Professional Comparison
Professional Comparison
Professionals are listed in alphabetical order for DC, DO, DPT, MD, ND, RMT – hours show the content of core curriculum at institutions and do not take into individual extra certification, continuing education, or residency hours. Given the huge variability, doctor-level programs do NOT include any undergrad classes.
Data can be independently verified and was collected from academic calendars of North American institutions
- DC – Doctor of Chiropractic – (4614 hrs) University of Western States
- DO – Doctor of Osteopathy – (4600 hrs) Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
- DPT – Doctor of Physical Therapy – (2667 hrs) University of Southern California
- MD – Medical Doctor – (4800 hrs) Yale School of Medicine
- ND – Naturopathic Doctor – (~4100 hrs) Bastyr University
- RMT – Registered Massage Therapist – (2751 hrs) Vancouver Career College
Specific programs at different institutions will vary; charts are provided for basic comparison and education priorities of each profession and does not imply any one profession is ‘better’ than another. Please recognize that while education plays a role in practice style, the charts below do not take into consideration post-graduate education, practice preference, clinical specialization or continuing education.
Professional Education Hours Comparison for Medical and Health Professions – 2025
Understanding the educational requirements for various health professions is crucial for prospective students and professionals in the field. The chart above provides a comprehensive comparison of total educational hours across different medical professions, including Chiropractors (DC), Osteopathic Doctors (DO), Physical Therapists (DPT), Medical Doctors (MD), Naturopathic Doctors (ND), Registered Massage Therapists (RMT), and Licensed Massage Therapists (LMT).
Total Educational Hours Breakdown
- Chiropractic Education (DC): 3591 academic hours, 1023 clinical hours
- Osteopathic Education (DO): 2145 academic hours, 2520 clinical hours
- Physical Therapy Education (DPT): 1356 academic hours, 1311 clinical hours
- Medical Doctor Education (MD): 2600 academic hours, 2200 clinical hours
- Naturopathic Doctor Education (ND): 2100 academic hours, 1100 clinical hours
- Registered Massage Therapist Education (RMT): 2116 academic hours, 635 clinical hours
- Licensed Massage Therapist Education (LMT): 500 academic hours, 200 clinical hours
Specific Educational Hours by Subject
- Anatomy Education Hours: DC – 375, DO – 375, DPT – 288, MD – 182, ND – 120, RMT – 325
- Physiology Education Hours: DC – 440, DO – 450, DPT – 256, MD – 440, ND – 420, RMT – 395
- Diagnostic Imaging Hours: DC – 301, DO – 200, DPT – 48, MD – 100, ND – 20, RMT – 18
- Orthopaedics Education Hours: DC – 594, DO – 270, DPT – 218, MD – 45, ND – 40, RMT – 270
- Soft Tissue Mobilization Education Hours: DC – 126, DO – 30, DPT – 60, MD – 30, ND – 30, RMT – 698
- Rehab and Exercise Education Hours: DC – 220, DO – 441, DPT – 441, MD – 16, ND – 38.5, RMT – 16
- Osseous Mobilization Education Hours: DC – 208, DO – 80, DPT – 125, MD – 33, ND – 33, RMT – 39
- Osseous Manipulation Education Hours: DC – 627, DO – 260, DPT – 33, MD – 66, ND – 66, RMT – 15
- Nutrition and Botanicals Education Hours: DC – 100, DO – 100, DPT – 16, MD – 180, ND – 180, RMT – 15
- Pharmacology Education Hours: DC – 33, DO – 120, DPT – 16, MD – 120, ND – 120, RMT – 18
- Electrotherapeutic Education Hours: DC – 28, DO – 110, DPT – 16, MD – 360, ND – 360, RMT – 16
- Surgical Education Hours: DC – 28, DO – 360, DPT – 16, MD – 360, ND – 16, RMT – 15
Explore the Differences in Education for Health Professions
The chart highlights the variations in educational requirements among different health professions, shedding light on the extensive training involved in each field. Whether you are considering a career in chiropractic, osteopathy, physical therapy, medicine, naturopathy, or massage therapy, understanding these requirements can help you make an informed decision.
LMT – licensed massage therapist is a US designation with a large difference in basic educational requirements – 200-1000 hrs)
DC = Doctor of Chiropractic, DPT = Doctor of Physical Therapy, DO = Doctor of Osteopathy, MD = Medical Doctor, ND = Naturopathic Doctor, PT = Physical Therapist, RMT = Registered Massage Therapist, (doctor level degrees require a Bachelor’s level or equivalent for entry into program) – hours show content of core curriculum at institution and do not take into individual extra certification, continuing educational hours or practice time dedicated to each discipline.
