipulation Under Anesthesia Physicians | This "degree" is bestowed upon Doctors of Chiropractic, by the organization which evaluates credentials to determine the basis for recognition. This is a body which appears to be proprietary, and run by an individual Doctor, and whose programs are apparently not generally run by accredited Colleges, but solely by the Board itself. |
Other Titles
These certifications are not generally considered a "professional qualification" and therefore are not listed after one's name nor used in advertising.| Degree | Full Name | Description |
| CCSS | College of Chiropractic Sports Science | The rationale for this is that anyone can join the college and thus this is not a credential, only "Fellowship" is a credential. |
| Diplomate-NBCE or DNBCE | Diplomate of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners | The rationale for this is: that all American DC's must take and pass these exams in order to qualify for a license to practice, and thus the fact that one has done so, is not a qualification which should be used to differentiate one DC from another by education. To use this a DC must have completed Parts I-II of the NBCE prior to 1983 and may indicate that he/she "holds NBCE Diplomate Certificate 19XX." Completing the boards after 1983 does not allow a DC to use this as credentials. |
| MACSM | Member, American College of Sports Medicine | The rationale for this is: that anyone who applies and pays dues will be accepted as a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and thus being a member is not a differentiating professional qualification for professionals. |