One of the most common struggles among chiropractic students is this:
“How can I get real-world experience if I’m not licensed yet?”
The good news? You don’t have to wait until graduation or board certification to gain meaningful experience. In fact, many of the best chiropractors started building their confidence, skills, and professional networks while still in school.
Here are five smart ways you can start getting chiropractic experience before you’re licensed, even if you're still in your first few trimesters.
1. Shadow Local Chiropractors
Shadowing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to gain insight into the real world of chiropractic practice.
By observing different doctors, you’ll learn:
- Patient communication styles
- Clinic workflows and systems
- Differences in technique and case management
- How doctors educate, retain, and re-examine patients
Start by reaching out to chiropractors in your city, or near your school. Be respectful of their time and ask for a half-day observation to start.
Pro tip: Keep a journal after each shadowing experience. Reflect on what resonated with you, and what didn’t. Over time, this will help you define your ideal practice style.
2. Volunteer in Chiropractic Clinics
Volunteering in a chiropractic clinic, even in a non-adjusting role, can be incredibly valuable.
Common volunteer tasks include:
- Greeting patients and answering phones
- Assisting with therapy setups
- Helping with patient education materials
- Managing clinic supplies or social media
This gives you a front-row seat to how a successful office runs, and allows you to become comfortable in the clinic setting long before your first adjustment.
Bonus: If you build a good relationship, this can lead to internship offers or even future job opportunities after graduation.
3. Join Chiropractic Student Clubs
Most chiropractic schools have a wide range of student-led clubs that offer hands-on practice, leadership development, and community outreach.
Popular club options include:
- Adjusting clubs (e.g., Diversified, Gonstead, Activator)
- Sports council or rehab-focused groups
- Public health or community care teams
- Business and entrepreneurship clubs
- Women in Chiropractic or technique-specific groups
By participating actively (or taking on a leadership role), you’ll not only improve your skills, you’ll also build a stronger peer network and gain experience organizing events, leading workshops, and educating others.
4. Attend Chiropractic Seminars
One of the fastest ways to expand your exposure to techniques, philosophies, and professional culture is by attending live seminars and continuing education events.
These events offer:
- Hands-on technique practice
- Networking with practicing doctors
- Exposure to different practice models (high-volume, boutique, functional, etc.)
- Inspiration and mentorship
Many seminar organizers offer student discounts, and some events are even free. Bring business cards, introduce yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Types of seminars to consider:
- Technique-specific (Gonstead, Thompson, ART)
- Pediatric or prenatal chiropractic
- Sports performance or rehab
- Business and marketing workshops
5. Intern or Extern at a Practice
In your final year, most chiropractic schools allow you to participate in preceptorships or externships, where you can work under a licensed chiropractor before graduating.
These experiences vary by state and school but often include:
- Assisting with patient intake
- Performing supervised assessments
- Learning clinic documentation and billing systems
- Observing re-exams and case management
If your school offers a field internship or community-based clinical rotation, take full advantage of it. Choose a site that aligns with your interests, whether that’s family wellness, sports, functional medicine, or high-volume care.
Tip: Treat your externship like a job. Show up early, take notes, and ask how you can help. A great performance can lead to a strong reference, or even a job offer.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a license to start building your chiropractic future.
By taking initiative while you’re still in school, you’ll gain:
- Confidence in real-world settings
- Clarity on your ideal practice style
- Skills that set you apart from your peers
- Connections that can lead to mentorship or employment
Whether it’s shadowing, volunteering, attending seminars, or joining clubs, each experience adds value and brings you one step closer to becoming the chiropractor you’re meant to be.