Chiropractors bring a holistic approach to horse care.
Equine chiropractors focus on the relationship between a horse's spinal structure and its nervous system, which integrates the body's innate recuperative power. Horse owners seek their services to treat an animal's pain or joint malfunction through spinal, cranial or extremity adjustments. For those embarking on a career in this relatively new field, requirements to legally practice vary from state to state, but candidates must commit to a significant amount of training.
Instructions
Entering the Field of Animal Chiropractic
1. Become a practicing veterinarian or human chiropractor. This is a prerequisite for admission to an accredited equine chiropractic school. The only exception would be a student who is about to receive a diploma in either of these fields.
2. Apply to an accredited college for equine chiropractic. Currently, there are three such schools in the United States:
(1) Healing Center
2555 Wisconsin St.
Sturdevant, WI 53177
1-866-203-7584
www.healingoasis.edu
(2) Options for Animals
Campus is located in Wellsville, Kansas
but mailing address is: P.O. Box 3682
Cartersville,GA 30120
(309) 658-2920
www.animalchiro.com
(3) Parker College of Chiropractic Association
2500 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75229
1-800-438-6932
www.parkercc.edu
3. Complete a program of approximately 220 hours, divided into five modules, each lasting about four days. Some of the core subjects are anatomy, neurology, biomechanics, pathology, physiology, ethics, rehabilitation and diagnosis. Most courses focus on hands-on activity to give students real experience working with horses. Parker's curriculum emphasizes the technical and business aspects, while Healing Oasis and Options for Animals concentrate more on holistic therapy.
4. Obtain certification to legally practice in the field. Many states now require this. Two main governing boards offer certification - the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) and the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA). Graduates of the Healing Oasis Wellness Center receive certification with their diplomas. Students at the other two qualified schools need to pass tests administered by the AVCA or the IVCA to be officially certified. Once in practice, the doctors are expected to participate in continuing education to keep up with innovations in the field.
Tags: , Healing Oasis, equine chiropractic, Healing Oasis Wellness, legally practice, Oasis Wellness, Oasis Wellness Center