The need for chiropractors in Florida will grow by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the State of Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation. Practicing chiropractors in Florida must gain a state license before treating patients. The Florida Board of Chiropractic Medicine handles the licensing process in the state.
Education
To qualify for a license to become a practicing chiropractor in Florida, a Doctor of Chiropractic degree is needed. Prospective chiropractors must attend a chiropractic medicine program that has the approval of the Council on Chiropractic Education. As of February 2011, 15 programs in 18 locations carry this accreditation. Only one of these institutions, the Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida, is located in the state. Programs for chiropractic medicine last four years and require students to have at least 90 semester credits of undergraduate education before applying.
Examination
Candidates for licensing to practice as a chiropractor who meet the necessary education requirements must pass an examination developed by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. The test consists of four sections, the first three of which are written exams that include general scientific and anatomical knowledge, diagnosing and treatment of conditions, and analyzing sample case histories. The fourth section of the test is an oral examination that involves an interview with a panel of licensed chiropractors.
Other Requirements
All candidates for a license to practice as a chiropractor must pass a criminal background check. This criminal history check involves undergoing professional fingerprinting. Applicants must also complete a two-hour training seminar on the prevention of medical errors to gain licensing. Candidates complete an application, which is available from the Florida Board of Chiropractic Medicine's website. Along with the application, candidates must submit a fee totaling $673, as of February 2011.
Continuing Education
Once issued, a Florida chiropractic license remains valid for two years. Practicing chiropractors must complete continuing education coursework during each licensing cycle to maintain their ability to work in the state. Forty hours of continuing education classes are necessary for each cycle. Of these hours, one must relate to risk management, two to Florida laws, two to medical errors, six for record keeping and two for ethics. The remaining 27 continuing credit hours may relate to any subject that relates to chiropractic medicine or running a practice.
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