LicenseCompass

Chiropractor License in Virginia

Quick Answer

To become a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, you need a DC degree and must pass NBCE exams. Virginia is regulated by the Board of Medicine rather than a separate chiropractic board. Virginia chiropractors can uniquely perform CDL physical exams with additional federal certification. Contact the Virginia Board of Medicine for current fees and requirements.

Exam
NBCE (third-party exam required)
Timeline
3-6 months after DC graduation
Renewal
Every Biennial

Requirements

Chiropractor license in Virginia

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Licensing Agency

Department of Health Professions~Virginia Board of Medicine

Chiropractor Salary in Virginia

Entry Level

$49,770

Median

$94,140

Experienced

$132,670

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Chiropractor in Virginia.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — NBCE (third-party exam required)

  3. 3

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency.

  4. 4

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 3-6 months after DC graduation.

Chiropractor Licensing in Virginia: What to Know

Virginia defines the practice of chiropractic as adjusting the 24 movable vertebrae of the spinal column to normalize nerve energy transmission, explicitly excluding surgery, obstetrics, osteopathy, and drug administration. Virginia chiropractors uniquely can perform commercial driver's license physical exams if they obtain Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration certification and register with the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. A DC degree is required, NBCE exams must be passed, no experience is needed, and continuing education is mandatory for renewal. The Virginia Board of Medicine (not a separate chiropractic board) oversees licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Chiropractor license in Virginia?
The process typically takes 3-6 months after DC graduation, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Chiropractor license in Virginia?
You need to pass the NBCE (third-party exam required). Third-party exam required

Considering another state?

Compare Chiropractor requirements across states.

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.