VA Chiropractic Education and Training

Chiropractic Residency Programs

The Integrated Clinical Practice chiropractic residency programs focus on the provision of chiropractic care in integrated healthcare systems, collaborating with primary care, specialty care, and other medical and associated health providers and trainees.

The residencies provide advanced clinical training in multimorbid case management, allowing recent graduates to increase their scope and depth of clinical knowledge, experience and acumen. Residents are mentored by senior VA chiropractors who are national leaders in integrated chiropractic practice. These clinicians share their expertise in patient care, academics and research to provide a robust educational experience.

These hospital-based training programs expand the residents’ ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals in team care, as trainees learn with and from other healthcare providers during interdisciplinary rotations. Residents develop their knowledge of hospital practice, policies and procedures, and are better prepared for future positions in VA, other healthcare systems, and/or academic settings.

Curricular overview

Residents provide full diagnostic and management services of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions under the mentorship of senior VA doctors of chiropractic (DCs). This includes team-based management of complex conditions in collaboration with other medical specialists and healthcare providers. Residents also engage in clinical educational rotations through services including primary care, medical or surgical specialties, mental health, and rehabilitation disciplines. Additionally, residents participate in various scholarly activities and attend and give presentations at multiple academic/research venues of the VA facility and/or its affiliates.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all VA employment requirements (see checklist (PDF)) including United States citizenship, background check, and Selective Service registration when applicable. Applicants must hold a DC degree from a CCE-accredited school, or be scheduled to receive one prior to the July 1 start of the residency program. DC licensure is not required to apply or to be accepted into the program. Accepted residents, prior to program completion, must obtain a full, active, and unrestricted chiropractic license in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the US, or in the District of Columbia.

Duration

Programs are full-time (40 hours/week) for 12 months. Additional weekly time may be needed for scholarly or other training activities. Programs run from July 1 to June 30.

Compensation

Stipends are adjusted annually by the VA Office of Academic Affiliations and vary based on geographic location. For Academic Year 2025-26 the annual stipend ranges from $47,000 to $58,000. Residents receive paid Federal holidays and accrue vacation and sick leave. Residents are also eligible for life and health insurance. Time as a resident qualifies for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Residents are protected from personal liability while providing professional services at a VA health care facility under the Federal Employees Liability Reform and Tort Compensation Act, 28 U.S.C. 2679 (b)-(d).

Programs

Application process

All VA Chiropractic Residency Programs participate in the national chiropractic residency common application and match process. For further information and to apply go to Chiropractic Residency Match*. The application process opens the first week in January each year. Applicants are assessed on characteristics such as academic background, relevant experience, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and telephone, video, and/or in-person interviews. Applicant rankings are made by a review committee including the residency director, DC faculty, and current DC resident.

Additional information
Webinar (PDF)- Overview of the VA Chiropractic Residency Program. November 2021.
Report (PDF)- Overview and update of the VA Chiropractic Residency Program.

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