CA 102: Principles of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic is a primary-contact healthcare profession focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing neuromusculoskeletal conditions—especially those involving the spine, joints, and related soft tissues. Chiropractors emphasize conservative, patient-centered care, including spinal manipulation, extremity adjustment, therapeutic exercise, and lifestyle guidance within licensed scope.

What this means for chiropractic assistants:

• CAs support care delivery under direct or indirect supervision, depending on state law.
• Your role is to improve efficiency and safety—not to diagnose or independently treat patients.
• Every task you perform must align with your clinic protocols and the doctor’s instructions.

Healthcare regulation exists to protect the public. State boards set minimum standards for education, licensure, ethics, record-keeping, and professional conduct. Regulation ensures that every licensed chiropractor meets baseline competency and that patients have a clear process for complaints or discipline.

For assistants, regulation clarifies what must be supervised, what can be delegated, and how clinics remain compliant.

Before entering a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program, most students complete undergraduate coursework emphasizing biology, chemistry, physics, and general education.

• Typical path: 3–4 years of college with required science prerequisites.
• Many schools require a minimum number of credit hours in life/physical sciences.
• Supplemental expectations often include communication skills, psychology, and anatomy basics.

Understanding these prerequisites helps CAs appreciate the academic depth chiropractors bring into clinical training.

DC education typically spans four academic years and progresses from foundational sciences to advanced clinical practice:

• Years 1–2: anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics, neurology, diagnosis fundamentals.
• Years 2–3: spinal/extremity adjusting, rehab, imaging, differential diagnosis, case-based learning.
• Years 3–4: supervised clinical internship with patient management and documentation.

CAs work alongside doctors who have completed rigorous didactic and hands-on clinical preparation.

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) evaluates competency through a multi-part exam series used by most state boards for licensure.

• Part I: basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology).
• Part II: clinical sciences (diagnosis, imaging, neurology, orthopedics, rehab).
• Part III: case management and clinical decision-making.
• Part IV: practical, hands-on skills assessment.
• State components: jurisprudence/ethics exams and background requirements vary.

Knowing this structure helps CAs understand the professional standards behind every clinical decision.

After licensure, chiropractors often pursue post-graduate training to deepen expertise in specialty areas. These programs enhance clinical skill, research literacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Examples include neurology, orthopedics, sports medicine, radiology, pediatrics, geriatrics, nutrition, and rehabilitation.
• Many tracks culminate in board certification or diplomate status.
• Specialists may lead advanced care plans, rehab systems, or complex case management.

As a CA, you may support these specialty services through delegated therapies, workflow coordination, and patient education.

The CA is a key part of safe, high-quality patient care. Your duties may include assisting with therapeutic procedures, patient flow, documentation support, equipment setup, and education—always within scope and supervision rules.

Best-practice guardrails:

• Follow clinic protocols exactly; ask before acting when uncertain.
• Document clearly and promptly in the patient record.
• Keep patient safety and privacy at the center of every task.
• Stay current with state regulations and office training updates.

Do CAs diagnose patients?
No. Diagnosis and clinical decision-making are reserved for licensed chiropractors.

What tasks can a CA perform?
Tasks vary by state. Most allow supportive therapies and clinical assistance when supervised.

Why should I learn about NBCE exams if I’m not taking them?
It helps you understand the depth of chiropractic training and standards of care.

Can this program help me advance in a clinic?
Yes. Certification strengthens competence, confidence, and employer trust.

Is CA certification recognized everywhere?
Recognition varies. Always check your state board and employer requirements.

What if I need help choosing the right CA course?
Reach out to the CCEDseminars team for guidance and course planning.