Chiropractic education: a student survey.

This study surveyed 1296 chiropractic students, 724 (55.9%) of who were in their first term, and 569 (43.9%) who were beginning their second academic year (third term/fourth quarter). From the available students in 12 of the colleges participating in this study, 73.2% responded to the three-page questionnaire. Questions included the extent and specialization of previous education, population demographics, the application process, justification for separate health care professions, attitudes concerning the integration of chiropractic principles into the curriculum, the efficacy of chiropractic adjustments, and exposure to chiropractic prior to entering chiropractic college. Results showed that chiropractic students represent individuals from all walks of life, most of whom selected chiropractic as a first choice. They clearly distinguish between chiropractic physicians and medical doctors and are overwhelmingly convinced that the chiropractic adjustment is effective, especially if they had themselves received chiropractic care. Most entered chiropractic college with a nonchiropractic family background.