California Chiropractic License Renewal

BREAKING NEWS !

Your Guide to CE Courses for 2025 and beyond

As an expert in chiropractic continuing education, I know you're looking for a quick answer on how to renew your California license.

Here it is, you need:

✅ 24 hours of CE credits annually,

✅ 6 are mandatory hours:

▪️ 2 hours in ethics and law.

▪️ 4 hours in CMT, diagnosis or billing.

▪️ 12 hours maximum for online credit.

But there's more to it than just the numbers. Understanding the specifics is crucial to ensure you're meeting all requirements and getting the most value out of your CE. I encourage you to keep reading for the in-depth information that will guide you in selecting the right courses and help you not only meet the requirements but also broaden your career and grow your practice in ways not often considered.

Perhaps you hold a single chiropractic license for California and this is the only state you need to renew each year.

Or, you may have multiple licenses such as Nevada, Arizona, Oregon or others and the renewal requirements and your scope of practice is a little bit different for each state.

Nonetheless, if you’re dedicated to your continuing education –then providing the best possible care to your patients is the normal thing to do. You also understand that keeping your license current is not just a requirement, it's a commitment to excellence and professional growth—along with the obvious dividends it pays. So long as you're willing to do the work.

Navigating the world of continuing education (CE) can feel overwhelming, but don't worry—this article is your guide. We'll break down everything you need to know about chiropractic license renewal in California for 2025 and beyond, making it clear, straightforward, and even a little inspiring.

We'll cover the mandatory courses, where to find the best providers, and how to make your CE work for you and your practice.

Understanding California's CE Requirements

First things first, let's talk about the rules...

" HERE'S THE RUNDOWN " #1

Every California chiropractor needs to renew their license annually, and that means completing a certain number of CE hours each year. Think of it not as a chore, but as an opportunity to recharge your knowledge and skills, ensuring you're current and at the top of your game.

✅ Total CE Hours: You need to have ALREADY completed 24 hours of continuing education each year BEFORE YOU PAY YOUR FEE to keep your license active.

✅ Online vs. Live Hours: You can take up to 12 of these 24 hours through online or distance learning. The other 12 hours should be in a live, in-person setting.

✅ Mandatory Categories: A portion of those hours must be in specific categories:

✅ Ethics and Law: You’re required to complete a minimum of 2 hours in courses focusing on ethical practices and legal obligations. This ensures you are practicing with integrity and protecting your patients and your profession.

✅ Mandatory Subject Combinations: You also need 4 hours in any one or a combination of the following:

▪️History Taking and Physical Examination Procedures: These courses help you sharpen your ability to gather patient information and perform thorough physical exams.

▪️ Adjustive Techniques or Chiropractic Manipulation Techniques: Keeping your adjustive technique and manual skills sharp means better patient outcomes.

▪️ Billing and Coding: These courses will help ensure you get properly paid when billing for your services, while also staying compliant with Medicare, Medi-Cal, Managed Care, invoicing Third Party Payers and other regulations when submitting a HCFA claim form.

The remaining 18 CE hours can be in any approved category that enhances your practice and interests you, including diagnostic testing and other specialities.

" JUST THE FACTS " #2

FINDING APPROVED CE PROVIDERS

Now that you know what's needed, let’s talk about where to find your courses. The key here is making sure you choose courses that are approved by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners (CBCE).

The CBCE is the ultimate authority, and you want to make sure that you’re getting credit for your time and investment.

✅ Approval: Always double-check that the course provider and the specific course are listed as approved on the CBCE website. It's better to be safe than sorry!

✅ Variety of Providers: You have a lot of great choices. Many reputable educational institutions and private companies offer CE courses, including:

Life Chiropractic College West

Palmer College of Chiropractic

Cleveland Chiropractic College

National University of Health Sciences

California Chiropractic Association

▪️ Course Formats: You can choose from a variety of formats, such as:

▪️Live Seminars: In-person, interactive sessions where you can learn from experts and connect with your peers.

▪️Online Courses: Self-paced learning that you can do at your own convenience.

▪️Webinars: Live online sessions that bring the classroom to you, including CBCE meetings.

" KEY SOURCES " #3

TYPES OF CHIROPRACTIC CE COURSES

The beauty of CE is that it lets you deepen your understanding in areas that matter most to you and your practice. Here’s a rundown of the kinds of courses you can take:

✅ Mandatory Subject Courses:

▪️Ethics and Law: These courses delve into ethical billing practices, proper documentation, and maintaining clear boundaries.

▪️History Taking and Physical Examination Procedures: These courses cover patient history, exam and identifying red flags.

▪️Chiropractic Adjustive Techniques or Chiropractic Manipulation Techniques: Keep your skills sharp with review and introduction to innovative techniques.

▪️Ethical Billing and Coding: These courses focus on proper billing procedures, documentation and compliance.

▪️Diagnostic Testing and Differential Diagnosis: Courses to help you use different tools, like x-rays, MRIs and ultrasound to figure out what's causing your patients' issues.

✅ Specialty and Elective Courses: Here’s where you can really personalize your CE experience:

▪️ Special Populations: Learn how to care for unique groups like pregnant women, children, and patients with specific needs.

▪️ Basic Sciences: Dive deeper into anatomy, physiology, and neurology to enhance your understanding of the human body.

▪️ Rehabilitation: Master techniques in gait analysis, or core conditioning, and rehabilitation –helping patients improve power, strength coordination, flexibility and balance.

▪️ Wellness: Explore courses on nutrition, functional medicine, and lifestyle to help your patients achieve optimal health.

▪️ Other Subjects: Expand your knowledge of pain management, public health, chiropractic philosophy, and various other techniques.

✅ Dual Credit Courses: Some courses even offer dual credit, counting toward both your chiropractic CE and medical AMA requirements.

▪️ X-Ray CE and the XSOP: If you use x-ray in your practice, it’s important to understand the rules about the X-Ray Supervisor and Operator Permit (XSOP). This permit is separate from your chiropractic license and requires specific CE hours.

▪️ Who Needs an XSOP: If you supervise or operate x-ray equipment you need an XSOP permit. 10 Hours of X-Ray CE: You must complete 10 hours of approved x-ray CE every two years to keep your XSOP valid. These hours are independent of your 24-hour chiropractic license renewal requirement.

▪️Approved X-Ray Courses: Many courses can help you fulfill this requirement. Topics include review of normal radiographic anatomy, and how to interpret diagnostic imaging of the spine.

" SAVVY SELECTION " #4

STRATEGIC COURSE SELECTION

When choosing your CE courses, think about your goals and how they can impact your practice. It's not about checking boxes but choosing opportunities for growth.

✅ Practice Needs: Choose courses that will fill your needs and allow you to improve your patient care.

▪️Practice-Changing CE: Look for courses that give you practical skills and techniques that you can start using right away.

▪️QME/BCE Credit Strategy: As a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME), select courses that count toward both your BCE and QME hours.

▪️Check Instructor Credentials: Look into the experience and qualifications of the instructors for all courses you consider.

" EXTRA ESSENTIALS " #5

COST OF CE COURSES

The cost of CE courses can vary, so it's good to do your homework. Here's the bitter truth. The resistance of paying more for your CE is rooted in insecurity –because it's unclear whether doctors perceive higher priced CE courses as better.

The CE course market is characterized by discounts and bundled offers. Many course vendors facing uncertainty, tend to lower prices to attract more customers, leading to a "race to the bottom" where everyone offers similar low prices.

Some vendors lower their prices because they think they'll be more attractive to the buyer. When in fact, chiropractic doctors who pay more are more invested in the outcome. Therefore, you're more likely to engage and get the results you're looking for –only because you're more likely to take it seriously and fully participate, which improves your results.

✅ Varying Costs: The price of courses depends on the provider, format (online, live), and the subject matter.

▪️ Individual Courses: Individual courses range from as low as $14 per hour of instruction to as high as $240

▪️ Bundled Packages: Some providers offer bundled packages at a discount, such as 12 credits for $120 or 24 hours for $300

▪️ Specialty Courses: Specialty courses, like those for QME, X-Ray or Functional Medicine and priced higher, e.g., a 2 hour course for $95

▪️ Live Seminars: Generally more expensive, with a 12-hour live seminar costing $219, and a 4-hour online zoom seminar costing $79

▪️Package Deals: Look for providers that offer bundled packages for live and online courses, which can help you save money.

▪️Discounts: Be on the lookout for discounts for early registration, students, new graduates and retired chiropractors.

" THE REST OF THE STORY " #6

ADDITIONAL KEY INFORMATION:

✅ License Renewal Fees: Keep in mind that there are fees associated with license renewal, and these fees can be increased, but to no more than $500.

✅ CE Course Approval Fees: The fee to apply for approval of a continuing education course is $116 per hour of instruction.

✅ Reporting CE Completion: It's your responsibility to properly report CE completion to the board.

✅ What to Do If the Renewal Form Isn't Received: If you don't receive a renewal form, contact the board immediately.

▪️ Board Meetings: Attending a full board meeting may count for up to 4 hours of CE per year.

▪️Instructor Exemptions: If you're an instructor at an accredited college you may qualify for exemptions to CE requirements.

▪️Reciprocal Licensure: If you're moving from out of state, you'll want to investigate the requirements for reciprocal licensure.

▪️Advertising Ethics: Make sure to brush up on ethics related to advertising as an area of importance. The FTC is watching you

" ASKED AND ANSWERED " #7

It’s time to get organized. Why wait until the last minute to start planning your CE for 2025 and beyond? You can do this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the continuing education requirements for California chiropractors?

A: California requires chiropractors to complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) annually for license renewal. Up to 12 of these hours can be completed online (distance learning). Six of the 24 required hours must be in the "mandatory" category, and the remaining 18 hours can be in any approved category, including diagnostic testing and x-ray. It's important to note that while x-ray courses count as Category B CE (Diagnostic Testing Procedures & Differential Diagnosis), there is not a separate x-ray requirement for general chiropractic license renewal.

Q: How many of those hours can be completed online?

A: A maximum of 12 hours of the required 24 can be completed through online or distance learning.

Q: Are there any mandatory topics I need to cover for my CE hours?

A: Yes, 6 of the 24 hours must be in the "mandatory" category. These mandatory hours must include:

● A minimum of 2 hours in Ethics and Law.

● A minimum of 4 hours in any one or a combination of the following topics: History Taking and Physical Examination Procedures, adjustive techniques/manipulation, or ethical billing and coding.

Q: What are the different categories of continuing education for California chiropractors?

A: There are two main categories:

● Category A (Mandatory): Includes topics like ethics and law, adjustive techniques/manipulation, history taking, physical examination procedures, and ethical billing and coding.

● Category B (Elective): Includes a wide range of subjects such as diagnostic testing procedures and differential diagnosis (including x-ray), basic sciences, physiotherapy, wellness, pain management theory, adverse event avoidance, special population care, rehabilitation, and public health.

Q: Can x-ray courses count towards my CE hours?

A: Yes, x-ray courses count as Category B CE (Diagnostic Testing Procedures & Differential Diagnosis), but there is no separate x-ray requirement for general chiropractic license renewal. However, if you hold a CDPH-RHB Radiography Supervisor and Operator Permit (XSOP), you need to complete 10 hours of approved x-ray CE every two years for that permit renewal.

Q: What are some common topics covered in chiropractic CE courses?

A: Many courses focus on practical skills and topics, such as:

● Diagnosis and Examination: Accurate diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders, patient history taking, physical examination techniques, and red flag recognition.

● Imaging: X-ray interpretation, MRI basics, and the use of different imaging modalities.

● Treatment Techniques: Adjustive techniques, manual therapy, and rehabilitation strategies.

● Special Populations: Care for pregnant patients, pediatric patients, and patients with special needs.

● Nutrition: The role of nutrition in health, addressing GI disorders, and optimizing brain performance through diet.

● Pain Management: Techniques for addressing headaches, spinal pain, and other common conditions.

● Ethics and Law: Legal requirements, ethical conduct, and documentation practices.

● Wellness: General health and wellness principles, including breathing mechanics, exercise, and addressing sleep apnea.

● Rehabilitation: Strategies for addressing common issues, including those focused on the knee, core, and gait mechanics.

● Documentation and Billing: Best practices for accurate and compliant records and billing, as well as collaboration in care.

Q: What are QME credits, and can they count toward my BCE credits?

A: QME (Qualified Medical Evaluator) credits are required for chiropractors who serve as QMEs in the California workers' compensation system. Courses on QME topics often count for both DWC (Department of Workers’ Compensation) credit and for Category B CE credit, allowing you to earn both QME and BCE credits with one course.

Q: Do CE courses address issues like adverse events and patient safety?

A: Yes, many CE courses include a focus on patient safety. This involves:

● Red flag identification to avoid misdiagnosis or harm.

● Recognizing contraindications for treatment, particularly for special populations like pregnant women.

● Properly classifying adverse events associated with manipulation and manual therapy.

● Strategies for avoiding adverse events, including a specific focus on stroke prevention related to cervical spine adjustments. Providers may offer courses specifically focusing on “Adverse Event Avoidance”.

Q: How can I verify if a course is approved by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners (CBCE)?

A: Reputable providers will clearly state their accreditation and CBCE course approval numbers. You can also check the California Board's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Q: What formats are available to complete my CE hours?

A: You can earn CE hours through various formats, including:

● Online/Distance Learning: Self-paced online courses, often with quizzes and downloadable resources.

● Live Seminars: In-person seminars, which may include hands-on training, Q&A sessions, and networking.

● Hybrid Options: Programs that blend online and live components.

● Webinars: Live or recorded online sessions.

Q: How can I ensure my documentation is compliant?

A: CE courses emphasize the need for clear, accurate, and compliant documentation, including:

● Documenting pain generators to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

● Proper use of CPT codes.

● Ethical considerations in documentation.

● Documentation of collaborative care with other providers, such as lawyers and medical specialists.

Q: What if I have more questions or need help choosing courses?

A: Many providers offer support and assistance. You can reach out to them with account or course questions.

Q: What are some important aspects of documentation covered in CE courses?

A: CE courses emphasize the need for clear, accurate, and compliant documentation. This includes:

● Documenting pain generators consistently to ensure an accurate diagnosis.