If you are a chiropractic medicine student interested in functional neurology, the pathway can seem confusing at first. There are different courses, certifications and board examinations, so it is important to understand how everything fits together. I am currently a Trimester 10 student pursuing the diplomate in chiropractic neurology, and I hope this can serve as a guide to anyone else interested in achieving this certification after graduation.
The first step is completing your Doctor of Chiropractic degree. From there, you can begin postgraduate education in functional neurology. For students pursuing the Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (DACNB), the current requirement is at least 300 hours of approved postgraduate education in functional neurology.
The Carrick Institute
One of the most common ways students complete this education is through the Carrick Institute. Their CNS Curriculum is currently 305 credit hours and is specifically designed to prepare chiropractors for the DACNB board examination. The coursework covers areas including neuroanatomy, cranial nerves, the autonomic nervous system, cerebellar and vestibular function, cortical function, movement disorders, pain, neurological examination and rehabilitation.
The important thing to understand is that completing the Carrick coursework does not automatically make you a board-certified chiropractic neurologist. The coursework makes you eligible to sit for the board examination. The ACNB certification process also includes written and performance components, meaning you need to demonstrate both your knowledge and your ability to apply neurological examination and clinical skills.
These board examinations are usually offered 1-2 times per year.
For students, my biggest recommendation is to start building your neurological foundation early. Take neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, biomechanics, and clinical examination seriously. Functional neurology becomes much easier when you already understand the nervous system instead of trying to memorize facts after graduation.
Where Will Integrative Health Take Your Career?
The Carrick coursework is a significant commitment, but it can provide a structured pathway into advanced neurological education. Ultimately, the goal should not just be adding “DACNB” after your name. It should be developing the clinical reasoning and neurological examination skills needed to become a better clinician.
Learn more about chiropractic functional neurology.
